Ford Super Duty

[KB9UDE]

Hi all

I am looking for a newer and heavier truck to pull my Deere 4120 and attachments around. Will seriously be looking to buy a gooseneck 14k trailer also.

My question today is about the 2000 year and newer power strokes. I had a 1996 7.3 PSD 4x4 several years back and really liked it. I have found a nice looking 1997 PSD and also have been looking at 2000 models and slightly newer. Is there major concerns about buying a 200k++ truck for once a week or so pulling?? I am looking at the following truck also. Give me your pros and cons. I dont want to spend alot of money but need a HD truck.
Illinois Auto Brokers - 2000 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat - Decatur, Illinois

Thanks and I will try to answer questions if needed.

John

HAPPY EASTER!!--PLEASE REMEMBER THE REAL REASON FOR THIS HOLIDAY:thumbsup:

 

[EricG1793]

If you liked the 7.3L (a.k.a. International T444E), the good news is that they were made until the 2004 model year (although, the last model year in Ford trucks was 2002 from what I just read). However, I've heard that the 6.0L (a.k.a. International VT-365) is a terrible engine, with bad injector problems and hard cold starts. I love how they sound, though.

 

[KB9UDE]

I loved my 7.3L. That is why I have been looking at 97-2002 trucks. My question is what kind of problems am I looking at? Engine, tranny, chassis? I would love to have a 5 or 6 speed manual tranny by the way... My 96 was a manual and could pull more than I needed it to.

 

[3BPercherons]

However, I've heard that the 6.0L (a.k.a. International VT-365) is a terrible engine, with bad injector problems and hard cold starts.

You may have heard it but I haven't experienced it. My 2003 6.0L Powerstroke has yet to have injector problems and cold starts have never been an issue.

 

[scoutcub]

No problems here also with an 06 6.0 PSD with 54K miles. 80% of the time it's got a trailer behind it, and some occasional HEAVY loads. Good luck.

 

[newt92]

First off, the 7.3 was in the Super Dutys until the 03 model year. The first half the the 03s had the 7.3 the last half was the 6.0.

The 7.3s were dang near bullet proof. KB9ude, that truck is super clean for 252K miles!!! It shows that was taken care of. For the $$$, I would say its not outta line at all, being a crew cab, 4X4 Lariet, See if you can contact the previous owner and get some info of the truck. If the dealer is worthy, they will let you talk to him or her.

 

[BTDT2]

My better half ( yes my wife of 32 years) has a 2005 F-250 6.0 with 98,000 miles, Has yet to visit a shop. Give em clean oil and fuel ( the truck that is) and no problem so far.

I am occasionally granted borrowing rights and impressed with pulling power. Great truck.

 

[Ryan03]

The biggest reason for injector failure on a 7.3 or 6.0 is fuel starvation. This could be caused by something as simple as prolonged driving with a plugged fuel filter, or as off the wall as a loose injector hold down, allowing compression to leak into the fuel passages in the head, aeriating the fuel. Starvation causes the 7x multiplier piston in the injector to hammer back and forth like a air hammer, beating the piston and nozzle to death. International states that 35% of all warranty returns on injectors are caused by fuel starvation. The fuel under the 7x piston actualy dampens and controls the motion of it.

On 7.3's the high pressure oil pump can be a problem, as many begin to leak from the plugs in the body over time. Look down in the engine valley below the fuel filter housing for oil pooling in the valley, you will need a flashlight. Pooled oil in the vallley is a sign that the high pressure pump may be leaking.

Pay very close attention to the coolant in a 7.3, as cylinder wall cavitation was an issue if proper cooling system maintenence was not done. Take a coolant sample, and have the ph levels tested. Any competent diesel shop will have the ability to do this while you wait.

I personaly realy like the 7.3, but am not a fan of the 6.0 and would skip right over that one if I were in the market for a truck.

 

[Soundguy]

You may have heard it but I haven't experienced it. My 2003 6.0L Powerstroke has yet to have injector problems and cold starts have never been an issue.

same here.. I have an 04 6.0psd in a f250. 90k miles or so. Has made lots of multi-thousand mile trips out of florida to drag antique tractors home for me. glow it and go.. if it rattles for a few seconds on a 20' morning after setting for a week.. glow it twice and then go..

soundguy

 

[KB9UDE]

What are the main items to look for in a 200K++ milage truck?? I really would like a lower mile option but everything I have seen in the 100k-150k range the price is drastically higher...

John

 

[Soundguy]

wow.. 10k$ not a bad price...

