Picked up a 2000 7.3 for $9k and already put in a new trans and cooling system for another $9k. I’m deep into shocks, brakes, and batteries now, but still cheaper than buying new. Might end up doing a full rebuild eventually.
Put $25k into my 6.0 with all the upgrades, but these days there are solid 3-4 year old 6.7s going for under $40k. Just something to think about.
You’d need to redo everything—engine, trans, bushings, mounts. And in the end, you still have a 20-year-old truck. My 2000 7.3 dually couldn’t tow nearly as much as today’s SRW 250s.
Fisher said:
You’d need to redo everything—engine, trans, bushings, mounts. And in the end, you still have a 20-year-old truck. My 2000 7.3 dually couldn’t tow nearly as much as today’s SRW 250s.
Mine’s a manual, so I’ve avoided a lot of those issues. I’ve had mine for 19 years, and maintenance has been minimal. Keeping an old truck going isn’t as expensive as some think.
For a full engine and trans rebuild, figure on $15-25k. But if you want the frame, body, and drivetrain done too, double that.
If your engine is well maintained, it doesn’t need a rebuild to stay reliable. Focus on everything around it—bushings, seals, and such.
I restored my 7.3 with only 125k miles on it. Sandblasted the frame, replaced rusted panels, repainted everything, and it came to about $45k. But it’s worth it to me!
Did a full refresh on my ‘96 F-350 myself. I’ve got about $17k into it, but that’s mostly preventative work. We use it to tow, and I love how it performs. Sometimes older trucks have more character than the new ones.
Forget the big overhaul. Get a Hydra chip for around $400, and it’ll feel like a whole different truck. Just the chip—leave everything else alone. If the paint’s rough, go to Maaco.