About to pull the trigger- 01 E350 7.3 200k. $7500 thoughts? worries?

[whoskis]

Thinking pretty hard about picking up this van down in California. '01 e350 7.3l RB. comes with a few extra goodies, mainly a roof rack and light bar. I think this guy is an off road racer, Seems honest and is quick to get back to me, it was a race suppot van for mexico races. Thus it has a TS performance Chip for no start option in mexico. He already tackled the HPOP oring issues with a rebuild, changed out the glow plug relay and the CPS with a international unit. New tranny 50k ago, BFG AT 265/75R16 with Eagle Alloy Wheels. Defender Roof Rack, full length with Aux lighting on the side it. He wants $7500, which i think is pretty fair for high miles...

So am i missing anything here? since i'm not in cali, ill arranged for an inspection before anything happens..
My biggest concern is the front end with those kind of miles, bearings/hubs..
I do see a 4x4 conversion in its future, not sure when.

Anything jumping out at you guys....? Thanks.

here be the ad...http://santamaria.craigslist.org/cto/3188271583.html

http://images.craigslist.org/5Lc5Gf5Mf3E73L53Ncc864923e9d2e43f14e6.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/5I65L85K83K63m23Hec86e0b6221b2a8710d2.jpg

 

[whoskis]

no advice out there huh......?

 

[97discosd]

Check for engine oil leaks at common spots; valley, rear of engine. Vans are more difficult to replace fuel filters, ask if he's done them.

 

[cowboy4x4]

My advice is have fun with your new van...... the 7.3's are great 200k and a rebuilt trans cant go wrong. If the motor was taken care of ,and it sounds like it was you should get another 200 no problem..... and I think that is a fair price.

 

[FEDUPWBS]

That thing looks good. By the time you are done pimping it there wont be much stock equipment left anyway but the engine long block ;-)

 

[ujoint]

Looks good to me!

Only thing I noticed is that the Defender rack doesn't have Defender mounts to the gutters, looks more like the mounts from Baja Rack. Doesn't matter, just an observation!

 

[Bbasso]

my motor wore out at 785,075...
buy and enjoy it!

 

[FellowTraveler]

Sealed unit bearings

There is a known problem w/sealed unit bearings on the FORD lots of info and kits to replace them w/conventional bearing/race setup but $$$$.

That being said, I've split the sealed units w/success using unit removal tool on a 2000 F350 crew cab long bed 7.3 td, also the sealed units have small punch crimps too. I have found that sealed units w/Timpkin bearings give longer service than the cheep CHINA sealed units that have flooded the market lately.

The 7.3 td is the most sought after diesel in a FORD parts can get costly but web can yield deals that local parts houses can't meet.

As for the transmission I've found that a tune kit/device controller set to firm shift (firmer the better) will yield the longest service life extra trans cooler will help too. The factory shift program limits service life in the name of smooth shifting. However, things like the u-joints may require more frequent service w/firm shifting trans.

 

[whoskis]

Thanks Fellow, good to know for down the road. Ha as much as i would like to put more coin into it right away, ill probably gut the back, and start scheming for the back, Giving him a call this afternoon with a few more Q's. Ill need a hitch for sure, my primary use is towing sleds and camping in the winter.... Then UJoint will get the call from me!

 

[MTDewX8]

Thanks Fellow, good to know for down the road. Ha as much as i would like to put more coin into it right away, ill probably gut the back, and start scheming for the back, Giving him a call this afternoon with a few more Q's. Ill need a hitch for sure, my primary use is towing sleds and camping in the winter.... Then UJoint will get the call from me!

I just bought this last week in Maine and drove it back to Montana with no issues. there are now 329k on the clock. was I a little nervous? yes, but once I got to see it in person and drove it. I was ok with it. just have to get a few things done like ball joints and axle seals now, but happy with my new rig. I plan to enjoy it. happy shopping

 

[hitekhobo]

Buy it. I absolutely love my 2001 7.3L pickup. If I could have afforded a 4x4 van with one in it, there's no way I would hesitate. I seriously think that I might just cry a little on the day I sell my powerstroke. Ball joints and wheel bearings aren't that expensive if you do them yourself. I did.

Cheers,
jenn

 

[scoutkid]

Tough call, I paid $2500 for mine with 185k on it, and had it driven to me from New Mexico, but I looked for almost a year! The mileage doesn't scare me, I have nearly 500k between my 03 E350 and 03F350. Get it!

 

[Toolman]

I like the silver. Have fun building it.

 

[whoskis]

Mt dew, I just rode my bike by your van this morning, looks really good! Theres another big 'ole 2012 E350 with the same elvis cut as yours hanging around town right now, maybe somebody on this board...