Looking at 2003 F350 7.3

[MRIBOB]

I am looking at a 2003 F350 7.3 4x4

I just wrecked my VW TDI 2003 in Dec 2010 and got some money last week.
Been hanging out on TDI forums for past 7 years but I think I am done with VW. Still have my Dastun SD22 diesel that runs good.

Now I found a 2003 F350 4x4 91,000 miles for sale.

What do I need to check out?
I plan to take a code reader to check for CEL codes.


I know VW TDI's but not the Ford PS diesel.

I heard on TDI club to stay away from the 6.0L engine.

Any advice will be good.

I am in San Diego and Tijuana area.

[Dietoremain]

how much are they asking?? typical stuff check the turbo wheel for damage(aka not good filtering and dusting), make sure the tranny shifts smooth, look for any leaks or evidence of them.. and drive it. its hard to hurt one of these motors..

[Zaairman]

Unless you have a very high quality code reader (Snap On, Auto Enginuity, etc), you won't be able to pull any codes. 91K is low miles. Look for rust, especially on the oil pan. Look for any mods. Drive it.

[Solid98]

Not to be a total arse, but are you absolutely sure it is a 7.3 and not a 6.0? Almost all 03's I see around here with less than 100k are 6.0s.

[MRIBOB]

Looked at it and drove it around town today

6.0L You were right. Not 7.3

Very clean truck but I hear the 6.0l blow headgaskets and EGR coolers.
What say you all? That is about tht 6.0L


Also I put it in 3rd gear AutoTran and it stays in 3rd gear. In D it goes 1-4 like normal. Is that normal for this truck? So if I put the trans in 3rd it will not go to 1st even at a stop. Starts up in 3rd.

[Zaairman]

Yup that's normal for Fords. And yes, the 6.0s were known for popping head gaskets and bad EGRs.