I just picked up a 2013 F350 King Ranch 4x4 with 270k miles. The previous owner installed ARP head studs, copper head gaskets, rebuilt the transfer case, and “went through” the transmission around 200k miles. It’s deleted and running a 50hp work tune. The truck has some rough up and down shifts, and I’m wondering if that could be a valve body issue. My dad’s a big Cummins guy, so he’s not too familiar with anything other than that. I feel like I have decent mechanical skills, but since I’ve never owned or worked on a diesel before, I’m not super confident about diving into it just yet.
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When I buy a new car, I change the oil in the engine, transmission, power steering, transfer case, and diffs. Next, upgrade to the newest CCV assembly and fuel filters.
Additionally, oil any area with a grease zerk.
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I do the same thing. I change every fluid from front to back: drain and refill the transmission fluid twice, replacing the filter on the second change, flush the cooling systems, and service both the front and rear differentials, along with the transfer case.
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If this is really your first diesel, the cost of an oil change will definitely catch your eye. While you’re at it, you should change all the fluids and filters as well. It’s a great way to get to know your vehicle better.
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I had never spent so much time changing oil before, so I started with a new air filter and an oil change.
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Congratulations on the new truck! If you’re looking for new tunes, invest in an EZ Lynk tuner with AMDP or Proven Tunes. For steering and other upgrade parts, I recommend PMF parts.
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Thank you! I’m still trying to figure out which companies offer reputable parts. If I were looking for parts for my Bricknose, I’d know exactly where to go, but I’m completely lost when it comes to this truck. 
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The mild tune on my BD significantly affected the shift points, making them much longer.
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He pulled an excavator and a backhoe with the truck, so I am wondering whether they tampered with the TCM.
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It is possible that the first menus on my tuner were for transmission tuning. You might tune it, remove the tuner, and let the changes stay. I have some good computers to interface with it, but you can’t always trust what someone else has rigged up. You’ll need a competent scan tool to access that. I recommend checking out “Forscan.”
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Your engine will be ruined by dirty fuel, therefore replace your fuel filters or get a fuel pump with filters (air dog, fass fuel, etc.). Although I would spend that money changing the fluids in everything before I would get a shift point tuner, it should be a close second.