New (to me) F250 4x4 7.3L Diesel

[big_john]

Putting deposit on it tomorrow. My only concern is the LONGBED!! I presume that it will provide additional security while towing on the highway. Note that the truck is as LONG as my AS!!! Tongue + Bumper not included.

I have been driving, searching and taking trucks to various shops across the SE USA and this appears to be the best value I can find - just a bit worried about the long bed. The only repairs it needs are new upper and lower ball joints - pretty normal for a 170k work truck.

Let me know what you think - I guess I'm asking the forum to talk me out of it. I figure this truck is man enough to tow my next AS if we ever decide to go bigger.

Cars for Sale: 2002 Ford F250 4x4 Crew Cab Lariat in Shelbyville, TN 37160: Truck Details - 273892297 - AutoTrader.com

[bizetwo]

Hi,
I have a 2002 F-350 PSD. Make sure he has had the recalls done. The ball joints etc. will cost about $1,200.00. If the hubs are good if not the cost will be more. The plastic expansion tank for the radiator, cracks at the seam. Other than that its a fine truck.
Louis

[2airishuman]

long bed = good!

love the long bed, love the wheel base.

the major issue in terms of maneuverability are the leaf spring at the front and related suspension bits.

ford went to a NEW front suspension n 05 (based on an older design)

and with coils springs added made the turning circle MUCH smaller.

that red truck looks like a find!

cheers
2air'

[big_john]

Yeah - this one is a done deal. Replacing all FOUR of the front ball joints (upper and lower) AND the water pump + alignment = $1k though I did get him down on the price a bit.

All in all I am VERY satisfied with the truck and its price/value. Best I could find in a BUNCH of searching.

Its maiden voyage will be down to GULF SHORES, AL during the week of April 5-12.

Let me know if any forumers will be down there and we'll have a corktail!

[Happycampers]

That is a nice looking truck. Go for it. I wish I had my 7.3 back I am going to have to spend about 5,000.00 on the one I have now. You will get used to the long bed look at it this way, it is only 2 ft. longer than a short bed that is like driving your short bed around with the tail gate open.

Marvin

[2airishuman]

also the long wb/long bed crewcabs...

RIDE much better on the open roads, with or without the trailer.

having test drove dozens of these things and with every imaginable configuration...

the longest ones were the best rides, 2x4 a tad better than 4x4...

it's no mini cooper in urban zones, but out on the open road rides better than any other car i've owned.

have a good trip! think of ALL the kid's crap tha will fit in that sucka!

cheers
2air'

[big_john]

Oh yeah!!! Lotta junk in dat trunk!!

Thinking about just getting a lockable "tool" box for the back rather than spending all that dough on a top. Any suggestions?

Really, really looking forward to driving that one away next weekend.

[Coastalview]

Looks to be a nice deal. I love my 7.3 By far the best power plant that Ford put under the hood of these trucks.
Happy motoring or in this case stroking, with this baby!
Jeff

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by big_john

...Thinking about just getting a lockable "tool" box for the back rather than spending all that dough on a top. Any suggestions?...

i'm using a full height fiberglass shell,

but a hard tonneau cover is reported to improve mpg slightly...

and will keep loose items from FLYING out and wack'n the stream...

and bikes will fit UNDER them or a rack can be mounted on TOP of some of the hard tonneau models...

here's an abs version that will support a rack mounted on TOP...

http://www.tonneaucoversworld.com/un...r-classic.aspx

and these are some sort of alum frame/tarp and under 400$

and they make a full size OR tool box length...

Extang FullTilt Toolbox Tonneau Cover

i think they only come in black but the prices are 1/3 of a high end fiberglass tonneau.

cheers
2air'

[3 Dog Nite]

I gotta agree with 2air on the hard tonneau. Had 1 on my S-10 & loved it. It's lockable for securing generator & such. I had mounted some home made flip up brackets so cover could lock while open 2 " in back. Also had to install latches to padlock tailgate from inside. Made for safe yet secure generator use. I miss that litttle truck & coleman popup camper.

Ricky

[Airslide]

I think its 53 or 56 feet in total length....

Tows like a dream! 7.3 is a great engine..

Yours would definately be an upgrade from mine. I think you make a great decision.

Happy motoring..

Vinnie

[gmwelder86]

Looks good, only thing to look out for that I know of is the 7.3 likes to use crank position sensors and if you lose it, the truck wont run. My old mans got a 01 f350 just like that but white, great truck has had a couple little issues, the only large one is the trannies front seal will leak if it gets to hot.

[THEPILL]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

i'm using a full height fiberglass shell,

but a hard tonneau cover is reported to improve mpg slightly...

and will keep loose items from FLYING out and wack'n the stream...

and bikes will fit UNDER them or a rack can be mounted on TOP of some of the hard tonneau models...

here's an abs version that will support a rack mounted on TOP...

Original Undercover Hard Tonneau Cover

and these are some sort of alum frame/tarp and under 400$

and they make a full size OR tool box length...

Extang FullTilt Toolbox Tonneau Cover

i think they only come in black but the prices are 1/3 of a high end fiberglass tonneau.

cheers
2air'

Retrax. I have one, just installed. Worth every penny.

Powertrax electric retractable truck bed cover pickup bed cover tonneau cover

Shane

[Diesel1]

That is a good deal, drive it to Phoenix and sell it for $18K. 2001 had a little better sound deadening package,other than that you got the best truck Ford ever built! Adios, John

[Luckyducks]

You'll love the truck. I have a 2002 F250 2WD crewcab short bed with the 7.3. Runs great and tows great. As others mentioned, the truck needs the cam position sensor replaced (factory recall). The sensor should have already been replaced. Lots of power from that engine. The only other thing I've done in the 6 years that I've owned it (other than normal maintenance) is have the oil sending unit start leaking oil - the o ring gasket went bad.

I have the RollnLock bedcover. It locks so I can secure my generator and other things. If I bring bikes I usually travel with the cover open and have the bikes mounted upright in wheel blocks on a wood frame. The best option may be the shell like 2air has which allows bikes and everything in a huge garage-like space. What you get depends on your budget and how much stuff you have that you want protected from weather/theft.

[big_john]

Well....I actually did NOT buy this truck...but I did buy a different one! Pics posted in a new thread.

Thanks for the advice on the bed covers...We'll be checking those out this weekend.