What should i be aware of when looking for a used late 90's early 2000's 7.3L Ford F350 PS deisel w/150-200K?

Question

have decided on my Tow Vehicle. After much research and factoring in amount of and distance of towing a large 5th wheel. My budget allows for a truck in the $6-8,000 range with $2-4,000 in mods and updates. This led me to 1997-2002 Ford F350 7.3L Turbo PSD Supercab with 150-200,000 miles.. Now the search begins... What should I be looking out for when looking at used deisels? I know that they are vulnerable to poor maintenance of cooling and air systems. But how can i recognize damage to block and turbo? Are there ways to test these and can I hire someone to look at one and give an honest assesmant if i buy out of state? I plan on taking great care of this truck but dont want to get burned with a complete rebuild for a few years yet. Thanks

Answer 1

Check the vehicle over completely just like any high mileage vehicle, ask for maintenance records if possible. Be sure to remove the air intake tube from the inlet side of the turbo and inspect the impeller, these trucks are prone to dirt ingestion problems if not maintained properly. The impeller vanes should be straight and sharp, if they look like the have been damaged or the corners are rounded off do yourself a favor and find a different truck.

Answer 2

You're opening yourself up to boatloads of heartaches, here. You're not just looking at problems and breakdowns of the engine, but the entire truck. Suspension, transmission, transfer case (if 4x4), differential(s), u-joints, fuel systems, cooling systems, electrical, etc, etc. You'll have to look this thing over VERY carefully if you're going to depend on it to tow a 5th wheel.

You can hire a mechanic to look at the thing and give you an estimate of what it will need. My advice is to start with your friends. Who do they use? Who do they trust? What about your local BBB--what do they have to say? Dealership mechanics are, in my opinion, the most reliable. Talk to whoever you pick and let them know up front what you want. You don't necessarily want to fix this truck--you're just looking to buy it and want to know what kind of shape it's in. Tell your mechanic what you intend to do with the truck.

Do a LOT of research. Be VERY cautious in buying a high-mileage truck. It is possible to get a great truck for a great price. But you have to do a LOT of legwork.

Good luck and happy towing.