Hey there everyone, alrighty, I'm new to the world of diesel engines , but I have done a lot of homework over the past month or so as I am getting ready to buy my first truck. I'm looking to get a '99 - '03 Ford F250 or F350 Powerstroke, with the 7.3 Motor (I've learned to just not gamble with the 6.0) I was wondering if you guys could give me advice on what to look for when I go and look at the trucks? I know to look for rust, paint matches, all the bodywork stuff, I'm talking engine and driving traits. What should it idle at? Should I be leery if the guy towed with it? etc. Thank you so much!

-PowerstrokeFan

 

save you some trouble and sell you a 95 obs dually, 5 sp 2wd! black, crew cab. one of the nicest obs you will ever find.

 

Thanks, but no thanks, I'm looking for a 4x4 crew cab non-dually. Seriously though, any help guys? I have my eyes on this one (I hope I'm allowed to post links): Cars for Sale: 2000 Ford F350 4x4 Crew Cab Super Duty in Frankfort, KY 40601: Truck Details - 325629435 - AutoTrader.com

 

Not much you can do without taking it somewhere to get checked out. Drive it. If it feels weird then something is wrong.

Looks like an over all nice truck.

 

Using a diesel to pull with is better than just driving it. Thats why there used in tractor and trucks. I have a friend thats got more than 500,000 miles on his and is going for 1,000,000 and he is always pulling with it. I only have 128,000 on my but never have had a problem.

 

So you're saying that if it's been pulled with, it's better for the engine? What about the transmission? That just doesn't seem to make any sense to me. Wouldn't towing it be hard on the transmission?

 

No not better for it, it just dosn't kill it like it would a gasser.

 

as long as it has not pulled more than its designed for than it should be fine. as for the transmission its hard on an auto put the 6 speed manual should be fine. its kind of all in who drove it before.

 

Sure, if you have a lead foot and don't care for the equipment...

 

clean truck, looks mostly stock (which is a good thing). i personally would look for a truck with the man-option (zf6), but just my $.02.

on another note, rust on fender wells, bottom of doors, make sure cruise control works...uh.....bottom of motor for leaks (most likely originating from turbo pedestal o-rings, EBPV actuator arm, fuel bowl, etc), engine crossmember (possibly torched from oil pan replacement)

that truck is gonna need tires too so be ready for that bill