Looking for USED F-350 - Which year/engine/model is best?

[MossflowerWoods]

Guys,

As much as I hate to say it, my good looking and running 2001 2WD F-150 is not going to cut it. I just passed 100K on it too...

My only choice will be used, and in fact I will need a good deal so I will be looking for a while. But I need to know how to recognize a great truck when it appears.

Also, I am a Ford guy. Nothing personal, no bashing, but I will not buy another brand (maybe a sweet 1970 chev :thumbsup: but that is for show, not for tow). Sorry, it is just the way I am wired.

I want to be able to tow my tractor and a horse trailer with a couple horses.

I NEED 4x4 and 4-door at a minimum.

I WANT to be able to drive it and park it if I need to for work which is a LONG 60 to 75 mile one way commute with some of the worst traffic in the USA (I-95N from VA into DC) and into dense parking lots or airport lots etc.

I think I want Diesel, but I'm not sure. I think I'd prefer SRW and I'm fine with less than an 8' bed, but I think I want to pull gooseneck trailers. So...

I'm also pretty sure this list means I am totally insane, crazy, etc...

So... is it a 2006 with 6.7? is it a 1989 with 7.3? Gas or Diesel???

Please give me some guidance so when I start looking I will know what is worth buying, and more importantly, what to avoid buying.

Thanks in advance,
David

 

[chrisdvorak]

I was going through the same thing you are now about a month ago, I ended up buying a 2002 f-350 with a 5.4 liter gas engine in it. needless to say It has been a good truck but if I could do It over my next truck would certainly have the 7.3 liter diesel in it, I just could not find one in my area for a decent price when I was looking. personally I would not buy a 6.0 liter diesel but thats just my opinion.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Chris,

I have the 5.4 gas in my 2001 F-150. It is a solid motor, but with only 265 HP I'm not sure I can imagine towing a really heavy load with it.

How does it do?
David

 

[Case485Guy]

The 6.0, you either get a good one or a bad one....Personally I would stay away.
6.7 in stock form is a fuel hog, have read with the performance adders/chips fuel mileage can be increased. The only one I have experience with was 3/4 ton we had at work...average 14 mpg and loaded down with 5k on traler would drop to single digits mpg. Its a powerhouse though
7.3 powerstrokes- hard to beat, injectors aint cheap for any powerstroke.
7.3 idi turbo- one of my favorites, not near the power of the above mentioned
but cheaper parts and can get the job done.
7.3 IDI N/A- run forever, cheap parts, low on towing power, but it will get the job done, just expect to keep your foot on the floor all day.

Be sure to checkout the new 6.2 gas truck, drove a company truck to Williston N. Dakota a couple weekends ago, it was a team driver deal. We left Corpus 5:30 friday afternoon and were back Monday morning @ 2am. Truck averaged 15 mpg and we were running hard. Have drivin it on normal trips and hit high 16mpg to best of 17. Hauled a crewcab ford on a trailer with it and average 11+ mpg. I have always been diesel guy, but after driving this truck.....thinking I want one.

 

[Diamondpilot]

As you know I have two 6.0's and never a day of issues with either. Better than I can say for my neighbors 07 Dmax that just got the Allison removed for the second time getting a input shaft seal fixed this time around.

I love my 06 F-350 SRW Diesel. Its a beast.

I would get a 05 or later F-350SRW truck. They had better steering, better front suspension, and the 6.0 was a good motor at that point but the early reputation still followed.

Chris

 

[schmism]

food for thought

If cash is an issue, (which it was for me) you can find an E350 van for about 1/3 of what the same truck goes for.

My E350 van tows my 10K equipment trailer just fine with the large V8 and a WD hitch.

They also sell a diesel version.

My 12 pass van that was used by a church was MUCH better cared for than the standard panel van used by most utility/contractors.

The down side is it only gets about 15mpg round town (i hear the diesel guys can get 20) but i suppose thats no worse than the gas pickups of the same size.

 

[Fixemall]

That is a tall order but doable in this economy, many guys are looking to downgrade their trucks to a lower payment. I would hit up a few dealers to get the word out and when you find one I would get a complete warranty history printout as well as a car fax. I am also a fan of the 7.3 as long as it was serviced properly and not hammered too bad.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

As you know I have two 6.0's and never a day of issues with either. Better than I can say for my neighbors 07 Dmax that just got the Allison removed for the second time getting a input shaft seal fixed this time around.

