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Old 07-17-2009, 09:14 PM   #1
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looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

Hi all - there is a 2002 RB e350 4x4 diesel for sale on SMB website for about $60,000. It has 73000 miles on it.
So this would have the 7.2L turbo diesel. I'm looking for ANY comments, especially on the engine reliability, what problems i should look out for, what questions I should ask the owner.
I know NOTHING about diesels other than all the stuff I've read on this fantastic forum. I don't wnat to contact the owners until i know what to ask them and before i drive it.

Should I be concerned about the PH or anything else that has 73000 miles on it?

How about the noise of the diesel - is it a lot louder than a new 6.0L diesel?
thx
warholic

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Old 07-18-2009, 12:00 AM   #2
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

The engine is the 7.3L. A pretty much bombproof engine, a workhorse. A tad more noise than the 6.0L but not much. In my opinion the 7.3 is a more reliable and less tempermental engine overall. In my line of work we run the piss out of the 7.3's and have very few problems. The newer 6.0l's are a different story altogether.
Keep in mind though that a 2002 will be a Quigley 4wd conversion instead of the SMB conversion which means coils vs. leaves.
As a side note I have a 6 liter and have been happy, after a new turbo,... and fan clutch......
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Old 07-18-2009, 09:11 AM   #3
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

I drove by this SMB the other day. Looks like he had it out to show. I have a 2001 4x4 7.3. Before I went to purchase I was concerned about the noise until I had a guy start his van so I could actually hear it. I drive mine with windows down all the time and dont even notice.

Every mechanic/ car industry person I see all ask what engine I have. When I tell them the 7.3 they all have the same response "you have the good one!"

I also have the quigley conversion. In doing some research to do maintenance and upgrade, I found that the front end is out of a 1 ton K30 with the Dana 60. This is a very desirable set up known for ease of maintenance and very durable. Not all quigley conversions are the same (I dont know why) so take a look.
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Old 07-18-2009, 11:55 AM   #4
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

thx saline and smbdad. It seems 7.3l engine in an SMB 4x4 set-up is the best combo - too bad they don't exist, except maybe the 2003 model year....... I'll do my homework.

There are a LOT of 2006 vehicles out there for sale The 6.0l PSD was new in 2004. I wonder if by 2006 Ford got the design and manufacturing defects worked out enough to make it a "good" engine?

At least it isn't too noisy to you. I started up a 2009 PSD and it didn't sound too bad at all - just sitting. Not sure what highway would sound like as far as intrusion into cabin. I've read mixed reviews on this forum.
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Old 07-18-2009, 12:27 PM   #5
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

I don't really think the noise is bad but I have been driving powerstrokes for 9 years, maybe I'm deaf.
From what I have gathered from mechanics the 6.0L is a good engine but finickey. The common problems are: EGR cooler, EGR valve, turbo VGT problems if the vehicle sits for long periods without being driven hard. Also head gaskets, but these are usually associated with chipped/modded engines. The injector problems were mostly on early 6.0's and have been mostly taken care of by now. Ultra Low Sulfer Deisel has made a big difference for this engine as far as deposits etc.
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Old 07-18-2009, 01:52 PM   #6
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

PSD for 9 years, ............ What? What did you say? Huh?
joking of course

The bottom line EVERY time, it seems, is that for those of us not towing anything, the increase in cost for purchase/maintenence of a new diesel versus new V10 gas makes no economic sense until after 150000 miles, assuming price of gas and diesel average about the same.

But buying a USED van, with the depreciation hit factored in, it makes sense to purchase a PSD - and there are lots of used vans w/ PSDs out there.

That's why i'm concerned about noise.
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Old 07-18-2009, 06:46 PM   #7
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

What did you say?....
Interior noise=not bad at all
Exterior noise= very noisey and unable to sneak around anywhere. Forget about stealth! I try to shut down the van in a campground quickly or when I am talking to anyone outside the van. Even more reason to not camp in a campground.
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Old 07-18-2009, 07:37 PM   #8
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Re: looking for comments on 2002 SMB for sale

copy that, saline - .............. hmmmmmmm ..... I do like stealth.

thx
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