[Bladestorm]

I'm going to be taking a look at a 2003 F350 ext-cab 7.3 PSD, auto, short box with 120k miles. The guy is asking $19k for it and has done several mods including 4" lift, chip, intake, exhaust, ect. Does that sound like a decent price, and what should I look out for on the test drive? I have limited experience with diesels, and this would be my first one.

Thanks

 

[Pwrstk95]

03's are notorious for bad muffler bearings /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[NCHornet]

If he doesn't have a EGT gauge and ran a chip I would run away fast!!! I would pull the intake and look for damage to the turbo fan, any chips or rounded edges it means it has inhaled dirt. If you see a K&N drop in filter in the air box, run away too, these have been known to dust many diesels. You do know a lifted truck kills milage right? To be perfectly honest I have a double standard. If I was looking for a truck I would look for a totally stock truck, if you buy one with all the mods done and a chip you are gambling the previous owner did things the right way and didn't abuse the power. However anybody who would find themselves buying my truck (it's not for sale) would be a very lucky man, see what I mean about a double standard. If you are not sure about diesels have it checked out by a good diesel tech and of course I would check for any stored codes.
Good Luck

 

[Bladestorm]

I'll make sure to check for an EGT gauge. I feel really uneasy asking a complete stranger if I can remove his intake, but I suppose it needs to be done. Theres a 5th wheel camper in the back round of the pictures the guy posted. Does that tell me anything? Here's a word for word (including bad spelling/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif) paste of an email the guy sent me,

the truck is a sport package but not an FX4 . it has no rust at all. As you can see in the pictures it has a 4" lift, 31" tires new, step bars, bed rails, chrome mud flaps, push guard, louvers, tunal cover, it is very clean. it also has a hyper chip in it, duel 5" exhaust, and the K-N air filter system in it. power windows, locks, seat. the only way to really get a fell for it is to come look and drive it.

 

[MaineF250]

I wouldn't feel strange about asking a stranger to remove the intake...If you're gonna drop 19k on a truck you had better make sure you're not gonna have to put a 1300$ turbo or a 6000$ engine in it after you buy it.

I pulled the intake on the '99 I have now the day I test drove it and the guy thought I was nuts, but at least he knew he couldn't pull the wool over my eyes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Long story short, two weeks after I bought it I took it from Maine to Montana and it drove great. I love my soopty-duty /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif

Good luck - Josh

 

[NCHornet]

The K&N intake system is ok, it is the drop in filter that is really bad. The Hypertech may have a built in EGT gauge, now the chance you take is if he watched it. The lift is not huge nor are the tires, just realize the chance you are taking on a modified truck. On the other hand $19k sounds like a good price for what these things are selling for around here anyway.