I love my 06 F-350 SRW Diesel. Its a beast.

I would get a 05 or later F-350SRW truck. They had better steering, better front suspension, and the 6.0 was a good motor at that point but the early reputation still followed.

Chris

Chris,

05-06 was what I was hoping for. New enough to be in decent shape, old enough to maybe have a reasonable price.

Thanks,
David

 

[Professor Marvel]

Just wondering what you consider a reasonable price. I am always looking and verrry rarely find a reasonable price and a decent truck like you describe in the same add. Another thing to consider, 2 of my associates bought diesels at a reasonable price that had "minor" issues. They both spent as much or more than they paid for the truck to get them fixed. They both work great now but spending a little more than you want might be more economic in the long run. Good luck in your efforts. Persistence may work for you.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Just wondering what you consider a reasonable price. I am always looking and verrry rarely find a reasonable price and a decent truck like you describe in the same add. Another thing to consider, 2 of my associates bought diesels at a reasonable price that had "minor" issues. They both spent as much or more than they paid for the truck to get them fixed. They both work great now but spending a little more than you want might be more economic in the long run. Good luck in your efforts. Persistence may work for you.

Prof,

I do not have a price idea yet. First I need to determine what I am looking for, then I will see what that means in price and availability.

I need to study the market. I tend to spend more, not get the cheapest I can find, so I agree I will MUCH RATHER take a higher priced, no known issues truck vs a cheaper one that "needs lovin"...

But I had no target (Aim at nothing and hit it every time).

Now I am beginning to gain target resolution.

Thanks,
David

 

[Soundguy]

If it was me.. get a 94.5 7.3 psd.. that engine goes to about 2003.5

rev to 94.5 was a turbo 7.3.. basically the NA 7.3 from 90-93.5 with a turbo stuck on..

I like the 7.3psd. I have a 99 f450 drw with a custom towing bed.. 5th wheel or GN, extra fuel tank, scoop on roof and tool boxes.. 2wd 4 dr. 4.88 rear. pulls great.. don't go over 72 on the interstate though.

I loved the truck so much that I got rid of my 'daily driver' 98 dodge 1500 w/ 360 gasser to get a 99 f 350 drw 4wd, 4 dr, long bed also with the 7.3 psd.

at work I drive a 04 f250 with 6.0psd. has been a good truck. some early models gave them a bad name.. etc.

i went DRW because I like alot of rubber on t he ground and it feels better for me when towing.. mor stable.. more traction..e tc. if you don't need the extra axle rating.. many like the SRW, like Chris above.. etc.

soundguy

 

[newbury]

A thread close to my wishes

<snip>

I want to be able to tow my tractor and a horse trailer with a couple horses.

I have been half heartedly trying to determine the regulations for towing in Virginia for years with no reliable answer. And I've started many threads here w/o a reliable definitive answer. I think it's up to the LEO.

The questions:
Can one legally tow a trailer and equipment package that weighs 4,000 lbs TOTAL with a trailer rated at 12,000 lbs and a vehicle rated at towing 10,000 lbs?

Can one legally tow the above if the truck tow rating is rated above 12,000 lbs?

One trailer dealer told me that ANY trailer RATED over 10,000lbs REQUIRED a CDL if you were only hauling your personal feather pillow and the trailer. I've tried calling the state and local police and they just passed me from phone to phone with no answer.

So one of the first questions to answer is what weight do you need to tow?

If you need to tow above 10,000 lbs you'll probably need a '99 or later F, maybe w/ manual transmission. I don't believe any of the vans pre '06 were RATED above 10,000 lbs.

I NEED 4x4 and 4-door at a minimum.

I WANT to be able to drive it and park it if I need to for work which is a LONG 60 to 75 mile one way commute with some of the worst traffic in the USA (I-95N from VA into DC) and into dense parking lots or airport lots etc.

Unless you like to walk don't get a dually if you can get by w/ a SRW. I can barely park my E350 most places now. At Dulles and National I routinely parked in what seemed like the next county.

I think I want Diesel, but I'm not sure. I think I'd prefer SRW and I'm fine with less than an 8' bed, but I think I want to pull gooseneck trailers. So...

