Looking for a farm truck...

[Mike7.62]

If you're driving it little, the difference from gas to diesel might not be as important to you, so probably go with what's the best deal for YOU.

I learned a lot from the comments/responses to my last post on the older IDI's. I must have misread the HP numbers, after looking at Wikopedia I see the 6.9 was 170, and the 7.3 was 190 HP, but only 388 torque. The torque number is still surprising.

Terryknight

He has since had some exhaust issue repaired and has seen some improvement, and can take the same grade now at 45-55 MPH as opposed to 35 before, and EGT's are better. What are TTB's?

mo1
His IS a turbo model (factory), so where would we find out info on the pump timing, and/or upgraded one? Also who would carry an improved down pipe? Would the firewall have to be modified to fit it? Pretty sure he would like the extra power AND lower EGT's since he just added an Angler cab over camper to his truck.

The pump timing might be something he and I could NOT do, but definitely the down pipe is doable. How can you tell when it's a factory one, does it look badly ovaled?

Twin Traction Beams. Ford put them out instead of live front axles in the late 80's to early 90's. They used a negatively arched spring for the front end that usually sagged within 15,000 miles because of the weight of the motor. Changing to a McCoy spring remedied that problem for me. I still miss that truck.

 

[mo1]

If you're driving it little, the difference from gas to diesel might not be as important to you, so probably go with what's the best deal for YOU.

I learned a lot from the comments/responses to my last post on the older IDI's. I must have misread the HP numbers, after looking at Wikopedia I see the 6.9 was 170, and the 7.3 was 190 HP, but only 388 torque. The torque number is still surprising.

Terryknight

The power numbers the 7.3 IDI turbo made are underrated from the factory because of the impending 7.3 Power Stroke. There is a similar case with the 5.0 V8 in the current F-150s being under-rated in order to make the EcoBoost look better. At least that's what people who have dynoed the 5.0s say...

He has since had some exhaust issue repaired and has seen some improvement, and can take the same grade now at 45-55 MPH as opposed to 35 before, and EGT's are better. What are TTB's?

TTB = Twin Traction Beam, which is Dana's first-generation independent 4x4 suspension. It looks a lot like Ford's Twin I-Beam 2wd front but with a front diff and half-shafts. It was introduced in 1980 on all 4x4 F-series trucks. It was replaced with the solid-axle Dana 60 in the F-350s in 1985.5, replaced with the solid axle Dana 50 in the F-250 4x4s in 1999 with the Super Duty line's debut, and replaced in the F-150s in 1997 with a Chevy-style A-arm independent front.

mo1
His IS a turbo model (factory), so where would we find out info on the pump timing, and/or upgraded one?

Talk to a good diesel shop. There is a very specific tool to determine timing called a "ferret" that you'd need to time it, unless you time it "by ear" like many do. They'd be able to get you hooked up with a new injection pump too.

Also who would carry an improved down pipe?

Banks used to but as far as I can tell they're long since out of stock. I'd bet somebody on the ford-trucks dot com forum in the IDI section would be able to hook you up with one as well as a tuned-up injection pump. There are a lot of IDI enthusiasts over there.

Would the firewall have to be modified to fit it?

Most likely yes unless you do a body lift.

The pump timing might be something he and I could NOT do, but definitely the down pipe is doable. How can you tell when it's a factory one, does it look badly ovaled?

The stock down pipe is squished. It looks like it had been run over by the truck.

 

[Fallon]

You don't always get what you want... Looks like I got a V8 gas rather than my preferred diesel.

2005 F250 XL 4x4 automatic with 220k miles & a service body for $4,250.

Something on the drive train is a bit rough, I'm assuming I need to replace a front wheel bearing. Windshield has more crack than Charlie Sheen, A/C is nice & hot, front tires are toast, rears are a little ways behind. Other than that things are in pretty good shape. Cab was extremely dirty, but cleaned up reasonably well. The engine is nice & smooth, steering is a little sloppy, but way better than every other F250/350 I've test driven.

Probably dumping at least a grand into a new windshield, tires, spare keys & changing out all the fluids here ASAP.

We'll see how well the service body works out for me. I may end up trying to sell/trade it on craigslist or something & get a flatbed for it. The rack has a high likelihood of coming off sooner than later.

Pics or it didn't happen... Well I'm lazy at times & am just reusing the dealers photos they posted...

 

[TomSeller]

You don't always get what you want... Looks like I got a V8 gas rather than my preferred diesel.
2005 F250 XL 4x4 automatic with 220k miles & a service body for $4,250.

looks like a good value. Those Ford gas V8s run for a long time

 

[RollingsFarms]

Truck looks a whole lot better then the description you gave. I was surprised of how good the condition appears to be. I would leave that rack on, you'd be surprised how handy it would come in. I wish I could stumble across a deal like that, you did very well. Not sure if you realize just how well.

 

[paulharvey]

I think you did good. Looks good and 4x4.

 

[Rmart30]

Looks good ... and the utility bed will come in handy unless you are wanting to go gooseneck. The sides are usually too tall on them to use em for that but they are great for having everything you might need handy on them.