considering 93 Ford F350 4x4 diesel

[f3504x4D]

I am considering making a shift from a 93 f150 4x4 w extra cab, 5.8L to a 93 f350 Crew cab 4x4 w pre-PS diesel engine. it is an automatic tranny, but the cost is only $5,995. Tell me anything that I can use as a consideration. I love my 5.8 it has 350hp after a rebuild. Dont let anyone tell you that the speed density system is crap. I kept mine since I have the E4OD but I purchased the Mass Air conversion from Summit, and the engine guy TOLD me to send it back instead of just charging me to install something I couldn't use anyway!! I was told that the speed density system is good UP to 750 hp. will I ever need that kinda HP?? not in Seattle!! Anyway, the f350 has 102k mi on it. Obviously I will be taking it to the dealer for a thorough inspection but . . . anyone got one of these? Do ya like it? What are the pro's and con's?

[PSDfreak]

I dont have a ton of expirience with the 7.3 IDI but i can share with you a little. My neighbor has a '93 7.3 IDI F-250 converted dually. Its got 275,000 miles on it and it runs like a top. The only things he has done to it are a rebuilt tranny (E4OD), a set up Glow Plugs, and a Glow Plug Relay.

First and foremost I would want to test drive the truck in ALL conditions (First thing cold in the morning, Fwy Speed, around town) give it the full range of driving because some problems can be found only under certain conditions. Look for things like excessive smoke, especially white/blue smoke when the motor is warm.

[perryg114]

Well you will miss the HP with the IDI but the IDI will run a long time if taken care of. If you don't need the extra payload capacity you might be good keeping what you have. If all you want is a daily driver that never pulls or hauls heavy loads you are going to wish you had kept your present truck. If you want to pull heavy loads and haul tons of stuff in the bed you should buy the F350. The biggest problem with the 7.3l IDI is the cavitation issue which usually occurs on high miliage or poorly taken care of engines. I would check the IDI for SCA (supplemental coolant additive)which helps prevent the cavitation problem. You can get some test strips to test for this. Also what is the miliage on the truck?

Perry

[FordCummins1]

Cavitation or pitting of the cylinder walls are a big concern. Ball Joints seem to wear out at the 100,000 mile mark.

Let me know if you don't buy it - I would like another one to drop a Cummins into.