I'm also pretty sure this list means I am totally insane, crazy, etc...

We both are, but I want DRW.

So... is it a 2006 with 6.7? is it a 1989 with 7.3? Gas or Diesel???

I'd say focus on a 2001-2003 7.3L SRW manual w/ < 150,000 miles, new plug, injectors, rebuilt front end, clear CARFAX, evidence of proper SCA level in the Norfolk area. They seem to pop up often around there as I suspect former govt. trucks. Should be able to get one private party for < $15K.

Good luck and keep us posted.

/edit - and if you are going for SRW there may not be much advantage for 350 vs 250.

Here's some tow ratings for the '99 (earliest data I have):
F-350 SD SRW 7.3 TD** 14,100a,d,g
F-350 SD DRW 7.3 TD** 13,800a,d/e,g
F-350 4WD SD SRW 7.3 TD** 13,700a,d,g
F-350 4WD SD DRW 7.3 TD** 13,400a,d/e,g
F-350 SD SRW 7.3 TD** 13,300a,d,g
F-350 4WD SD SRW 7.3 TD** 12,900a,d,g
F-350 SD DRW 7.3 TD** 12,900a,d/e,g
F-350 4WD SD DRW 7.3 TD** 12,500a,d/e,g
aRequires automatic transmission and towing package.
bRequires 3.31:1 axle ratio.
cRequires 3.55:1 axle ratio.
dRequires 3.73:1 axle ratio.
eRequires 3.98/4.09/4.10:1 axle ratio.
fManual transmission.
gFifth-wheel towing.
hAutomatic transmission.
iMust be equipped with heavy-duty towing package.
jRequires automatic transmission cooler.
kRequires 16-inch rims.
lAutomatic rated slightly lower.
mRequires 17-inch wheel option.
nRequires 3.27:1 axle ratio.
oRequires 4.30:1 axle ratio.
pRequires 4.88:1 axle ratio.
qRequires 5.38:1 axle ratio.
rNGV = natural gas fueled vehicle

and I found a Ford pub on the web for the 2003 7.3 liter and it rated the 7.3 at 12,500 lbs for all configs except the 350 DRW 4x4 which was 12,400 lbs.

 

[Duffster]

The questions:

Can one legally tow a trailer and equipment package that weighs 4,000 lbs TOTAL with a trailer rated at 12,000 lbs and a vehicle rated at towing 10,000 lbs?

Yes.

Can one legally tow the above if the truck tow rating is rated above 12,000 lbs?

Yes.

One trailer dealer told me that ANY trailer RATED over 10,000lbs REQUIRED a CDL if you were only hauling your personal feather pillow and the trailer.

That trailer dealer is a dope.

 

[Rustyiron]

Here we go again! Trlr. rating vs. trlr. gross wt. The dealer prolly meant towing over 10,000 lbs (load + trlr) DOES require a CDL, but he might be right? Not sure about a "RV" trlr. I believe that they are exemp just like motorhomes.
I know that it is hard to get a straight answer from a LEO. Go to the state MVA for a CDL booklet. It's all in black and white in there.

 

[DP Property]

I really love my 2006 F350 crew cab 6.0 but I have had some issues however Ford made good and took care of them all under warranty. check any maintenance records if you find one of these. One the oil pans leak in front of the rear main seal common on all of the 05 and 06 models they had a bad gasket design. The only way to fix this problem is to pull the entire engine out big job but good Ford diesel mechanics do it all the time. When they pull the motor out it is good practice to replace the head gasket with a new one and a head stud kit made by American Racing. The replacement head stud kit is for some reason stronger then the Ford stock ones. The Ford head studs have a habit of breaking for some reason there weak. Another problem with the 6.0 is the engine oil cooler cools the oil and antifreeze run through the unit but they are separate. If the oil cooler goes then you get oil in your antifreeze not good. There is aftermarket oil coolers that are better then the Ford stock one. See if it had had an oil cooler replaced in maintenance records. If it has not it is a sure thing you will be faced with this sooner or later as it is a very common 6.0 problem. The 06 seems to be worse for the oil cooler problem then the 05 but the 05 seems to be worse for head gaskets blowing. If you find a 6.0 that has had the head gasket upgrade and a new oil cooler installed and the oil pan gasket issue fixed I would not hesitate as the 6.0 I think is a great engine. If you find one with no maintenance records of any of this work being done I would stay away from it as these things are common on most all of them. My motor has been all done by Fords and these issues were all addressed under warranty. Fords put about 10 thousand dollars warranty work into my truck. The problem is guys who don't have warranty left on there truck to fix these common issues with the power stroke 6.0 are now wanting to sell there trucks because lets face it who wants to put thousands into repairs. So if you find a deal on one of these trucks do your homework ask for maintenance and warranty repair records if these were done and it is a good deal I would not hesitate if there is no records of any of these things being done I would run away as fast as you can.

