Guys, got a friend of mine who is selling his 03 F350 for $16k. It's a really nice truck and he has taken very good care of it. In fact back in October he dropped $7k into it to replace the heads, injectors and various other parts to fix all of the issues these motors had (it is the PowerStroke). I'm really interested in the truck, but I've never owned or had experience in the diesel industry. What are some of your takes, would you do it? I currently have a 98 F150 that runs strong but the body is starting to rust in a few places. His truck has 144,600 miles.

 

It's up to you but I personally love a diesel. Going from my f1 to dads f250 power stroke is like night and day. So much more power, turns lower rpms, sounds way better, and can haul *** while only doing 25k rpms and pulls way harder

 

Depends somewhat on the engine it has. 2003 was a split year for the SD's. Early '03 has a 7.3 and late has the 6.0
Each engine is good, the 7.3's are bulletproof. The 6.0 will outrun a 7.3, however, when you begin to put some programmers on a 6.0 there may be complications. They've had head and EGR cooler issues. Sounds like he has already addressed them. Drive it and have fun. For me I love the SD diesels.

I'd say go for it.

Can we get some Picts?

 

Here's a pic. Truck has the 6.0 and the EGR delete, it's the perfect setup for a programmer now. I'll hop on the computer later and post the Craigslist ad.

 

Here's the CL ad.

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/2975848321.html

 

All ford diesels are the power stroke haha. But as far as I know the 03 has a 7.3 diesel which is arguably the greatest engine ford ever built. It's reliable and strong. He has 380,000 on his.

***EDIT***
If it has the 6.0 I'd say no go

 

I'd get it even with the 6.leaker, buuuut I wouldn't mod it farther than gauges, intake, and exhaust. Don't want to pull the pin on the grenade with a tune...

Any tranny work? If its already got an upgraded TQ i I would be even more interested. If not kinda so-so.

 

No there are no tranny mods done. I probably wouldn't do a whole lot more to the truck, outside of the three mentioned above. It's going to be my daily driver. I just have zero experience with diesels so that would be the learning curve for me.

 

With head studs and egr delete it should be good to go. You can mod on that just don't go overboard

 

Keep it as close to stock as possible and be gentle when towing and you'll be fine. Straight pipe exhaust seems to have the best results but can be loud. No need to go beyond 4inch without mods. I've seen up to 30mpg with the old 7.3. Best I've seen from a 6.leaker is 24 mpg. They make good daily's. Good shocks will actually make them ride really smooth, good as in Bilsteins and what not. Add some soft sidewall tires like Open Countries or some Geolander's and they make great freeway cruisers.