Most durable Ford diesel?

[SMK]

I'm new to the forum as I just decided to get into a Ford diesel. Currently I have a 2000 F150 that is solid as a rock but just a bit to small to be pulling around a gooseneck camper. I'm not looking to break the bank with a new hot rod. I went onto Ford.com and priced my ultimate rig, $55,000. Yeah, I don't think so. I'm looking in the $25,000 range.

My question is, if a person was to go out and buy a used Ford diesel pickup with the following specs, which year/engine size would be the most durable and one you all would recommend?

In reading your website a bit, sounds like the 7.3 is the stud and years are 99-2002. Are there any other years/engines out there solid? Which ones should I stay away from?

Ford, F250, diesel, automatic
gooseneck for smaller camper 30ft
supercab with the 4 doors
4x4, shortbed
solid body not prone to rusting (my 2000 has major issues there)

I'm looking to get something that will last forever that I can trust on long journeys when I need to take them and that has the power to pull the camper w/out stressing.

Thanks, Shane

[Zaairman]

The 7.3 is available until 2003. A super cab short bed will have plenty of power to tow a 30' travel trailer. Unfortunately, these trucks are also very prone to rusting out, so I would either budget for panel replacement (which you can easily do with a $25K budget) or shop for a southern truck that hasn't ever seen winter.

[strokinpower]

I think the best truck you could get would be a 2003 F250 or 350 with a 7.3

[jshalala]

there is a couple 7.3 trucks here in the classified sections that fit what you are looking for and under budget. Go get your loan and buy a truck, for 25g you can get a mint 7.3 pretty easy.

[Toms01PSD]

I'll sell ya my 7.3 for 25k!

[drunk on diesel]

mid/late 90's F650 with a 12v Cummins

[ttyR2]

Might look at a stick truck as well so you don't have to worry about any tranny issues. The auto's last alright, but not as long as a ZF-6. I'm happy I went with a stick F-350.

[Toms01PSD]

Originally Posted by drunk on diesel

mid/late 90's F650 with a 12v Cummins

If you want a dog of a truck that won't get out of it's own way, take this advice.

[saltlake3fitty]

I will sell mine for 25K. not one spot of rust on it.

[codyryan07]

Id go with a 03 f250 with the 7.3. They got pretty much all the kinks worked out by then, and with just a few minor mods, you can have a good strong tow rig. If you go with an auto, you might wanna look into a BTS transmission. If not that, a zf6 would be perfect for you.