2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its workhorse capabilities and robust design. Engine options included the 5.4L Triton V8 (260 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque), the 6.8L Triton V10 (310 hp, 425 lb-ft of torque), and the 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (275 hp, 525 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options consisted of a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the F-350 for its towing capacity and durability. Common complaints revolve around fuel economy, particularly with the larger engines, and some maintenance issues associated with an older vehicle.

Engine

5.4L Triton V8

• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder heads, often damaging the threads in the aluminum heads. This results in a loud popping noise, misfire, and significant loss of power.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head. Thread repair kits (like Time-Sert) can sometimes be used, but head replacement is often necessary for a permanent fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

6.8L Triton V10

• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder heads, often damaging the threads in the aluminum heads. This results in a loud popping noise, misfire, and significant loss of power.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head. Thread repair kits (like Time-Sert) can sometimes be used, but head replacement is often necessary for a permanent fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracked exhaust manifolds, particularly on the driver’s side, resulting in a ticking noise that is most noticeable upon cold starts.
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8

• Cam Position Sensor (CPS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough running, or no-start condition.
  • Solution: Replace the cam position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, white smoke, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. Injector stiction is a common issue.
  • Solution: Replace faulty injectors. Consider replacing all injectors at once for preventative maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector, $1200-$3000+ for a full set replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke upon start-up. Often caused by failed glow plugs or the glow plug relay.
  • Solution: Replace faulty glow plugs or the glow plug relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per glow plug, $50 - $200 for the relay.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R100 4-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found

ZF5 5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, or clutch pedal issues.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the truck sitting lower than the front, poor ride quality, and visible cracks in the leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs if the truck is frequently used for towing or hauling.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500 per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, uneven tire wear, and a clunking noise from the front end.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, weak battery, and eventual failure to start.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• GEM (Generic Electronic Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with power windows, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the GEM. This can be complex and may require specialized programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent gauge failure, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Cab Corners and Rocker Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the lower portions of the cab, particularly around the corners and rocker panels. Common in areas with road salt.
  • Solution: Cut out the rusted areas and weld in new metal. Proper preparation and painting are crucial to prevent future rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the rust and the quality of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover to conceal the cracks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ for replacement, $50 - $200 for a cover.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty, while a capable truck, is subject to certain age-related issues. Engine problems, particularly spark plug blowout on the Triton engines and injector/glow plug issues on the 7.3L Power Stroke, are common concerns. Transmission issues and suspension wear are also frequent. Electrical problems and rust can further add to the maintenance costs. The severity of these issues varies, but many repairs can be costly, making a thorough inspection essential before purchasing.