Need Diesel Advice! Please....

Hey y'all! Looks like I may be buying a diesel next week. I've wanted one of these trucks for years now, but never found "the one" I think maybe now i have. It's a 97 F-250 supercab, 4x4, 7.3 PowerStroke, 5 speed (this was the clincher) with ranch-hand bumpers front and back, spray-in liner and diamond-plate bed-rail caps. The truck has 185,000 miles on it. This is more miles than I had R-E-A-L-L-Y wanted, but the truck is VERY clean and looks to be VERY well maintained. Of course, all I've seen so far is pictures. I'm going to be getting about 30 more pics of the truck monday, but from what i've seen so far.....I WANT IT!! Now here's where my question comes in. I talked to the dealer today for quite some time. I asked how it cranked (you know, cold natured or not) whether it smoked, if the clutch was good, what the truck was used for before, how mechanically sound it was.....I liked the answers. The guy was VERY thorough. He just had the U-joints replaced, all filters changed, oil changed, 4 new all-terrain 315's put on and a front end alignment done. The only things wrong with the truck are the drivers door lock can't be unlocked from the outside and the Parking Brake doesn't work. He said that the door lock linkage is loose in the door. I figure this is a simple fix. The same with the parking brake. Simple. He said that the flywheel rattles some (said it's a 2-piece and when he worked at Ford when these trucks were new that most of them started rattling at low mileage and never caused a problem) So what are some other questions regarding the 7.3 that I should ask before driving 200 miles to see it? I'm taking money with me, cause if I like it and it turns out like it has been represented- I'm bringin' it home with me. I have had friends with 7.3's....their's were very dependable. One had 510,000 miles when he sold it (and it's still on the road) and another friend had 280,000 miles on his when he sold it. Only reason he sold it was that he was going to college and a car would be easier to park. This same friend has just bought another 7.3 with 150,000 miles and it is a BEAST! I feel confident that if this truck doesn't smoke and doesn't have any extra rattles or knocks.....I should be able to get another 100,000 or so out of it. I see them advertised around here all the time with 300,000+ and they still command a price. This one's KBB value is 11,300.00 The price is considerably less. Body is great, paint is great.....so what else do y'all think i need to ask about? Sorry it's so long...I just am a little excited and I am trying to make sure i don't do anything foolish. Thanks! Y'all take care!! Preston

 

Here's a pic of the truck...

 

i think one reason those trucks probably lasted that long is because people dont beat on them as hard as they were built to be. im sure youve all seen those people who buy massive suv's and just use it as a daiy driver. it should be fairly obvious if that truck was actually a work truck. if it seems pretty clean for being 10 years old i wouldnt let the miles scare me. if its spent the last decade towing a boat or hauling a bed full of crap on a regular basis that might be a diffrent story. sorry i cant give you any specific help, i dont really know them too well.

good luck

 

Ask Dan for all matters Diesel......he knows all about that!!!!!!

 

I have a 2000 F250 SD 4x4 7.3 diesel and the only thing I have had happen it the cam position sensor went out at about 60,000. Currently have 117,000 on it and it is my only mode of transportation at the moment.
Robert

 

FTE is a great site for the Ford truck site! Ford Truck Enthusiast.

I heard a lot of guys carry a spare cam sensor in the glove box.

 

Preston
I am on my second 7.3 Powerstroke. Had a 2000 and now a 2003. They are great engines. And yes carry a spare Camshaft Position Sensor and a small socket set.
Check out
www.powerstrokeshop.com for parts

www.thedieselstop.com Good Forum

1997 was an extended model year due to the release of the Super Duty for 1999. Although it looks great, check for rust repairs in the bed above the wheel-wells and the lower section of the extended cab as well as the lower half of the doors.

 

Preston, if you get it, make sure you have the stepp ladder mounted securely wouldn't want you to fall from that height

 

Yep I need to do that too....my first one was under warranty...even the tow was covered. Just went to the dealer to get the ABS code read...came on the week of the gathering.....since they close at noon I told them I would come back next saturday.
Robert

 

Price has dropped a lot on the Camshaft Position sensors. I paid $80 for the last one I bought now they are $15.29 at the www.powerstrokeshop.com

 

What kind of mileage do these trucks get? What about with pulling a car and trailer? I've been thinking about getting one in the near future too...most likely used.

 

I have a 7.3 Crew Cab shortbed 4x4 and I got 18 towing my Maverick to Elizabethtown Kentucky for the Gathering. Around town I get 16, all highway without a load 22.
With Exhaust and a cold air kit I think I can get more mileage as well as more power.

 

I get 15.3 according to my onboard computer, it doesn't go up or down either loaded or empty. I can get 400 miles on a tank...think it has about a 29 gal tank, when it is close to empty I can put about 26 gal in it....doing the math it is 15.3 and I haven't done anything to the truck....looking at chipping it and adding the air and 4" turbo / exhaust pipes on it.
Robert

 

That's kinda what I was expecting...thanks

Hey...do they make a Hybrid Diesel yet???

 

UPS is experminting with some in their delivery trucks. You can always burn biodiesel in it! Or use veggie oil and smell like french fries all the time!