Sinking Creek 4WD Association

I have a shot at a 1999 F-350 with it's title stuck in legal purgatory for really cheap. Chances are pretty high that my uncle and his lawyer can sort out the title, so I'm running on the assumption that I'd be fixing and driving it...but parting it might also happen.

So, a few questions: 80,500 miles, bad transmission (auto), no keys. Once I get a title (if I get a title) I can get keys cut at the dealership.

Prior to that...is there anyway to see about the condition of the engine or figure out whether I'm needing a new tranny or not, so on and so forth?

I've got free access to the truck and it is unlocked and I can pull/test/break parts as I please, regardless of the title, so if the quick answer is "jam a screwdriver in this hole while holding a wire between these two points" then I'm fine with that.

Assuming I can't get a title, would it be worth parting? 7.3L of unknown condition, but 80,500 on odometer, lifted unknown amount using unknown kit, but I'd guess at least 6-8", body is good, interior is cloth, but clean...

In general any nuggets of advice or things that might be helpful in this situation would be appreciated. Pretty much decided I'm going to go for it, but if someone wants to tell me why I potentially shouldn't, then feel free.

Also, sources for cheaper, but quality transmissions, or ideally sources for swapping in a 6spd would be great.

is it DRW? would make a great tow rig sans the lift. I'd say the engine is most likely fine, the 4R100 transmission is known for taking a dump under hard use/ abuse. I know that they can be rebuilt to be pretty darn tough, but it takes about $3k to get there.

my $.02

7.3 is a good motor, I would guess that its still in decent shape after only 80K. Does it have the PSD badge on the door or on the front of the fender? Usually if its on the door its a 99.5. I would pull the intake tube off by the turbo, and look at the intake side turbine fins. This can usually be a good indicator of how much dirt the motor has eaten. The stock intake boxes are known to crack and suck dirt. If the turbo fins are not chipped/broken/sandblasted looking then you are prolly good to go. While in there check to see if the turbo wheel is rubbing the turbo housing and feel for side to side play. If the motor was taken care of somewhat, that thing is just getting broken in. As far as an auto trans goes........ Good luck.

Stinson wrote:7.3 is a good motor, I would guess that its still in decent shape after only 80K. Does it have the PSD badge on the door or on the front of the fender? Usually if its on the door its a 99.5. I would pull the intake tube off by the turbo, and look at the intake side turbine fins. This can usually be a good indicator of how much dirt the motor has eaten. The stock intake boxes are known to crack and suck dirt. If the turbo fins are not chipped/broken/sandblasted looking then you are prolly good to go. While in there check to see if the turbo wheel is rubbing the turbo housing and feel for side to side play. If the motor was taken care of somewhat, that thing is just getting broken in. As far as an auto trans goes........ Good luck.

Well I actually got the surprise word from the financier, I mean fiancee, that if I pass on this one she talked to my parents and she and them will help me into a new(ish) one in December. Don't have twist my arm too hard on something like that.

Since I failed to mention it (didn't want any tainted responses) I would have paid $3000 for the truck. That seem like it would have been a gamble worth taking?

is it standard cab? 3gs.....hook me up.

Stinson wrote:is it standard cab? 3gs.....hook me up.

Extended...whatever the one with suicide doors is called. $3K leaves it up to you to work out a title...which isn't a sure thing (but is like a 99% sure thing). Pretty sure it was a now-or-never thing that probably ended this morning...convoluted story...but if you seriously were interested shoot me a PM and I can certainly try.