Hey guys my name is Ryan and this is my first post here on Diesel Bombers. I've been shopping around for a diesel truck for a few months now and I think I finally may have found the truck for me. It is a 2000 F250 with the 7.3L Powerstroke. It's black in color and has 72k miles on it. The only thing that worries me is it is only 2wd and I live in Northeast Pennsylvania (near the Poconos) so we're no strangers to snow. Basically I'm wondering how a 2wd regular cab long bed diesel goes in the snow. Also, I've heard that there were a few changes in the 7.3L and that some were really good and some not so good due to a change in engine internals? Not sure about that but maybe somebody here knows. Lastly, if anyone has a suggestion as to what I should offer for the truck (since dealer didn't post an asking price)it would be appreciated.
Thanks again guys and I'm hoping that within the next few weeks I'll be posting here all the time!
-Ryan
P.S. Anything in particular I should look for when inspecting/test driving?

 

The 1999 & 2000 7.3 have the strongest connecting rods, W O W it has low miles

 

they were awesome trucks. IMO the 7.3 was the best stroker especially when they intercooled them. plus i believe the 99 n newer one had a higher pressure oil pump. where around the poconos ya from?

2wd pickups don't like to go backward

 

I think being in an area that can get a lot of snow, I would hold out for a 4X4

 

If you get enough snow I'd wait and get a 4x4. The later 7.3s(01-03) got powered metal connecting rods. They don't hold up as well as the forged ones but your really only have to worry about that if you plan on making big power with the truck. And if you need to get a dually, just toss some weight in the bed and you'll be fine in winter.

 

I'm located in Mountain Top (it's near Wilkes Barre) about a half hour from the ski/resort areas in the Poconos.
So it seems that this truck is a good plan I guess I just need to think about the whole 2wd vs 4wd issue. We don't get so much snow that I need a jeep to go from A to B but I do have to drive "up the mountain" everyday. There is a stretch of roadway from where I work/go to school to my home that is essentially 3 miles of going up through a small mountain pass. That's the only part of my drive that I ever worry about having 4wd. Does anyone have any experience driving one of these awesome trucks in snow in 2wd? I've driven my RX-8 in the snow and thats by no means a 4x4 ...I guess I'm just not accustomed to driving a truck in snow so it's worrying me a little. And wow thanks for the quick replies....this site is AWESOME.

 

I'm not sure if an RX8 is front or rear wheel drive but that makes a big difference FWD cars are great in the snow, but with you living in the hills where it snows I really don't think you will be happy with a 2wd truck

 

I'm up in Canada, and although I still do not have a truck I can tell you that having a RWD is interesting in the snow... If you know what you're doing expect to pucker up at least twice a trip, if its your first RWD try not to **** your pants and pray that when you begin to fish tail while going up hill that no one is stupid enough to inch towards you...


~ThE KiD~

 

RX-8's are RWD so they arent great in snow haha.. I'm certainly thinking that a 4x4 will be better but I'm still going to go check the truck out and try to decide if it is a deal or not. Thanks again for the information guys, I'll post after I see this beast in person

 

I got a 99 f250 cclb 2wd last february and drove to and from work with out any problem. I was told by everyone I know I was nuts but it works just fine. My biggest concern is starting on hills other wise I'm good. Put some weight in it 500-600Lbs right over the rear axle and you'll be fine. I have and a have had a four wheel drive since I was 16 and just about never use 4wd (starting on hills or really deep snow). 309 can be a pain but it's only a couple times a year and a 2wd should get better fuel mileage. I live near dallas. Good luck!