I think I'd check the steering parts.. like ball joints, shocks.. etc. I just did them on my f250 with 90some thou onit.. I imagine at near 200k it's likely to need them again..

soundguy

 

[galen1115]

John, I ordered my 2001 with what I wanted on it and still have it. She just turned 100K. I put an extended oil filter on it. And a few things here and there. It still runs like new. One thing I would look for that has not been addressed is on the blower there are four bolts that go in from left to right. They were prone to falling out. If they did, the the blower could or would warp. Causing failure. If you need more info you can pm me. I'll be glad to talk to you about it. My business is in the automotive area and I have found probably 25 or so in the last 9 years. Not common but something to be aware of. I also would want the manual tranny if you plan on pulling heavy loads. If yours has an automatic then never pull in overdrive. Mine has the four wheel switch on the dash. The seat belts will make a lot of noise flopping in the wind if the windows are down. Mirrors don't fold forward. Tore one off mine backing up! Put the newer year on that does. Mine listed for 43K and I think I got it for something like 36K. I wouldn't even consider taking 10K for mine. I couldn't replace it for that. Good luck

 

[KB9UDE]

I would prefer a manual tranny but my wife needs to drive occasionally between farms for me and anything but auto would be dangerous for her. She has issues driving her minivan

http://illinoisautobrokers.com/web/1096/vehicle/556785/2000-Ford-Super%20Duty%20F-250-Lariat

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have owned 3 Ford Super Dutys, 99 F-350, 04 F-250, and a 06 F-350 and they are by far the best truck in my opinion. I also owned a 05 Dmax 3500 and a 04 Ram 2500.

All my trucks were extended cab 4x4's and diesel with the exception of the Ram which was a Hemi. I still own he 04 and 06 Fords and they have been trouble free other than a bad fuel gauge on the 06. My 99 7.3 took a deer to do it in or it would still be on the road.

Chris

 

[Stampeder]

I have an 06 Ford Super Duty F350 dually 6X6 King Ranch loaded to the nines. It's got the 6.0 in it and it is a dream truck. No problems with it other than a noisy idler bearing. I run synthetic in it and that makes a huge difference in gas mileage.
Mine spends a lot of time pulling tractors around and other heavy stuff. It's a truck and I bought for that purpose. The nice leather inside happened to be there but it also keeps the wife happy when we go out in it at night.
I've had all sorts of other GM's, Dodge and Ford trucks in the past. This one is by far the best and is a definite keeper. Hands down.
By the way I prefer dualy's for pulling gooseneck trailers.
My two cents.

 

[Yankee]

I had an F250 7.3 and drove the wheels off the thing for over 10 years before finally selling it. I've never had a better tow vehicle, period. It was also the worst vehicle for cold starting I've ever owned, and a succession of dealers in three different states couldn't fix it.

 

[Reg]

I loved my 7.3L. That is why I have been looking at 97-2002 trucks. My question is what kind of problems am I looking at? Engine, tranny, chassis? I would love to have a 5 or 6 speed manual tranny by the way... My 96 was a manual and could pull more than I needed it to.

My SIL's has blown a couple of transmissions within about 80K miles and he barely tows anything with it.
He does do some light side street snow plowing for the town - which is generally easier on trucks than driveway plowing.

My guesses would be 1) trans and 2) body rot, but I think the engine itself could take a LOT of work and even abuse before giving you trouble.
One of the things I have done with the older vehicles that my 6 off-spring got as their "Starter" was to change all fluids; engine oil, coolant, trans oil, rear axle, transfer case and front axle if 4wd.
Just getting under there, doing that and forming opinions of what drains out (sometimes not much, sometimes goop) and of course pulling the wheels to check brakes and wheel bearings has led to pre-emptive repairs and shown just WHY the previous owner decided to sell, but I have had very few calls to come and get them with my dual purpose tractor's trailer/car hauler.

 

[Sgt Schulz]

I have an 04 super duty with 50k on it. I tow a 10,000 lb boat to San Diego and my Mini excavator in the Moutains over 11,000 ft elevation. I have yet( knock on wood) to have a single problem with it. I have heard all sorts of bad things about the 6.0 but mine has been great. Love the Ford trucks. I have friends with over 350K on theirs.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 6.0 got such a bad rap and blown way out of proportion on the net. It turned into a good engine but the damage was done by the time Ford and International got done fighting. I know about a dozen guys who one them very well and only 1 has had a major problem. It was the guy who babies his so go figure.

Another issue for Ford on the 6.0 is the 7.3 was such a winner. Kind of like hitting a home run your first time at bat. Now how you going to top that???

Chris

 

[jenkinsph]

The 6.0 got such a bad rap and blown way out of proportion on the net. It turned into a good engine but the damage was done by the time Ford and International got done fighting. I know about a dozen guys who one them very well and only 1 has had a major problem. It was the guy who babies his so go figure.

Another issue for Ford on the 6.0 is the 7.3 was such a winner. Kind of like hitting a home run your first time at bat. Now how you going to top that???

Chris

Chris,
Have you read thru the truck and trailer forums on The Hull Truth? Up until last year I defended the 6.0 engines and never had a problem. Now with two 6.0's an '03 F250 6.0 and a '05 F550 6.0 I can say I have experienced some of the grief I have read about. Meanwhile the three 7.3 trucks I have have never had problems. The '05 had to have a shortblock at 24,000 miles.