The Truck to End All Trucks: Tool Tank Part II (6 years later)

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Everyone's life is a little better with some Essential Craftsman in it!

[@billyroesch8602]

😊

[@IMPACT-NATION]

Amen brother

[@kwithnok]

He really does just feel like the best uncle who visits every little while. Always good feelings and neat toys.

[@superspeeder]

For those of you fortunate enough to not have to deal with road salt, PLEASE keep your vehicles on the road. As Scott points out, buying new vehicles is prohibitively expensive and almost no amount of maintenance or repair will come anywhere close to the payments on a new vehicle. DIY repairs where you can - most things are not rocket science and you can learn nearly anything on the web. If you truly are someone who doesn’t comprehend mechanics, you are better off getting it done for you. Be safe and keep your money in your pocket.

[@wildbill23c]

Well a new truck payment would be cheaper than replacing a transmission or an engine in an older truck that is paid off, but the repair costs are definitely cheaper than a new truck as a whole, which is in the neighborhood of $50k for more of a bare basic model HD truck.

[@jamesengland7461]

​@William Sevier yeah- A payment. Maybe two to four. That's how bad new car payments are now. No thanks.

[@PatrickWagz]

But if nobody buys *new* vehicles, there won't be any *used* vehicles for us savvy buyers to purchase in 5-10 years!! 😉 (My '93 Ford Ranger is closing in on 250,000 miles and running great!)

[@jamesengland7461]

@@PatrickWagz there will always be plenty of used cars for us to buy cheap!

[@jamesengland7461]

@@PatrickWagz only 250,000? lol

[@matt-hew69]

That's actually a fairly rare truck being that's its 4x4, manual and a dually. Keep her forever!

[@larryfowler4558]

Being in tune to those little voices will most definitely save you from much grief!

[@choimdachoim9491]

It's odd to see such a heavily-used truck with good-looking paint and not dents or rust. That "Little Voice" you mention has saved my life several times. It's something you can't explain to people. I just figure the slow part of my brain notices things but can't talk good like the fast side and it takes awhile for me to hear what it's trying to say. When I feel internal resistance to going ahead with a next part of my projects I "stay home" until I figure it out. Going with your gut feeling is a great way to live. It gets into the mystical side of Life.

[@evocarti]

Four door Nissan Navara. I can work it into the ground and she polishes up nice enough that I drove her to my cousin's wedding last year. I'm a bricklayer/mason in the UK and the last time I heard that voice it saved two young men from potentially fatal injury. Early one morning something told me to check the blades on the petrol saw. One had a hairline fracture and it would've shattered into pieces upon coming into contact with concrete and shards of metal would've been buried in either Conor or Liam's groin or abdomen. