Possiblity buying a 2000 F250

[scubieman]

I maybe buying a 2000 F250. I was wondering of issues with this truck.

The ball joints have been replaced and one other thing up front on truck has been changed.

What do I look for when buying a diesel to make sure it's a good truck and not POS. Unsure if I will get service record or not. it has 167,000 miles on it.

Also why do fuel injectors go out?

How much does a fuel filter cost?

What's the first thing I should have looked at by a pro to make sure it's okay?

[bailer6334]

There are a couple of Ford Forums on the Internet. Look up Ford Forums and you will see several. I suggest you post these questions on them to get insight from past/present owners.

[great white]

The 7.3 is fairly widely accepted as the best powerstroke so far.

Lots of info here:

Ford Powerstroke 99-03 7.3L Forums - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

Fuel injectors go out from plain ol' wear and tear. Any high pressure Direct injected diesel injector replacement is going to be expensive (think: over $1000 at least)

If you don't know a lot about diesels, take the truck to a local diesel shop (not a garage) and pay them the 80 odd bucks to give it a good once over. It's money well spent even if you pass on the truck.....

[scubieman]

What you mean good once over?

How do I know a injector is going bad?

Can I just replace one?

Is this most common issue?

[great white]

Originally Posted by scubieman

What you mean good once over?

How do I know a injector is going bad?

Can I just replace one?

Is this most common issue?

Let me be a bit clearer:

Pay a diesel mechanic to look at it.

[scubieman]

I understand that. But if Im going down the road and something doesn't work well I guess. I am bringing it to a mechanic tomorrow.

[MightyMike]

You can also check out FTE website- Ford Truck Entusiasts. Lots of good info there, and a lot of Ford techs are on that site. I had a 2000 F250 sc sb 7.3 with 3:73 rear, 2wd. Used to pull a 13000 # fifth wheel with no issues. Only sold the truck cause we got a bigger fiver. I would think at 167,000 you will find some parts beginning to wear. As far as the ball joints, they were known for eating them in that model year. Think I had 3 sets of lowers and 2 sets of uppers in mine when I sold it, and that was with 90,000 miles.

[scubieman]

so changing ball joints see a continuing thing not just that ford installed bad ones at first.

What kind of things wearing out would I expect?

[MightyMike]

Not sure if that was a design problem or what. I replaced mine with lifetime warranty joints from NAPA, so all it ever cost me after the first time was my time. Might have something to do with that big hunk of steel sitting under the hood. That 7.3 sure has some weight to it. As far as parts, things are gonna wear with mileage. Brakes, shocks, suspension parts, they don't go forever. Not knowing how the previous owner took care of it, I think it's a good idea if you let a trained mechanic look at it. As noted above, I would definetly get someone who is familiar with the 7.3 diesel. i never had a n issue with mine, except the glow plug module kept burning out, but that's an easy fix and it only cost a couple of bucks. Hope you make out O.K., that is one good truck for towing. Mine never showed any signs of oil leaks, but about the time I was getting rid of it, it probably could have used some new gaskets.

[scubieman]

Thanks for response. I will for sure have someone look at it and eat their brain of knowledge. I just want the forum to help tell me information that is important but maybe missed.

[Sgt. Schultz]

Heck of a work horse truck with one of the best motors out there. not one of the friendliest if its going to double as a daily drive/commuter though. based on the age it will have the standard items to look for - cooling system crud, old fluids in the drive line & trans, watch for power steering pump issues often fixed by a flush but..., the 4r100 is a good tranny but has its quarks and if the engines has been modified could be running at its limit.
Some info at 2000 Powerstroke 7.3L Specifications | eHow.com
The best advise after "Pay a diesel mechanic to look at it." is make sure a diesel meets your needs
happy shopping

[crocus]

If you do buy the Ford, the first thing to do is rip out that restrictive exhaust and catalytic converter, and put a 4-inch straight pipe on it. My mileage jumped 20% with that single modification.

[MattV]

Most common issue on the 7.3L is the cam position sensor. Carry a spare, they're about $70 from the IH dealer. On the 4x4 trucks, the only other big one is the front wheel bearings. Good for about 85000 miles usually. It's a pressed sealed non-maintainable unit. Even if it fails, your front wheels wont come off, it just makes a horrible noise.

I had one for 5 years. Was very happy with it.

Definitely have someone who knows how and you can trust look it over.

[BigRed]

Why may I ask are you trading your 2005 GMC 1500 ??? I see you have a 2011 Cherokee. Are you having problems pulling ??? Seems your going backwards with your TV.

[crocus]

"Most common issue on the 7.3L is the cam position sensor. Carry a spare, they're about $70 from the IH dealer."
===============================
Indeed, mine went out last summer in the Black Hills, not a pleasant experience having your engine cut out while going uphill on a winding 2-lane!
But they are cheap. replaced that one with a Ford part for around $30, and got a spare from an auto parts store for a bit less.

[scubieman]

Originally Posted by BigRed

Why may I ask are you trading your 2005 GMC 1500 ??? I see you have a 2011 Cherokee. Are you having problems pulling ??? Seems your going backwards with your TV.

Cause my 1500 pulls like a girl.

But I may just hold off. We got a members only campground membership so I don't need to pull just enjoy

[BigRed]

With Gas/diesel prices heading threw the roof...........members only camp ground, smart move. Good luck !! Nice Camper !!

[scubieman]

You too big red