My 1999 F-150 got the 5.4 engine trashed so I sold it and I am now in the look out for a Superduty Diesel 4x4. I already found a couple good candidates, but I have a couple questions for you guys. I know that 100K or 300K miles are good on the diesel engine, but what about the trans???

Also I would like to know if there's any particular engine/tranny or diff ratio combo or vin number that I should avoid. I'm looking for a superduty on the 1999-2003 year range 4x4 diesel.

 

Yes, do not buy an early 6.0. I believe all diesel automatics in that year range are 4R100's.

 

They are usually pretty good. I do recommend a manual transmission, but the auto isn't bad either.

I'd recommend getting a 3.73 or possible a 4.10 rear axle.

Of course 4x4. Anywhere between 100k to 300k is fine, just make sure it was taken care of, and find out what it was used for. Generally, I'd say stay away from company-used trucks, because you never knew who was behind the wheel, and you don't know where it's been, what it was put through, etc.

I've been looking for a good deal on one too, and I don't like the 6.0l or that new 6.4l TD. So it only leaves me with a 1999-2003 range diesel. But I might go buy a Dodge 2500 with a 24 valve 5.9l Cummins in that nearly same range.

It's tough to buy a good truck, and the newer engines don't seem to live up to the standards of the older ones.

 

I think the reason the new diesels are having issues is due to the tighter emissions standards. The old 7.3 was a winner.

You might want to look around the F-250/Super Duty/Diesel forum - a bit farther down the page.

 

The 5.9 straight six is hard to beat, especially the 12 valve. U can get more power out of the mechanical 12 valve than the 24. I believe 2001 was the last year they made it. If you ever look into all around diesel competitions (combinations of speed, pulling, and mpg) the winners are usually 12 valve cummins. IMO that is the best looking dodge too. The only issue with this is that there is more to the truck than the engine, and the dodge truck will not live up to your expectations , though a cummins engine will far exceed them.

 

My first candidate is a 2002 F-350 4X4 Single wheel 7.3L Auto with 102K miles. I'll let you know later what the deal is.

Thank you very much guys........