Hello all, this is my first post here so I apologize if this information has been covered in the past. I currently have a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee which I have put a lot of time and money into but it has just become too problematic and expensive to keep on the roads.

I'd like to buy a used Ford Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L) of some sort, preferably the newer (post 1999 I think) body style. I am no stranger to dealing with automotive problems... the stories I could tell you guys about this Jeep

Anyway, I am looking for a late model super duty PSD extended cab, manual trans, 4wd. Bottom line is I want a reliable vehicle.

If I buy a used PSD that has been properly maintained, what kinds of problems should I expect to see or what problems should I look out for before I buy?

Any information is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

- Joe

 

Welcome to the Site!



One major problem that comes to mind with a diesel would be cavitation and that usually applies to the older ones, I have never heard of any complaints about that with the newer ones.

"Cackle" seems to an issue with some of the newer 7.3's so you might want to listen for that, here is a link
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ghlight=cackle

Otherwise, just give it a good look over like you would any other vehicle.

 

Thanks for the welcome!

Wow, that's it? No axle, transmission, transfer case, or electrical problems? I notice a few people are complaining about CPS failure, but it seems pretty easy to replace on the side of the road if need be. I carry quite a wide array of parts and tools whenever I go anywhere with my Jeep, what parts do you guys carry with your PSDs? What electronics besides the CPS are show stoppers for the PSD?

Thanks,

- Joe

 

Joe,
I am new to this site as well but I did just buy a 99 F350 PSD. I am in no way a mechanic but here are a couple of things I would look for: 1. Air cleaner condition (I have been told that these engines are very sensitive to their air cleaners and if it has not been changed regularly there could be some grief) 2. I would try to get the vehicle long enough to verify its mileage before I bought one. I have heard some horror stories on PSD's getting 11 mpg (this is post "break in" and the dealers are not doing anything about it. They say the truck is not being driven correctly). 3. My truck has just developed a "door ajar" light problem. The indicator seems to come and go as it pleases (which of course is accompanied by the dome lights coming on and going off). In addition the dome lights will come on when I slow down to 15mph and then go off when I speed up to 15mph?????????? I found this same issue in the FAQ's and just applied the recommended medicine. Good ol' WD40. Anyway, I hope these points are some help.

Craig

 

Some Camshaft position sensor concerns causing no starts or stalls.(nothing major) If your concern is a dusted motor, you can pull the intake hose away from the tubo inlet(compressor) and look at the "finned" wheel, the edges should look sharp with distinct edges. If it ingested a fair amount of dirt the wheel will look like someone sandblasted the edges and the outside corners will be "chipped" or rounded. Look at the air filter housing to see if it has cracked locking tabs, just make shure that it fits snugly. The 4R100 trans has been pretty good. No major issues with the rear or front differentials other than the vacuum seals in the front, and oil seals in the rear. Good Luck in your search.

 

I bought a '99 F350 crewcab, PSD, 6 sp manual, single rear wheel truck with 89K miles on it. It now has 119K and no major issues.

I had to replace the clutch master and slave cylinders just after buying it, and need to replace to replace seals in the rear diff. Otherwise I love this beast.

on edit: Also, I lately developed the DOOR AJAR light issue, and WD40 seems to have corrected the problem.

 

I bought my 99 crew in August w/ 65000 on it. I had the torque converter replaced under warranty but I also am now getting that dome light problem at around 10-15 mph. Sorry but were is it that you are WD-40 ing. Thanks

 

Spray the hell out of the door latchs. Mine was doing it as well. This has cured it for that last 20K!

 

Thanks I will try that

 

I bought my 99 SD new. It now has 95000 miles on it. I had the torque converter replaced under warranty at 65000 miles. New speed control sensor ($12 part) about 10000 miles ago. And yes the WD-40 fixed my dome lite. I would recommend this truck to any one but this one will never be for sale. Luv my truck

 

I bought my 00' F350 with 80k Miles on it. It now has 98K

The person that had it before me hammered it. I bought it at an auto auction for $20,000. I had a straight body but the undercarage was hammered. Looked like the guy just took it through a mud bog before he got rid of it. The under carage had about 4 inches of mud through-out. After I spent about an hour with a pressure washer and my father in-law's car lift. I found deep grooves in the plastic front bumper shroud, I found the front end needed major work. I also found the streering stabilizer and bracket were missing. In fact the welded stabilizer mounting bracket on the passager side was bent completely flat against the axle. Three bolts on the bottom portion of the front diff cover were rounded off so bad I had to use vise-grips to loosen them. The rear shock hangers were bent. I found that the rear brake backing plates where bent or missing portions. All brake disks were clogged with dirt. On the top end the air filter was completey clogged with mud and dirt. Although the dirt didn't seam to get past the filter.

I spent about $2,000 on the fixing these issues. I put a new K & N intake system on it. New Brake Pads and disks all the way arround. Ball joints, front wheel bearings, and sway bar links/bushings. Monroe Shocks, Got the tires balanced and re-aligned the front end. Changed all fluids.

Point being: Super duty realy means super duty. These trucks take a licken and keep on tickin. I recently took it on a 2200 mile road trip to Montana and was geting 18-19 MPG. The only other problems I've really had are the door ajar issue and intermentant stalling which I think after reading aticles on this forum is the CPS.

I'm really sold on the Super Duty and Chances are any used Super Duty you find out there will be in much beter shape than mine was.

Good Luck!