97 7.3 cant decide to buy or not

[bmurph177]

he im thinking about buying a new truck and just wanted some feedback on it. its a 97 7.3 rclb 230k, 5 speed manual for $4000. but it has the original clutch,no first gear, rear main seal leak,power steering gear box has an issue(leaks alot), no rust, new glow plugs and glow plug selenoid,starter.
just wondering your opinion
thanks

[Mezz2006]

It probably isn't a rear main seal leak. It is most likely the pedestal o-rings or the exhaust back pressure valve leaking. The oil then runs down the back making it look like the rear main seal.
$4000 sounds like way too much for the kind of problems you say it has, especially if it isn't 4wd; No first gear, original clutch, bad power steering box. I wouldn't pay more than $2000, since the tranny needs rebuilt or replaced, the clutch will need to be replaced in the near future, and the power steering box needs to be replaced.

[bigred_stroker]

I would have to say that he is right. $4000 is a liittle much considering a trans rebuild and power steering getting fixed. Then you have to consider at 230,000 even though it has plenty of life left, it is going to need things replaced here and there. My opinion would be $2000 - $3000. That is of course depending the condition of the body and everything else.

[retmotor]

Originally Posted by bmurph177

he im thinking about buying a new truck and just wanted some feedback on it. its a 97 7.3 rclb 230k, ... no rust, ...
thanks

Being from your part of the country, no rust is a big deal. If you really want an OBS, and you want it without rust, start looking for trucks in the Southwest. My kid is selling my '95 in Vegas with 230k on it and no rust (for example). That's normal for that part of the country. The problem of course is you'd have to trust the seller to represent the vehicle honestly and to ship it.

[z250kid]

yea id tell him i have 3000 cash on me if he says no then tell hime all repairs that it needs. The no rust part is a plus!!! Check the raditor support buy the mounts always rot!

[ridiculously_necessary]

i agree with these guys. $3k is better. and and no 4x4 is a big hit imho. i second the rear main thing, extreemly rare on a 7.3. its most likely coming from the turbo pedistal or an hpop seal. but i would bet money its the pedistal.

[99stackedpowerstroke]

i agree 4000 is way too high, u find the right person you can buy a 99 with no problems for six, like i did

[Damaged82]

even 3 would be too high for me, here in tx you can buy a good obs psd for 4g's