Posted by Caleb (Kansas) [138.210.201.184] on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 21:07:18 :
Finally got my little Nissan sold last weekend so the hunt for a donor rig has intensified. Been looking all over the midwest for a decent 5 speed cummins truck with little success. Had a couple of automatic 4x4's slip by right before the little truck sold but oh well. I was considering a 4x2 since i have found a few out there in my price range...but then getting another 60 in good enough shape without regearing and dumping more money into it comes into play.
I recently came across a 93 F350 that is right up my alley. It has been a farm hauler for the last decade or so moving round bales from pasture to pasture daily but the guy is retiring another truck into that service so he is getting rid of this one for what I consider to be cheap compared to what I am finding local. This is a non turbo 7.3 IDI motor with a 5 speed and the truck is a SRW with the 60 front and some mean COOP tires on it that would be great on my 1/2 ton so I am planning on a trip South to get it Saturday. I don't have much experience around the international motors but I know the 7.3 has always been a stout motor. Anything I should look for specifically as a red flag? He did say it will need new glow plugs as it is pretty difficult to start when the temps start dropping. Also, he said the reverse syncro is going out (did ford use them for reverse?) but it just means holding the clutch down for a few more seconds before going into reverse.
On another note, I just picked up a '94 Suburban from a buddy who is going to have me part it out for him so the Carryall will get 3 rows of leather seats and rear A/C and Heat.
Some input or education on the 7.3 IDI would be appreciated. I do know it will reduce the amount of cab space I will lose to a doghouse!!
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