*newbie alert* Question about durability
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Austin TX
*newbie alert* Question about durability
of these rigs.
In need of a tow vehicle (6,000lb to 7,000lb race car/enclosed trailer) and capacity for an 11,000lb boat. Tows will mostly be within 200 miles, no real long distance stuff.
I looked over the newbie buying guide posted here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
and was wondering, around what mileage level I should be concerned? Should I stay under 200k miles?
My bro has a 7.3. Has 250k miles and beats the tar out of it. No problems at all. I'd buy his truck, but its from the rustbelt in western NY.
In need of a tow vehicle (6,000lb to 7,000lb race car/enclosed trailer) and capacity for an 11,000lb boat. Tows will mostly be within 200 miles, no real long distance stuff.
I looked over the newbie buying guide posted here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
and was wondering, around what mileage level I should be concerned? Should I stay under 200k miles?
My bro has a 7.3. Has 250k miles and beats the tar out of it. No problems at all. I'd buy his truck, but its from the rustbelt in western NY.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: North Cackalacky
You answered your own question on durability.
biggest thing is to upgrade the trans cooler for towing. And you may want to add a few more goodies as well. Buy the truck, hang around here, and we'll spend all your money.
Oh, and fix it when it breaks.
biggest thing is to upgrade the trans cooler for towing. And you may want to add a few more goodies as well. Buy the truck, hang around here, and we'll spend all your money.
Oh, and fix it when it breaks.
Last edited by nissandoc; Aug 24, 2009 at 10:25 AM. Reason: add
Posting Guru
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From: IOWA
These engines are tough, and the truck is made to keep up with them if not outlast them. If you maintain it properly, you'll have very little problems. There will always be "little" things like the alternator, water pump, etc, but you get that with any vehicle.
I've got 233k on mine, have replaced the water pump, alternator, front end bushings; the normal wear-out parts. The only major repairs (transmission) was self inflicted due to added horsepower.
Personally I'd look for a truck with as few as miles as possible and exactly how you want it set up. It's a buyers market right now, so take your time and do a lot of looking and driving. And if one isn't very close but you like it, let us know; there's probably someone on here that's close by that can take a look at it for you!
Welcome to FTE!! Ask lot's of questions, and most importantly, post pictures when you get your new truck!!!
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Junior User
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From: Austin TX
I'm after trouble free, drama free towing. I'd definitely have a good tech run through whatever I end up with and change out cooling hoses etc etc that tend to go bad with age/heat.
Also, I'm buying a 4x4 so I can use it on the beach. I'd like a mild lift kit and tire package (I have BFG ATs on my 4 runner, I'm kinda partial to them). Mainly b/c these rigs are so damn heavy and the extra floatation/footprint in the sand would help a lot. What would y'all recommend that wouldn't mess up the tow ability of these trucks?
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From: North Cackalacky
Where's my manners?
Welcome to FTE.
Pulling a 11k lb boat, I think I would stay with E load (10 ply) tires. But that's just me, I tend to be a bit over cautious. And when on the beach you'll want to be down below about 25 psi depending on how soft the sand is. Which beach do you go to?
Welcome to FTE.
Pulling a 11k lb boat, I think I would stay with E load (10 ply) tires. But that's just me, I tend to be a bit over cautious. And when on the beach you'll want to be down below about 25 psi depending on how soft the sand is. Which beach do you go to?
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From: Austin TX
I live in Austin, TX, but spend a lot of time down along the coastal bend. Have a little place on north padre island, which is part of corpus christi.
I don't think these big diesels are ideal for the soft sand down there since weight is the enemy. But I have a lightfooted 4runner for exploring and general mayhem.
Its got a rear locker which makes it close to unstoppable especially aired down to 20 psi. (though I admit to drooling over the raptor)
But when we set up camp, it's a lot easier to throw tent/surf rods/dogs/chairs/bbq grill etc in the pickup so it'll see a bit of salt and sand.
Just got off the phone with these guys:
http://www.malonedieselservice.com/TechTips.html
I'll have them run through whatever I find on craigslist/local car lots.
I don't think these big diesels are ideal for the soft sand down there since weight is the enemy. But I have a lightfooted 4runner for exploring and general mayhem.
Its got a rear locker which makes it close to unstoppable especially aired down to 20 psi. (though I admit to drooling over the raptor)But when we set up camp, it's a lot easier to throw tent/surf rods/dogs/chairs/bbq grill etc in the pickup so it'll see a bit of salt and sand.
Just got off the phone with these guys:
http://www.malonedieselservice.com/TechTips.html
I'll have them run through whatever I find on craigslist/local car lots.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: North Cackalacky
The sands down on the outer banks of NC is very soft and I run about 18lb and it goes pretty good. You shouldnt have any problems on the beach.
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Junior User
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From: Austin TX
Cool thanks. Here are two local ones I'm going to take a look at
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1332169697.html
http://www.autorevolution.com/dealer...lersite#ar_top
I wish I were the toddler in your signature.
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1332169697.html
http://www.autorevolution.com/dealer...lersite#ar_top
I wish I were the toddler in your signature.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: North Cackalacky
Call Clay at RiffRaff too.
Clay 541.879.1052 www.RiffraffDiesel.com
Dealer
"Taking Your Truck From Mundane To Insane On A Budget"
Diesel O-Rings by Guzzle
Riffraff Facebook Page
Parts Guy Ed - The one and only choice for OEM Parts
Clay 541.879.1052 www.RiffraffDiesel.com
Dealer
"Taking Your Truck From Mundane To Insane On A Budget"
Diesel O-Rings by Guzzle
Riffraff Facebook Page
Parts Guy Ed - The one and only choice for OEM Parts
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
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From: Grand Lake, La.
If you ask the people on here about mods for your truck before buying anything, you will see we can save you a lot of misery.
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Junior User
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From: Austin TX
Sounds good. I was just trying to get an idea of the 'basics' that can be done to bump power within the window of reliable mods. Last thing I want to do is roast the tranny when 200 miles from home with a heavy load.
I'll definitely bug y'all once I find a new ride. Should be fun.
I'll definitely bug y'all once I find a new ride. Should be fun.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Antonio, Tx.
You should be fine on the beaches down there.
Was down in Port A a couple of weeks ago, no problems at all and thats with M/T's.
Just stay away from the soft stuff.
Im just south of you, if you need help checking a truck out in San Antonio, let me know.
I can meet you, or go check one out for ya.
Oh yeah, Welcome to FTE. If you buy one, stay with these guys.
A great family, and they will save you a load of money on repairs while helping you spend it on upgrades...
Was down in Port A a couple of weeks ago, no problems at all and thats with M/T's.
Just stay away from the soft stuff.
Im just south of you, if you need help checking a truck out in San Antonio, let me know.
I can meet you, or go check one out for ya.
Oh yeah, Welcome to FTE. If you buy one, stay with these guys.
A great family, and they will save you a load of money on repairs while helping you spend it on upgrades...