Hi Guys,

I'm actually posting from Australia. I'm moving to the states in a couple of months and plan to purchase a F350 7.3 dually. I've own 2 classic F trucks at the moment, a 1979 F100 and a 1985 F350. The 350 is my daily driver at the moment. I really enjoy towing with it, which is why I'm keen to land another one when over in the States.

So, the reason i'm posting is to ask for any advice as to what to look out for when buying a second hand 2003 F350 7.3. I'm planning on getting a King Ranch or Lariat. How many miles is too many miles. What problems does the engine develop due to lack of maintenance. What MPG should I expect to get. What common problems does the 7.3 come with inherintly? Ect ect. Anything and everything you can think of. I want to me as informed as possible.

Finally, would anyone suggest that I make a different choice of trucks? Is there a better truck for the job? I must admit I'm not ruling out the possibility of a Chev 3500. Although I like the Ford much more, and I'm a Ford man, I also respect the Chev trucks. My dads got a 94 Chev 1500 and that truck is fantastic. So let me know what comes to mind.

thanks to all who take the time to post. It is much appreciated.

Regards from Australia,

Mattjames

 

Matt, I bought my early 99 7.3 with 142k miles on the clock, and it's been pretty good to me. The only thing you should really be concerned with as far as miles go is the tranny. the 4R100 doesn't do too well behind a diesel if you plan on towing alot. Mine took a dump at 150k, and the next one died at 210k, but that's with bigger injectors and more HP (look at my sig to see whatI'm making). Aside from that, I really wouldn't worry about much. I'm making an assumption that you plan on buying maybe from California, since it's closest to you? If you do, I would advise you to take your new truck to a guy named John Woods (google John Woods automotive). His shop is kinda near the border of Arizona, but he is one of the best tranny guys in the states. He can build you one that will last the life of the motor easy. As far as too many miles, that's kinda hard to gauge, especially since a 7.3 will run over 500k if taken care of properly. the best thing you can do is get an oil analysis done on the engine oil, that'll give you a true impression of the engine condition. there are several companies that do that, I know of 2 they are Schaeffers and Blackstone. I was getting about 14 mpg with my stock set up, but know with a leaky up pipe and the lead foot that goes with injector and programers about 12.5mpg. I'd just look around, and see what is in your price range, and then go over the trucks you like, even have a diesel mech look at it too if you want. Good luck!

 

Welcome to the forum .. Matt.. Ran across a good link for buying used superduties.. you might find some helpful info... see:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ers_Guide.html

 

thanks mongo and clint.

I'm actually comming over to marry my fiance. I'm going to be in Miami and I spose thats where I'll be buying from. Gibson Truck world is where I've been getting my prices from at the moment, I can't seem to find too many that stock a good range of used heavy duty trucks.

Thanks for all the info, at least have an idea of what I might need to factor into the price when buying.

What is the best MPG you have heard one getting from the 7.3? And is there another engine that ford made in the same era that is also good for towing. I will be towing, thats why I'm chasing the bigger truck. I'm looking a light industrial freight and compact earthworks ect. If all goes well the truck will be receiving a lot of work.

Thanks again guys.

MattJames

 

As you might know, the 03's also have a 6.0L diesel.. which has had a bunch of problems.. The newest 6.4L diesel has a pretty good track record so far. (2008-2009).
As far as mileage, the manual trans gets alittle better fuel economy. My son-in-law has a 99 crewcab with a stick and he gets up to about 18 - 19 mpg..... My dually, auto, 4-10 rearend only gets about 14 - 15 empty, 11 with a 7 K load..