2000 Ford F-550 Super Duty

The 2000 Ford F-550 Super Duty is a heavy-duty work truck known for its robust capabilities and reliability for its time. It was available with several engine options, including the 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (275 hp, 525 lb-ft of torque), the 5.4L Triton V8 (260 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque), and the 6.8L Triton V10 (310 hp, 425 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options typically included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners appreciate the F-550 for its towing capacity and durability, but common complaints revolve around fuel economy, maintenance costs, and age-related wear and tear.

Engine

7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8

• Cam Position Sensor (CPS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough running, or no-start condition. Can be intermittent.
  • Solution: Replace the CPS. Aftermarket sensors can have reliability issues. Motorcraft or International sensors are often preferred.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Driver Module (IDM) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, poor performance, or no-start condition. The IDM controls the fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Replace the IDM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Back Pressure Valve (EBPV) Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the turbocharger pedestal. The EBPV can also stick, affecting performance.
  • Solution: Replace the EBPV seals or delete the EBPV system (requires aftermarket tuning).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 (seals), $200 - $500+ (delete)
  • Recalls: None Found

5.4L Triton V8

• Spark Plug Ejection
  • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head due to weak threads. This typically affects the early 5.4L engines.
  • Solution: Repair the spark plug threads using a thread repair kit (Time-Sert or similar).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Manifold Bolts
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifold bolts can break which will lead to a loud exhaust leak that is typically more noticable at cold start.
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold bolts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.8L Triton V10

• Spark Plug Ejection
  • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head due to weak threads. This typically affects the early 6.8L engines.
  • Solution: Repair the spark plug threads using a thread repair kit (Time-Sert or similar).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracked exhaust manifolds can lead to exhaust leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R100 4-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during TCC engagement, transmission slipping, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, slipping, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

ZF5 5-Speed Manual

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding when shifting gears, especially into 2nd or 3rd.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild to replace worn synchros.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, poor ride quality, reduced load-carrying capacity.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering play, clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Relay Failure (Diesel)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting or no-start condition in cold weather.
  • Solution: Replace the glow plug relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic gauge readings, non-functional gauges.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cab Corner Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower rear corners of the cab.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and paint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Hinge Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging doors, difficulty closing the doors.
  • Solution: Replace door hinge pins and bushings, or replace the entire hinge.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing in the dashboard, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to operate, slow window operation.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Ford F-550 Super Duty, while a capable and durable work truck, is subject to age-related issues common to vehicles of this era. Engine problems, particularly with spark plug ejection in the gasoline engines and CPS/IDM issues in the diesel, can be significant. Transmission problems and suspension wear are also common concerns. Electrical issues can range from minor to more complex. Rust and interior cosmetic issues are also to be expected in many vehicles. Repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific issue and the chosen repair method. However, several fixes can be costly. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify potential problems.