Finally got my truck.. been searching for a while

[Kevin2011]

I was searching online for a new (to me) truck. I thought I new exactly what I wanted. 99-03 F-350 Ext. Cab 4x4 8' bed-- Diesel. I searched high and low for something that was in my price range and NOT fire engine red and NOT white, I just personally don't like either of those colors. I know some may take offense, I don't mean it that way at all! those colors are ok but just not for me.

ANYWAY I found an F350 reg cab 4x4 diesel had a plow. 193k miles asking price $6900. It was at a dealership. (I was wanting to stay private sale) They had a bunch of pics on line of it and it was decent looking. It was 150 miles away. I asked my daughter to give me a ride so I may be able to drive it home if I bought it.
On the way there the dealership calls (after I called to inquire about it and make an appointment to look at it). they said, " The truck runs for about a half hour and just stalls- no idea why- are you sure you want to look at it?" I thought for a moment and said I thought it was worth a look. So now I am thinking I am only going as high as $6000 with these problems. I am new to diesels. I called my buddy who ended up coming with me (he happens to be formerly a Ford Mechanic) He brought his big time engine diagnostic tool to plug in. He found 14 engine codes, air bag light was on and the stalling issue.
We looked it over for about an hour and a half. As I walked in to wheel and deal a price I was only going to offer $5000 or $5500. Then as we were sitting it hit me to just "low-ball" it and see what happens. I offered $4000 for the truck Cash (on my person, I brought $7000) She said, "well we will go find out". She trots off to the manager who I see looking around and then down bashing the keys on his calculator. Now I am figuring they would come back somewhere in the middle, like $5500. She comes back with a little piece of paper and hands it to me and asks if I could do this number... are you ready?........$4392.19. I have no idea about the 19cents

After picking my jaw off the ground I accepted the offer. It cost another $200 to do the paperwork. So I got the truck for just under $4600.

Here is the best part. the engine problem (thankyou Carfax.com) was an unfulfilled engine recall from the factory. The cam position sensor was failing intermittently. I got that fixed for free! So far I have spent another $1000 or so. I changed all the glow plugs, replaced the passenger air bag switch(dealer did the troubleshooting), Upper and lower ball joint on right side. Front end alignment, Exhaust gas pressure sensor and tubing, Equals no more engine codes and a fine running truck. The glow plug relay is next as the light did come back on regarding glow plug issues.

Here it is



I had the Fisher plow guy look at my truck to see what I had and what I needed to complete the plow package. He said it was all there except the plow and the "fishstik"

[smotrs]

Sounds like you got a great truck at a hell of a price. Best of luck with the ride and let us know what kinda upgrades you get.

[Kevin2011]

I already got a Superchip from E-bay - still waiting delivery

Has anyone used these Powerstrokehelp.com recommends these, What kind of performance/mileage are you seeing?
Thanks

[PolarBear]

That's a fine looking truck you got. Sounds like you got a great deal for a cheap fix. That should be a solid truck for you for a long time even if you do still have to spend a little on maintenance here and there. Still cheaper than the note on a new truck every month. I'm not sure which Superchips you got, I have used the 1705 on a 99 and its pretty nice. Didn't really notice anything great mileage was but did have more power. Was great for reading codes also.

[Kevin2011]

Thanks - I find that the more I drive it the more I like it. I currently have an F-250 gas w/plow. Solid truck but tired and what a rough ride! I am going to sell it and use the money to buy a plow for my F350 during the off season. Should be cheaper in the summer than right now in the hieght of plowing season. Thats a nice looking rig you have there PolarBear. I was wanting the ext. cab like that. I just couldn't resist on this truck and who knows perhaps it will be a step up someday to a better truck. (like yours).

[southern7.3]

Congratulations

[99F250SD7.3]

Congrats and welcometo the forum!!! I bought mine last May for $7500 with 190k on it and it still runs great, had to change the GPR relay, fuel bowl drain o-rings and she runs awesome....for stock. I love mine more everytime I drive it also as it is my first diesel.

[sethc24]

Sweet deal. And what is wrong with fire engine red?

[Dietoremain]

amazing stealllllllll. i love my fire engine red btw lol.

[Kevin2011]

Red is ok I just am not a firefighter. I don't want to ruin the honor of those who are firemen.

White is ok too but I have three friends with new trucks at church and they are all white! I just wanted to steer away from white.

99F250SD7.3- I need to replace my GPR as well. I was looking at the tech files on this website and they suggest a STANCOR. What did you use? any problems?