differences between 99 & 99.5 SD

[shu873]

Hey everybody, need a favor from those of you "in the know" about the reliable old 7.3L... I have a friend who's going to take a look at an early 99 ex cab, long box 250, 180k on the clock with a new factory reman tranny that's supposed to be still under warranty from ford. Bottom dollar of $9000 takes the truck. My questions are 1: What are the differences between a 99 and a 99.5 model, and 2: I've already checked out the thread about what to look for when buying a 99-03 truck, is there anything else he should be aware of that he might want to check out prior to purchasing this rig? TIA fellas!

[alabamafrog]

Very little difference, main one that pops to mind is the turbo and pedestal is slightly different. Only problem with that is it is a little more difficult to upgrade to an aftermarket turbo. Also the air intake and box are slightly different which makes it easier to upgrade to a Baldwin PA2818 open element filter just by buying a 45 3” PVC fitting. Also there is not an air intake heater which is also a good thing. The Powerstroke badge is missing off the doors and there is a V8 badge on the front fenders. Make sure to look into the intake and check for dust signs and make sure the turbo impeller has nice square corners, a new engine will cost as much as the whole truck. I'll take an early 99 over a 03.5-07 any day.

[Dirk]

Most of what was said it true. But... do not look at the door/fender tags. My early 99 has the door tags. Look at the build date (pre 12/8) should be an early 99. Also, the glow plug relay on top of the engine. Is there 1 or 2? If there is one relay, it is an early 99. I like the early 99 just as well as an 03. It has been very reliable and still runs very well... well enough that I will keep it for many more years. I'm not going to drop another 40k+ until I have to!

[B4SouthernMiss22]

When you crank the engine up take the oil cap off and check to see how much blow by there is

[shu873]

Thanks for the help guys! Much appreciated.

[pipelayerjdh]

Ditto on the blow-by.

I love the sound of an early '99. If I was in the market for a SD, I would prefer an early.