92 3500 or 90 350

[Diamondpilot]

Go with the Ford. This is from a GM guy.


The only issue I know of with the 7.3L is cavitation problems in the coolant passages. Ford has an additive that should be used to avoid these issues.

Do not forget the Cam Position Sensor. Not a big deal. Think its 2 10mm bolts and $50 but most guys who run 7.3's carry a extra one. I only had 1 go in my 99 7.3 and the replacement I got at Napa seemed to be much better made but I still carried another. Never needed it but early on guys would change them once a year.

That is coming from a Ford Guy!

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

I don't think they have made a "positive ground" vehicle since the 50's so you should be all right. To check the vehicle your looking at just look at the battery cables. If the red "positive" cable goes to the alternator and fuse box then it's negative ground. If that red "positive" cable goes to a ground on the truck frame then it's a "positive ground".

I'm quite awae of what a positive ground battery setup is.. I have 15 antique tractors from the 40's theru the 70's.. just about 85% of them are 6v and positive ground.

What I was refering to was a warning I saw on some brake controller paperwork saying some brake switch setups are not compatible.. and to be aware of it. Iw as trying to determine .. well.. how to determine if one was compatible or not.

i understand the brake sense line will also be powered via the controller to turn on the vehicles brak lamps if you hit the panic button on the controller.. etc..

soundguy

 

[JESSE1]

Do not forget the Cam Position Sensor. Not a big deal. Think its 2 10mm bolts and $50 but most guys who run 7.3's carry a extra one. I only had 1 go in my 99 7.3 and the replacement I got at Napa seemed to be much better made but I still carried another. Never needed it but early on guys would change them once a year.

That is coming from a Ford Guy!

Chris

I don't think this engine has a CPS. If it's a '90 it won't have a Powerstroke, it'll be an IDI 7.3 NA with a mechanical fuel injector pump.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I don't think this engine has a CPS. If it's a '90 it won't have a Powerstroke, it'll be an IDI 7.3 NA with a mechanical fuel injector pump.

Good point. I think 7.3 I think PowerStroke. I forget some times the IDI 7.3 and 6.9 came first.

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

is 5500 too much for the 90 f350 with a bed topper and good paint? any comments appreciated... havn't priced trucks in quite a few years.. my dodge is a 98 ?

soundguy

 

[JESSE1]

I think I'd try to get them down a little more. You don't know the condition of the trans or rear axle. It winds up being how bad you want it and how bad they want to sell it. I had an '89 F-350 dually regular cab. It was a good truck, the 7.3 is low on power compared to the new engines but it's dead reliable and much easier to repair.

 

[flusher]

is 5500 too much for the 90 f350 with a bed topper and good paint? any comments appreciated... havn't priced trucks in quite a few years.. my dodge is a 98 ?

soundguy

SG:
Here's what the diesel truck guy in Roseville wants for a roughly comparable F350

Car Systems Inventory Detail

It's a manual tranny instead of an automatic.
I'd say he'd probably go for $6K on that truck.

Hope this helps

 

[Dmace]

Maybe it's a regional thing but I think $5500 is a little steep for a 20yr old truck even in good shape. If it were closer to $4000 then it would be more in line around here.

 

[Soundguy]

i'm in no rush to buy so I don't have any pressure.

thanks for the info so far.

strange deal down here with teh 1 tons. you can find used ones as old as 06 on most big dealer lots. as old as o4 on most secondary dealer lots... then nothing untill you are in the 90's big gap from like 92-03 guess all those are still privately owned

The rare 99 or 01 I see almost always end up having some huge flaw .. or are a manual trans which I'm not looking for.

the 04 and newer ones are just to spendy for what I want to use them for.. will probably keep looking. the f350 was more and 5500 was what it was negotiated down to.. he won't budge lower.

the 92 chevy 3500 is less.. like 3500 or so.. but from what I've heard here.. it's not a good option to buy...

soundguy

 

[Dmace]

Here is another nice looking 90 Ford F350 in Florida. I am not sure how far from you it is but it looks in nice shape. 1990 F-350 CREW CAB DIESEL

Also, don't be afraid to look for a Dodge Ram of that era. It had the best diesel available and even though it was the older style, it still was a good truck.