Potential 1st powerstroke.

[scavdog]

I am in the process of purchasing a new truck for towing everything from a tree style kayak trailer to a full size snow mobile trailer. After a fair amount of research, I have settled on a 99-2003 powerstroke. At this point in time I have sourced a 2002 F350 (126k) crew cab for 12,000. as well as a 2002 F250 Ext cab (105k) for 9,500.

It's worth noting that I will be traveling all over the northeast for work in this rig.

A couple of questions:

Do I really need a F350? I like the idea of having the extra room, but maybe there is a compromise as far as fuel economy?

Aside from the oil pan and general mechanics. Is there anything else I should pay attention to when checking these things out?

The F350 is well maintained but stock.

The F250 has the following:

Banks Stinger 2, Banks trans command, K&N cold air intake, Banks 4" exhaust. Recent brake job all around, rotors, pads, calipers. Recent front end job, upper and lower balljoints, tie rods, U-joints, inner and outer axle seals, auto hubs. Also full front and rear air bag 4" suspension lift from Air Bag It.


Any advice is welcome.

- Joe

[AgTires4295]

Hey Joe, welcome to the forum! In a short response, the 7.3 is more than capable in handling your scenarios. There is really no difference between a 250/350 except suspension (the 350 rear being beefier). Both trucks noted seem fairly priced for what they are but beware the K&N on the 250 as they have a possibility to ruin the turbo and engine depending on driving conditions. There are several forums on what to look for in buying a 7.3 so feel free to search away. Congrats on whichever 7.3 you purchase!

Here's a link to get you started: This is a high powered website created just for Ford Diesel and Powerstroke enthusiasts. Older Ford 6.9L and 7.3L International or IDI owners are also welcome - Search Results for Buying a 7.3

[Zaairman]

The only mechanical differences between single wheel F-350 and F-250s are the size of the rear blocks.

Do you need the room of the crew cab? With 126K, if the ball joints haven't been done yet, they will need doing soon.

[444 ci]

take the oil filler cap off while the engine is running and turn it upside down and put it back on the filler neck to check for blow by.

[scavdog]

Do you need the room of the crew cab?

I was not necessarily looking for a crew. However, the extra space seems like a good idea if I am on the road a lot. Any reason to steer clear?

What I really want is something that has not been over-worked/plowed etc.

take the oil filler cap off while the engine is running and turn it upside down and put it back on the filler neck to check for blow by.

That's something I would not have thought of. Thanks.

All great advice guys. Thank you.

Joe

[Zaairman]

Originally Posted by scavdog

Any reason to steer clear?

Of a crew cab? No. Resale will be better too.

[scavdog]

I was able to revisit the 02 F350 and get a couple good pics and feedback from my mechanic.

Apparent issues:

Turbo orings leak (according to my mechanic).
Steering Damper
Surface rust on the pan


Any thoughts on treating this oil pan? I hear of some people using Marinetex.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ss4p30e9hfvwg8w/IMG_5309.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pj8kvu7uuofab1/IMG_3498.jpg



I also found a 2-owner 06 F250 PSD with 100k for 15,000.00. Lariat supercab. Never plowed/beat up. Seems too good to be true. Autocheck seem fine as well. With a little care and modification, I understand the 6.0 to be near as good as the 7.3 with a better tranny and handling profile.

[Zaairman]

That surface rust isn't bad at all... I'd hit it with a wire wheel, and a high temp rust stopping paint (think BBQ paint).

The 6.0 can be made into a decent motor... after $3-4000 in aftermarket parts, then you still have to worry about the injectors and FICM going out.

[scavdog]

Good points Zach. The owner of the 2006 mentioned that the EEC and FICM was serviced/replaced ($1000.00). Are these items a sign of other problems to come? Injector problems etc?

I have to get the thought out of my head that newer could be better. In reality, I know with the $ saved, I can probably make the 02 mint. Ahhh decisions!

Thx again!