I'm not sure where I've heard it, but it seems to me there were problems with a certain year grouping of Ford engines in the 6.0L range or something like that. Does anyone have the skinny or some info on which motors or year groups to stay away from? I'm shopping for a used 1999-2002 model F-250/350 preferably a 7.3L diesel; crew; shortbed; 4x4 and don't want to inherit a problem child.

How about tranny info for the same years?

I have a 6.0L and a 7.3L ... The 6.0 has been a headache but has incredible power and performance. In Contrary to what I have been told it does not get better fuel economy than my 7.3. I use Superchips programmers in both vehicles and tow frequently with both of them. I do all my own repairs and maintenance. You are in the right area looking for a 7.3L. I have 116,000 on my 2002 Excursion witht he 7.3 and have not had any engine problems whatsoever. No tranny problems either, but my friend who owns a tranny shop says that is mainly due to the Programmer that I use. Most of the problems witht his tranny are due to heavy hauling and or heat related issues. I use synthetic fluid in mine for that reason. I have done alot of research on both of these engines and even got my hands on the Ford training video series they use for there mechanics. If you have any other questions feel free to call me or message me. My number is 631-728-0286.

- Vinnie
MARINER'S COVE FOUNTAIN

Rick,

We just traded our 1997 F-350 in. Bought a 2004 F-350. The 97 had a transmission go bad at 35k. I asked the mechanic why. He said heat was the main factor. He told me to put an aftermarket trans cooler on to heat dissapate the heat. Chose to put two 18kGVW coolers on. Never had another problem. Will do the same to the new truck also. And keep up on the fluid/filter changes helps too.

I had a recall on the tranny in my 04 powerstroke. The tranny issue was not all the 04's, I think Troutly said it was ones made in March until June 04. I have 13,500 miles on it and no issues at all with the motor.

In my fleet I have a 97 350 power stroke. With 135,000 and i've never had a problem with it. It works hard and plows in the winter. I have an 04 250 gas and its been in the shop twice, go figure. I have 92 super duty it's on its 5th trans w/ 92k on it. I always blame the drivers.

Yup Troutly got it good there.

Thanks fella's. Good gouge. I'm gonna print off this page of posts and keep it handy while scanning around for a good buy.

While I'm at it, what are the advantages/disadvantages of the dually models besides more tires to replace and parking in tight spaces?

The 01 4r100 trans has a high failure rate of the 2nd gear sprag and outer race,it was a bad design,ford went back to the old style sprag and outer race in 02. There is a nice cooler out with a 45,000 lb gvw rating,my parts suplier claims it is oem on 03 and newer ford super duty's but i haven't had one come in with any problems yet where i could see,but i have sold quite a few of them for customers who have room in their front to mount it. It works so good that it has a thermostatic bypass valve to keep from over cooling trans in cold weather,Smitty

I have a 2002 F-250 Diesel (7.3) Crew Cab Short Box and 4x4 with 60k and I can't decide which I love more....my truck or my boat. I pull a 89' Formula 223LS and it moves it around like nothing. I don't know if you have ever had a diesel truck but when you go uphills towing instead of the transmission kicking up, like in a gas truck, the turbo winds up and you have plenty of power. If you treat that truck like most on this post treat their boats you will have it forever. (oil changes, tranny fluid change, routine maint) I would recommend a 2001 or 2002 7.3 because the engine had been around a while so most of the bugs had been worked out by then. Just my 2 cents

Also, I don't know what you have heard but for that truck I think an average of 16.0 mpg is about what your going to get on the highway. Some people say 18 - 20 and I think its B.S. I drive as gingerly as one can and 17 is about the most I can ever edge out of it. Just don't want you to be suckered in by some rogue numbers.

Thanks again fella's. More good gouge. zog02 I currently have a pretty stout 1994 F-150 5.8L with the Centurian package, and I only get 17mpg on the highway with it. About 11 or 12 towing in a mostly roley-poley landscape. I want the extra strength and a more updated "used" truck, but don't want to stumble into some mfr problems of a certain year group if i can avoid it.