 

[DP Property]

As you know I have two 6.0's and never a day of issues with either. Better than I can say for my neighbors 07 Dmax that just got the Allison removed for the second time getting a input shaft seal fixed this time around.

I love my 06 F-350 SRW Diesel. Its a beast.

I would get a 05 or later F-350SRW truck. They had better steering, better front suspension, and the 6.0 was a good motor at that point but the early reputation still followed.

Chris

I am with Chris on this one I think the 6.0 is a good motor just needed a few things sorted out. Mine runs beautiful now!

 

[me0418840987]

Long as fuel mileage is not a Huge concern, I am related to a mason who punishes his 97 350 every day. 460 auto 4x4. Almost 300,000 miles. Usually has a 700 series bobcat, scaffold, and 300 gallons of water on the trailer behind it,(bumper pull) and a yard of sand on the back. Just replaced the right hub, and trans at 275,000 miles. Maintenance has never been his thing, and I know for a fact, he never services his trans regularly, and oil changes come whenever, sometimes not for 10,000 miles-makes me cringe, but his truck must like him.

 

[PapaPerk]

If it HAD to be a Ford I would only buy something with the 7.3 Diesel.

But if it were me I would look at a Chevy DMaxx or Dodge Cummins... anything but Ford Diesel!

U sure you wanna commute in a 3/4 ton or 1 ton work truck everyday?

 

[PapaPerk]

I am with Chris on this one I think the 6.0 is a good motor just needed a few things sorted out. Mine runs beautiful now!

I would avoid a Ford 6.0 like the plagued! :ashamed:

Glad your's is working well though. :thumbsup:

 

[PapaPerk]

I really love my 2006 F350 crew cab 6.0 but I have had some issues however Ford made good and took care of them all under warranty. check any maintenance records if you find one of these. One the oil pans leak in front of the rear main seal common on all of the 05 and 06 models they had a bad gasket design. The only way to fix this problem is to pull the entire engine out big job but good Ford diesel mechanics do it all the time. When they pull the motor out it is good practice to replace the head gasket with a new one and a head stud kit made by American Racing. The replacement head stud kit is for some reason stronger then the Ford stock ones. The Ford head studs have a habit of breaking for some reason there weak. Another problem with the 6.0 is the engine oil cooler cools the oil and antifreeze run through the unit but they are separate. If the oil cooler goes then you get oil in your antifreeze not good. There is aftermarket oil coolers that are better then the Ford stock one. See if it had had an oil cooler replaced in maintenance records. If it has not it is a sure thing you will be faced with this sooner or later as it is a very common 6.0 problem. The 06 seems to be worse for the oil cooler problem then the 05 but the 05 seems to be worse for head gaskets blowing. If you find a 6.0 that has had the head gasket upgrade and a new oil cooler installed and the oil pan gasket issue fixed I would not hesitate as the 6.0 I think is a great engine. If you find one with no maintenance records of any of this work being done I would stay away from it as these things are common on most all of them. My motor has been all done by Fords and these issues were all addressed under warranty. Fords put about 10 thousand dollars warranty work into my truck. The problem is guys who don't have warranty left on there truck to fix these common issues with the power stroke 6.0 are now wanting to sell there trucks because lets face it who wants to put thousands into repairs. So if you find a deal on one of these trucks do your homework ask for maintenance and warranty repair records if these were done and it is a good deal I would not hesitate if there is no records of any of these things being done I would run away as fast as you can.

I rest my case. Is it worth all this hassle and trips to the dealer? The darn thing just needs to run! It takes time and money to visit the "stealership" everytime Ford learns of another F.U.B.A.R. with their 6.0 diesel experiment. Even if they do pay to fix it. Just my humble opinion of course... :laughing: