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Buying an old Ford Square Body

mtnhunter22

mtnhunter22

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Minuteman
Jan 20, 2020
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#1
Currently driving a 21’ f350 with 61k miles

I tow about 3 times a year which would warrant having a diesel. Rest of the time is a small commute or just around town.

Has anyone here gone from a newer truck to an older diesel? Thinking about selling the 21 f350 and going to a 90s 7.3.

Partly money related as I don’t have a huge need for a diesel and want to get out from under the payment. I’m not upside down in it, but feels like a waste for as much as I use the truck how it should be used. Could also turn one vehicle into two (and pocket some cash), an the older 7.3 plus a commuter which would fit our needs a little better.

if you have experience I’d love to hear thoughts.
 
#3
Don’t knock the late 90’s to ‘03 7.3s or the 6.0. The only issues besides the “known” ones are they don’t produce the “power” that the new vehicles do.

I’m running an ‘06 6.0 that has been studded and an egr cooler upgrade with nothing else. It has 230k on it. My second vehicle is a ‘93 Bronco that is a bit of a toy, but my DD too.

If you are going with Ford, check out Ford Truck Enthusiast's forum, but like here take the info with a grain of salt. (Or a Salt Block)
 
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#7
Are you good with wrenches? The fixes on old ones can be infuriating. People always talk about big shit like engines but it's often wiring grounds or some little heater hose fitting or the factory anti-theft going bad.

Modoc said:
the 6.0.
Click to expand...

There was a bear pit thread about a guy fixing up his 6.0 and it was hilarious. Every few days or week he'd update with a new broken part.
 
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#8
BCP said:
Are you good with wrenches? The fixes on old ones can be infuriating. People always talk about big shit like engines but it's often wiring grounds or some little heater hose fitting or the factory anti-theft going bad.



There was a bear pit thread about a guy fixing up his 6.0 and it was hilarious. Every few days or week he'd update with a new broken part.
Click to expand...

100%.

Brakes, brake lines, wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rods, u joints, vacuum pump, water pump, thermostat, injection pump, injectors, radiator leaks, hoses, crank sensors, injection electrical modules, tranny cooler lines, tranny cooler, old transmission, torque converter, t case, ac pump, ac lines, abs sensors, heater core, speed sensor, power steering pump, hydroboost, 4wd actuator, steering linkage, fan clutch, etc

That said I still love the OBS and they can be DAMN tough and reliable
 
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#9
I should have led with these questions.
1. What are you towing, type and weight?
2. How far?
3. Over what terrain?
4. How often ( you said 2-3 trips/year)?

I do agree with the how mechanical you are comments, I’m moderately mechanical and have a GOOD/Trustworthy mechanic too.
 
#11
You’ll probably still end up saving money, especially if you can do some of the maintenance/repairs yourself but maybe not as much as you think, especially in the first year-ish of ownership. If you absolutely need it to be a reliable tow vehicle you had better do a ton of work on anything that’s even remotely close to worn out. After you’ve essentially given it a complete restoration then it can be a cheap vehicle to own.
 
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#12
I don't know what part of the country your in but I looked for over 6 months here in Michigan for a 7.3. I found plenty, but also plenty of rust. I finally ended up with a 01 from Florida that was 99% rust free but was a 5.4 gasser. I rarely tow so really didn't need the diesel anyway. It's been a great truck.
 
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#15
Another thing to consider is that a lot of people selling older vehicles will put it up for sale when it has something wrong with it. Like it needs an expensive timing belt or transmission service, the tires are bald, fuel pump on the way out. I've been looking at 4x4s locally here in Arizona and there are a lot of shitbirds trying to pawn off deathtraps.
 
#16
Modoc said:
I should have led with these questions.
1. What are you towing, type and weight?
2. How far?
3. Over what terrain?
4. How often ( you said 2-3 trips/year)?

I do agree with the how mechanical you are comments, I’m moderately mechanical and have a GOOD/Trustworthy mechanic too.
Click to expand...
1) horse trailers (4-5 horses), mini ex, skid
2) usually 2-4 hr trips
3) highway and off road (in Utah so out west terrain)
4) yes. Mainly summer and fall hunting trips. Mini and skid not often but like I said. Couple times a year

Decently mechanic. But mostly small engine stuff. So I’m sure a whole new ball game. But I have most of the tools and the space to do all the work. Would just be a matter of learning it all I suppose.

Modoc said:
I’m still not sure if the OP is referring to the Bricknose, Bullnose, or OBS. I don’t think that the is referring to a dent side or flare side.
Click to expand...
OBS sorry. I call it a square body and I’m sure that’s wrong lol.
 
#17
joe777 said:
Sounds like you should go 6.2 or 7.3 gas. They make the same power as the 7.3 diesel and same mpg. I love the old diesels but you're not gonna get one super cheap that's not gonna need like 10k in upkeep.
Click to expand...
This is maybe a better option. Get the best of both worlds. Damn things are as much as a diesel though so wouldn’t save me on a payment but maybe wouldn’t feel the need to get two separate vehicles?

The upkeep and maintenance also has me thinking gasser and just compromise on not having a diesel.
 
#18
Modoc said:
Don’t knock the late 90’s to ‘03 7.3s or the 6.0. The only issues besides the “known” ones are they don’t produce the “power” that the new vehicles do.

I’m running an ‘06 6.0 that has been studded and an egr cooler upgrade with nothing else. It has 230k on it. My second vehicle is a ‘93 Bronco that is a bit of a toy, but my DD too.

If you are going with Ford, check out Ford Truck Enthusiast's forum, but like here take the info with a grain of salt. (Or a Salt Block)
Click to expand...
My 01' F-350 7.3 turned over 500K a few months ago.

I odered it in 00' and still consider it my 'new truck.'

eta- The 7.3's PSD was produced by International and is still considered one of the best engines ever made.
As far as power, I never chipped or programmed it but swapped the enclosed box air filter for a NAPA big canister type filter and changed the exhaust to a 4" straight exhaust with muffler delete. That alone allowed it to breath better which was like putting a chip in it. Plus, it sounds badass. I still like to open the back window when I'm next to a concrete barrier and romp on it.

1738340590798.jpeg
 
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#19
mtnhunter22 said:
1) horse trailers (4-5 horses), mini ex, skid
2) usually 2-4 hr trips
3) highway and off road (in Utah so out west terrain)
4) yes. Mainly summer and fall hunting trips. Mini and skid not often but like I said. Couple times a year
Click to expand...

Probably do that with a 1/2 ton 5.7 tundra. A 3/4 ton like F250 with 6.2 similar power but stiffer springs in the rear less movement and a little more stable.
 
#20
BCP said:
Probably do that with a 1/2 ton 5.7 tundra. A 3/4 ton like F250 with 6.2 similar power but stiffer springs in the rear less movement and a little more stable.
Click to expand...
Funny you say that. That’s what I had been driving for the past 4 years. Sold it once I got the ford.

Loved the truck and it was my dream truck for a long time. But started to not love it towards the end for a few reasons.
 
#23
I don’t know how long you’ve owned/driven a diesel, but most people regret ever going back to a gas motor. They usually end of getting rid of it and getting another diesel. I’ve driven diesels well over 20yrs now and I tried the whole “get a gas motor and save money” thing one time. I won’t ever do that again. Also, as someone who pulls horse/cattle trailers and big goosenecks for hay and equipment, there is no way in hell I’d do it with a fucking Tundra. Just because you “can” doesn’t mean you should. Pulling a trailer isn’t near as important as having enough truck in front of it to stop it when a bad situation is about to happen.

Older diesel trucks are ridiculously priced these days. A nice reliable one with clean body and interior can be $40k-$50k….and that’s usually with 150k- 200K miles on it (or more) for a 10-20 year old vehicle.

I understand needing a second vehicle. I have an old 2004 F-150 that I can drive around back and forth to work and beat around in when I don’t want to drive my new Dually.
 
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#24
My list of superdutys of the years past.
02 F250 7.3 4x4 auto
05 F350 6.0 4x4 6spd
00 F250 7.3 2wd 6spd
16 F350 6.7 4x4 6spd auto (towed awesome) I hear the 10 speeds are ba.
06 F250 6.0 4x4 auto (rather have the manual)

And my current ride, 99 F350 7.3 6spd, mbrp 5", riffraff fuel lines, fuel rail crossover, regulated return, hydra tuner. New valair clutch is on my bench waiting to be installed. I plan on pushing it up to around the 400hp mark in the future. A 400hp 7.3 will make a little better than 800 lb-ft of torque. That'll do all I want anymore. Right now it needs some paint work on top of the cab.
20240730_112427.jpg


Out of all of them the 05 was my favorite. After I had it built it never gave me any problems. Other than the ones I caused with my right foot. I put 180k on it making 650hp to the ground. I was convinced I had to have a 2016 so foolishly I traded it. I've regretted it ever since. I miss that truck.

Like the OP I was shelling out that payment every month thinking about all the things I could do with $1000 a month vs paying for a truck I seldom used for it's intended purpose anymore. After two years I sold the 16 and bought another 6.0 with the cash I got from selling the 16. Built the motor myself, replaced all the cab bushings, fought some demons in the hpop system, and some wiring harness issues initially, caused by the shops the previous owner took it to. Replaced a front wheel bearing, carrier bearing on the driveshaft and other crap that comes with an almost 20 year old truck. All new a/c system. Yeah.

And after all that, I happen across the 99. 46k original miles with a 6spd, I couldn't pass it up. So bye bye to another fully built 6.0 that I had intended on keeping forever.

I feel your pain op and I won't discourage you from buying another older truck. Be prepared though, mentally, physically, and financially for what comes with it. There are things you will miss. The old trucks are noisy, don't ride as good, don't pull as good. But I still prefer them.

I do lust over a nice obs when I see one. The clean ones are getting rare, and if you do find one, 20-30k isn't out of the question. You can run across deals if you hunt them constantly but you've gotta be ready to go with cash in hand. They've come down a little here recently but not much. 12 valves, 2nd gen Cummins, obs, they're all bringing a premium now.
 
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#29
BCP said:
Are you good with wrenches? The fixes on old ones can be infuriating. People always talk about big shit like engines but it's often wiring grounds or some little heater hose fitting or the factory anti-theft going bad.



There was a bear pit thread about a guy fixing up his 6.0 and it was hilarious. Every few days or week he'd update with a new broken part.
Click to expand...
Are you sure you're not talking about a 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee :) :)
 
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#30
Trevor300wsm said:
I don’t know how long you’ve owned/driven a diesel, but most people regret ever going back to a gas motor. They usually end of getting rid of it and getting another diesel. I’ve driven diesels well over 20yrs now and I tried the whole “get a gas motor and save money” thing one time. I won’t ever do that again. Also, as someone who pulls horse/cattle trailers and big goosenecks for hay and equipment, there is no way in hell I’d do it with a fucking Tundra. Just because you “can” doesn’t mean you should. Pulling a trailer isn’t near as important as having enough truck in front of it to stop it when a bad situation is about to happen.

Older diesel trucks are ridiculously priced these days. A nice reliable one with clean body and interior can be $40k-$50k….and that’s usually with 150k- 200K miles on it (or more) for a 10-20 year old vehicle.

I understand needing a second vehicle. I have an old 2004 F-150 that I can drive around back and forth to work and beat around in when I don’t want to drive my new Dually.
Click to expand...
Not always. I just sold my 04 Dodge and bought a 7.3 gasser. It's plenty for what I need it for. Is it a diesel? No, not close. But I do not regret it in the least. I do miss the difference in fuel mileage when empty. Loaded, fuel mileage is within 1 mpg of each other. Still has more power than the older diesels as well.
 
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#31
Soulezoo said:
Not always. I just sold my 04 Dodge and bought a 7.3 gasser. It's plenty for what I need it for. Is it a diesel? No, not close. But I do not regret it in the least. I do miss the difference in fuel mileage when empty. Loaded, fuel mileage is within 1 mpg of each other. Still has more power than the older diesels as well.
Click to expand...
That's the thing, modern gassers with the new automatics do really well. And like you've noticed, the fuel economy between them anymore is pretty close.

When I bought my first diesel I was hauling 4-5 atv's a weekend 200 miles round trip to go ride with some friends of mine in an F150 with a 5.4L. Getting 7 mpg.

Traded that truck on my first diesel, 02 F250, 7.3, cc, 4x4, short bed, and hauling the same load at 85mph I was getting 15.5 mpg. It was pretty easy to justify the cost of fuel being 30-50 cents more a gallon.

My 05 F350, 6.0, cc, 4x4, long bed, srw, with the 6spd, making 650hp got 16.5 mpg empty, running as fast as you wanted to go. That struck still got 14-15 mpg loaded. Didn't care what was behind it. And I pulled some stuff with that truck that it wouldn't maintain speed in overdrive under 55 mph.

My 2016 F350, 6.7, cc, 4x4, long bed ,srw, only got 16 mpg on its best day. Most days it averaged 15.5 empty. Loaded, depending on what I was pulling, it was 11-13 mpg.

All the gassers will just about do that now. You might lose a little more really loaded down, but I don't do that often anymore. And your paying on average 30 cents more a gallon for fuel with the diesel. It's getting harder to justify owning a diesel for normal day to day use anymore. Then you factor in maintenance and parts when stuff breaks and it's even less appealing.

A friend of mine took his 2016 6.7L in the other day to have his ccv filter swapped out. $400 to change that filter.
 
#33
BCP said:
Funny you mention that because Ives been looking for a cheap 4wd as a hunter vehicle an 2000s Cherokee is one option, an 03 with the inline 6. I wanted a 4Runner but the market has gone insane where I live.
Click to expand...
I had a 1997 GC V8. Granted, bought used for a "snow vehicle" but it started the money sink at about 140K. That said, the I-6 is bullet proof and the normal Cherokee >>>>>> Grand Cherokee me thinks. I actually liked the thing; and, it served its pupose. It was not so friendly to the person I sold it to as it blew the radiator, hoses, belts, A/C compressor, etc shortly after I "sold" it. So, to make things right I only collected about 1/3 of what I sold it to them for since they were a friend.
 
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#34
mtnhunter22 said:
1) horse trailers (4-5 horses), mini ex, skid
2) usually 2-4 hr trips
3) highway and off road (in Utah so out west terrain)
4) yes. Mainly summer and fall hunting trips. Mini and skid not often but like I said. Couple times a year

Decently mechanic. But mostly small engine stuff. So I’m sure a whole new ball game. But I have most of the tools and the space to do all the work. Would just be a matter of learning it all I suppose.


OBS sorry. I call it a square body and I’m sure that’s wrong lol.
Click to expand...
Jeebuz, leave the real OBS moniker to the chebbies like it belongs
IMG_9310.jpeg


We pull a small ish trailer a few times a year. Pulled 3 horses yesterday with the 6.7 Cummins(L9a I believe is the new model), it does fine and has plenty of giddy up and go. My brother runs a late 90s Ford when he drags his 30(maybe 35) foot camper around, and he has always been more than happy with it.
IMG_8022.jpeg
 
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#35
BytorJr said:
I had a 1997 GC V8. Granted, bought used for a "snow vehicle" but it started the money sink at about 140K. That said, the I-6 is bullet proof and the normal Cherokee >>>>>> Grand Cherokee me thinks. I actually liked the thing; and, it served its pupose. It was not so friendly to the person I sold it to as it blew the radiator, hoses, belts, A/C compressor, etc shortly after I "sold" it. So, to make things right I only collected about 1/3 of what I sold it to them for since they were a friend.
Click to expand...

A buddy of mine has a 4.0 cherokee that he's been driving for almost twenty years now. Every couple months he has to fix some little thing but otherwise it just keeps going. He bought it used with 254k miles on it 🤣
 
#36
It's not a Ford, but I needed something besides my half ton GMC to pull my camper and a few other heavier trailers during the summer, and picked this up from a buddy of mine for a good price. 1990 Chevy 1 ton dually with a 6.2 diesel.

It's slow as fuck because it has a turbo 400 Trans in it, but it pulls well. I'd been wanting an older truck for a long time, and convinced him to sell it to me. It had been sitting for two years with a broken brake line, but I got that fixed in short order. It needs some other minor things, but it's a decent truck.

