Hey guys, Ive been thinking lately about buying/or atleast getting my parents 01 f250 long bed 7.3 powerstroke 4x4 and I was thinking what are some mods I can do that are cheapish?
Also what are some things I should do as foresight to any problems in the future of owning the truck, like mods that will help that exactly?
Lastly any tips or things I should look for when I inspect it next week?
Or any tips in general?

 

Well as far as foresight it cost about 100 dollars every oil . Diesel fuel is 4.25+ a gallon for highway fuel. And parts generally twice as much. They can cost thousands in repairs if you loose injectors or a turbo. And you 2 batteries to maintain and keeping it plugged In in the cold. But also they generally have mountains of longevity. Ive got 03 6.0 with 211 thousand miles. Ive replaced the FICM. All 8 injectors with 25% over factory . And the locking hubs. I have a buddy that has a 99 7.3 with 589 thousand miles and he abuses the tar outta his compared to me. But I can run laps around him. Ill also say this. Im looking to get a crew cab ford truck. And I haven't looked much at diesels

 

if you're a kid who mommy and daddy pay for everything go ahead and get it but I have enough credit and to say that you'll be spending 1500-2000 bucks a year just to keep it running bud. Just being honest with you. And if you start modding it out too much on a stock tranny you're asking for trouble.

 

No I'm not a spoiled brat like some kids are, that's why I said cheap mods. We all have a budget now a days. I just want something new to work on, not necessarily drive it daily. But I'll keep that in mind about too much mods and the stock tranny.

 

Diesel is a bit cheaper than that in my neck of the woods, but I'm glad I'm hearing two sides of the tale. I'd like to say again it's not going to be my daily driver. But I like hearing the pros and cons. Good lord that's a lot of miles! That's crazy! Yeah I guess ill have to make sure everything is up to shape before I give them an offer. Last time I drove it was last spring when I helped my step dad disc and land plane fields and it ran great, and since then they don't really drive it so it should be fine. I think there is over 200k miles on it but they always were up to date on oil and other misc maintenance. There haven't been any problems with it either. I'm mainly planning to use it for long trips, school and the occasional helping my friends get out of problems and when the farming season comes back around.

 

I'm getting an E350 this week from a buddy for scrap price. The motor needs a few things: oil intercooler, starter, glow plugs. Not much really but my friend isn't very handy with mechanics and just wants it gone. I'm not so much worried about the motor as the rest of the van, it has over 300k. The rear shocks have wallowed out the mounting holes, steering isn't very tight, needs brakes, we overheated the trany moving a boat to my yard, the list is long... I expect it is going to be another ongoing project like the rest of my high mileage vehicles. However, it fills a niche for me. It tows and holds more than my '87 F150, not as much as my '89 Peterbilt, but on the other hand a semi isn't exactly convenient for running errands.

 

I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Im gonna bet more then the oil cooler needs replaced.

 

I have an '02 4X4 F-250 Diesel Lariat with 200K on it. I still love it. It does cost a lot to maintain. It's my work horse. I pull a 5K trailer and sometimes have a 1.5K load in the bed. It always seems to cost $1K every time I go for service. ex.: this week oil change and check a small leak around thermostat. Fix: replace t-stat and change oil, no problem.... one seized bolt broke off, now need to replace water pump. $1K Oh, and I'm also needing tires soon. Guess how much that is?

 

one stupid kid that i know has a 1997 Ford F-250 with the 7.3 it has 120K miles on it and he never starts it right what will brake if he doesn't start it right? hes had the fuel pump replaced along with breaking off the glow plugs and having the heads rebuilt and new injectors and one day he came flying in and put it in reverse and the back end started jumping ( breaking teeth on the reverse gear im guessing )

 

I have a 99 f250 crew 4x4 w/147,000mi.,man.trans.,I am on my 3rd clutch,just had the transmission rebuilt(that was a surprise)carrier bearing,pinion brg.,and ball joints replaced.I personally replaced the fan clutch and water pump which was pretty easy.A novice can usually do his own work on these unlike the newer ones.I have never replaced any injectors or glow plugs or g/p relay and find that overall this truck is bulletproof as advertised,I get 18-19 mpg on highway and has not cost me anymore than any other average Ford.Very pleased.I also hear that 7.3s are in high demand because of their dependability and ease of maintenence compared to newer powerstrokes.