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Jul 2, 2009 | 04:10 PM

#31

Kwikkordead

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 25,090

Likes: 1,112

From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bczolone

I need to get some printer paper and print all this advice! Thanks.

So I drove the truck today about 50 miles to check it all out and had the diesel guy look it over.

1st here's what he said:

1. he wouldn't hesitate to buy it IF the price was at low book (12,300) vs. the 15,000 the guy is asking.
2. Other than them doing the trans. he said I could easily do all the rest myself.

2nd here's what I noticed on the drive:

1. It's a dog compared to my 6.0L

2. It's out of alignment-pulling to the left.
3. The power mirrors don't work.
4. The rotors are slightly warped... pulsing at low speed braking.
5. The front windshield is cracked.

So I'm at the deciding stage. Should I offer less or keep looking, I'm in NO hurry.

Well, you are looking at trucks that are 5-10 years old now. Stuff happens and usually the well cared for ones are not for sale, so you really have to be patient if you want to find that diamond in the rough.
.
Get a chip for the 7.3 and it won't feel like a dog anymore.

Alignment is fixable.
Power mirrors are fixable.
Brakes are fixable.
Windshields are replaceable.
.
What I would be looking at is the major stuff, engine, transmission, rear axle, etc.
If the bottom of the engine is dry and it doesn't shift oddly, no oil being slung out from the pinion bearing, tranny output shaft, etc, it might be a good candidate.
.
Cash on the table always talks, try laying the 12k in front of him and mention the flaws that you found.
(Well, maybe get a cashiers check and have the rest hidden.)
Long way of saying: "Money talks, BS walks."

Jul 2, 2009 | 04:25 PM

#32

bczolone

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 911

Likes: 0

From: Mexifornia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwikkordead

If the bottom of the engine is dry and it doesn't shift oddly, no oil being slung out from the pinion bearing, tranny output shaft, etc, it might be a good candidate.

Its all dry except for the left rear brake line to the axle looks as if it had been leaking.

The trans did not shift "normally" it seem to slip a lot from some stops then shift hard on the next, but I figured is I have to replace it anyways then it wouldn't matter.

Forgot that there was also a audible and felt thump under the drivers feet when I would hit a bump or rail crossing.

Jul 2, 2009 | 05:28 PM

#33

KelVarnson

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,852

Likes: 39

Quote:

Originally Posted by bczolone

The trans did not shift "normally" it seem to slip a lot from some stops then shift hard on the next, but I figured is I have to replace it anyways then it wouldn't matter.

Mine did that when I first bought it, with 90k miles on it. A $225 valve body from John Wood and about two hours work completely fixed it. I would put that at the very top of your list if you buy this truck, because driving it around like that = transmission wear.

Oh, and do the 6.0 tranny cooler at the same time.