Buying my first 7.3. Advice?

[John316]

Howdy folks,

I am finally looking at getting a real truck. Then one that we are looking at is an 02, super cab. It has around 205K miles on it. The truck is a RWD (I really don't need 4WD) manual tranny. I was looking at another truck that was similar, but it was an auto tranny, and since I will be towing, I want a manual. The dealer is asking $5450. I think I will be able to get him down some.

From what I can tell, it has a bit of a grind from first to second. That sounds to me like a synchronizer, from what I understand not a huge deal to get replaced (about $1K, and my mechanic told me the repair doesn't have to happen right away, just soon). I am fairly mechanical, and I plan on doing my own work.

When I go to look at it, can you all give me some hints as to what to look for, and what "problem areas" might be there? Should I try to take it by a Ford dealer to get them to go over it?

Thanks.

God bless,

John

[John316]

Nobody?/Anybody?

God bless,

John

[Dietoremain]

that price is great. thats a decent amount of miles but im guessing hwy. if the gears grinding probably synchros but i dunno. get an oasis! but as i said with that price its probably worth it even if the tranny needs work.

[John316]

Thanks Die,

I am having it dropped off at the Ford dealership for them to inspect it (the "Ford used car inspection"). We will see how that comes back. If that comes back clean, then I think it will be pretty much a go.

What is the "oasis" that I have heard about? I do know that I would have to upgrade my membership, but what would the "oasis" tell me?

Thanks.

God bless,

John

[Dietoremain]

it tells you any maintenance and or recalls done to the truck by ford.

[John316]

Is that much different then a Carfax report? I have already pulled on of those, and there are no issues.

Thanks.

God bless,

John

[John316]

The dealer just went through the truck. Here is what they said it needed.

"2 headlights $35.00 each
transmission overhaul $2800
windshield $225
ABS light (sensor) $280
Airbag light $220
right rear tailight cracked $160
Thermostat gasket leaking $145
all 4 ball joints are trashed-loose and will not pass inspection $885 with alignment
steering gear box is loose ??? probably have to replace

truck needs a lot of work"

I know some of the stuff is routine. The tranny work is the synchronizers.

I am thinking the critical things are the ball joints (of course those would have to happen ASAP), and the steering gear box.

What do you all think? How much is the truck worth? I am thinking about offering a max of $3500.

I wouldn't have the work done at the Ford dealership. Some I would do myself, and other stuff I wouldn't.

What do you all think?

God bless,

John

[Dietoremain]

for all the work it needs i think thats definitely a fair price.