2001 Ford F-350

The 2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its robust capabilities and workhorse nature. This model year offered a variety of engine options, including the 5.4L Triton V8 (260 hp, 350 lb-ft torque), the 6.8L Triton V10 (310 hp, 425 lb-ft torque), and the highly regarded 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (275 hp, 525 lb-ft torque). Transmission choices included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic (4R100). Owners often appreciate the F-350’s towing capacity and overall durability, but common complaints revolve around age-related wear and tear, fuel economy (especially with the V10 and diesel), and the cost of maintaining a heavy-duty vehicle.

Engine

5.4L Triton V8

• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: The spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head due to insufficient threads in the aluminum head. This is often accompanied by a loud popping noise and engine misfire.
  • Solution: Repairing the threads in the cylinder head using thread repair kits (e.g., Time-Sert, Heli-Coil) or replacing the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (depending on the repair method and if DIY or professional).
  • Recalls: None Found

6.8L Triton V10

• Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifold bolts can break, leading to exhaust leaks. Symptoms include a ticking noise, especially when the engine is cold, and reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the broken exhaust manifold bolts. Sometimes the exhaust manifold needs to be replaced if it’s warped or cracked.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8

• Cam Position Sensor (CPS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall, run rough, or not start at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the CPS.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector O-Ring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel in the oil, hard starting, rough running, and white smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacing the injector O-rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the number of injectors affected and if DIY or professional).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Back Pressure Valve (EBPV) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive smoking, poor performance, and the valve can stick open or closed.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the EBPV. Some owners choose to delete the EBPV.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the chosen solution).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R100 Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, hard shifts, or failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, or complete loss of clutch engagement.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and possibly the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sag/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the truck sags, especially when loaded. Ride quality suffers.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaf springs or adding helper springs/airbags.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, clunking noises from the front end, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging, and eventual engine stall.
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Relay Failure (Diesel Only)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke on startup.
  • Solution: Replacing the glow plug relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Cab Corners, Rocker Panels, Wheel Wells)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation in common areas due to age and exposure to the elements.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, or treating with rust converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the extent of the rust and repair method).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dash
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Installing a dash cover or replacing the entire dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $800+ (depending on the solution).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty, while a capable and reliable truck in its prime, is now subject to age-related issues. The severity and cost of these issues vary depending on the engine and transmission configuration, with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel having potential for expensive repairs related to its fuel system. Rust is also a common concern. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect any prospective purchase, paying close attention to engine performance, transmission function, suspension components, and the presence of rust. Due to the number of components that can be affected, the repairs can become rather costly.