20240712_163125.jpg
 
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#37
XP1K said:
That's the thing, modern gassers with the new automatics do really well. And like you've noticed, the fuel economy between them anymore is pretty close.

When I bought my first diesel I was hauling 4-5 atv's a weekend 200 miles round trip to go ride with some friends of mine in an F150 with a 5.4L. Getting 7 mpg.

Traded that truck on my first diesel, 02 F250, 7.3, cc, 4x4, short bed, and hauling the same load at 85mph I was getting 15.5 mpg. It was pretty easy to justify the cost of fuel being 30-50 cents more a gallon.

My 05 F350, 6.0, cc, 4x4, long bed, srw, with the 6spd, making 650hp got 16.5 mpg empty, running as fast as you wanted to go. That struck still got 14-15 mpg loaded. Didn't care what was behind it. And I pulled some stuff with that truck that it wouldn't maintain speed in overdrive under 55 mph.

My 2016 F350, 6.7, cc, 4x4, long bed ,srw, only got 16 mpg on its best day. Most days it averaged 15.5 empty. Loaded, depending on what I was pulling, it was 11-13 mpg.

All the gassers will just about do that now. You might lose a little more really loaded down, but I don't do that often anymore. And your paying on average 30 cents more a gallon for fuel with the diesel. It's getting harder to justify owning a diesel for normal day to day use anymore. Then you factor in maintenance and parts when stuff breaks and it's even less appealing.

A friend of mine took his 2016 6.7L in the other day to have his ccv filter swapped out. $400 to change that filter.
Click to expand...
I have a 12k fifth wheel. I make a circuit every other year from N. CA to Montana and Wyoming and back. In my diesel it was about 10.2 mpg. In my gasser (7.3 Godzilla) it's 9.3 mpg for the round trip. Not an easy tow. I don't have any issues and am happy with the performance. My diesel was 900+ HP so it had no problem towing anything.
 
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#42
I’ll be honest in that I went diesel because I was tired of replacing exhaust manifold gaskets. First was on my old 460 and then later on the 5.4L Triton. That 460 was great in that it would pull/haul anything I tried, but 7mpg and a standard cab with a car seat convinced me to upgrade.
 
#43
mtnhunter22 said:
Currently driving a 21’ f350 with 61k miles

I tow about 3 times a year which would warrant having a diesel. Rest of the time is a small commute or just around town.

Has anyone here gone from a newer truck to an older diesel? Thinking about selling the 21 f350 and going to a 90s 7.3.

Partly money related as I don’t have a huge need for a diesel and want to get out from under the payment. I’m not upside down in it, but feels like a waste for as much as I use the truck how it should be used. Could also turn one vehicle into two (and pocket some cash), an the older 7.3 plus a commuter which would fit our needs a little better.

if you have experience I’d love to hear thoughts.
Click to expand...
My current pickup is a 98 Ram with a 12V Cummins. Completely happy with it. Square fords are good trucks and parts are plentiful. Prices have risen.

A place to look at closely is the lower radiator support, they can be very rusted despite an otherwise clean truck.

I also had a 02 F250 7.3, later intercooled trucks like it were indeed better but 97 and older PSD were ok too, just won’t feel like a monster like newer diesels.

Current creampuff 98 Cummins that belonged to my buddies deceased father.

IMG_2666.jpeg





02 F250 7.3

IMG_0055.jpeg




Old F350 I shoulda kept

3341FD7F-E4D2-4D50-8BAD-2081EC41ECBB.jpeg
 
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#44
I had a '95 IDI turbo F250. Great truck. Build quality on the body, HVAC, etc way better than anything new. With the turbo it wasn't totally gutless, but still pretty useless in the mountains (no intercooler so big hills and thin air means heat soak and no power). Crappy e4od trans. I have a 18 Ram 3500 HO now. Awesome power train and it gets the job done really well, but body feels flimsy. If I had time I'd stick an OBS body on a 4th Gen Ram / Cummins chassis and power train.

Btw those are OBS trucks, a square body is a Chevy.
 
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