I have a 2000 F-250, and just recently relocated to Prescott AZ. I am looking to find a mechanic that I can trust with the major jobs I cannot handle myself. I am even considering dropping a rebuilt motor into the truck, as I take in the back-roads a fair amount, and i just want to make sure that I have rock-solid reliability. If you have someone in the area that has worked on your vehicle, and you trust, I would love to get a referral?

Thanks

 

 

John,

Thanks for the quick reply, and the confidence-boosting offer of support.

I have had the truck for 9 years now and have taken it from 130K (when I bought it), to just passing 200K now. During my ownership, there has been only one job so far that I had to farm out, and that was getting a re-built transmission put in, which was done at a dealership in Texas. I love this truck a LOT, and now am thinking about dropping in a rebuilt motor, with the goal of making the truck 100% bulletproof. Reliability is VERY important to me, as I love to go exploring in Northern Arizona, far off the beaten path. I think if I make this one investment, I will get to enjoy this truck for the rest of my life, and always have confidence that it will get me home, no matter how far I roam.

I am a medium skill level mechanic, and I could probably do the engine swap myself, if I was willing to take the time, and was also willing to have it off the road for several weeks in the process. Unfortunately my work is especially hectic now, hence my idea of buying a rebuilt motor and paying someone to install it for me. This is all predicated on finding someone that I can trust to do the job, as I want my confidence in the truck to jump way up, and if it does not, than I have just wasted my money. Hence my request to the community for any advice on an experienced mechanic that can inspire that level of confidence and trust?

Thanks and Best Regards

Nathan

 

I can't vouch for them myself, but the previous owner of my Excursion took it to Action Automotive Repair on Moeller St. He says he was happy with their prices and quality of service. They most recently did brakes all around, a water pump, thermostat, hoses, etc. Not like that's a difficult job, but I can't find much fault with it except they used cheap hose clamps that didn't hold properly.

Welcome to the area - I'm always happy to give an FTE brother a hand, hit me up if you need help with a truck project or anything else related to your new move.

 

 

There's always Bullet Proof Diesel two hours away in Mesa

 

Maintain it and put your foot in it. Carry water and a cell phone. You'll be fine.

Denny

 

Believe you'll find, most here think 200,000 miles on a 7.3 is just barely breaking it in. What has got you worried....? I'd not hesitate to jump in mine tonight and drive to the west coast

 

Um, why rebuild? Is it giving you a hassle? The point of the 7.3 is to run it to half a million miles, and many have. If it is giving you issues at 200,000 such as excessive blowby or something else major, then something was sorely missed. You should still have that "Rock solid reliability" that you say you want.

 

Another vote for leaving the engine alone unless you have a serious internal problem. Besides that $10k rebuild will not save you from starving for fuel at 1/4 tank with a broken pick up foot, or blowing the pressure side hose on the power steering pump. Like other vehicles with millions of examples on the road there are some well known issues, with equally known fixes. Those are the things to address before getting back in the boonies. Check out this thread; Failure Prevention Thread.

Lots in there but the Hutch and Harpoon mod is one thing I consider almost mandatory, given it removes a common failure plus it let's you put more fuel in the tank.

 

I live in Paulden, AZ which is 20+ miles north of Prescott.
There are a couple of places that work on diesels but I can't vouch for any of them since I do my own work whenever possible.
My truck has just under 250,000 miles on it. Starts right up even on a very cold morning and I too wouldn't hesitate to hook up the 5th wheel and travel across the country.

 

Strictly Diesel is there on the north side of Phoenix. Dennis has had a solid reputation in the 7.3 community for a couple of decades now. He used to be one of our go to online parts stores before online parts stores really took off. (He was ITP diesel back then before the merger).

 

Rowdy Racks in Mesa does excellent work and very well known in the 7.3 community. 480-221-3384 Also on Facebook there is a Arizona Powerstroke club with lot's of info and events.

 

The engine isnt the issue, it is everything bolted to it. My engine is fine, but have replaced most everything attached to it.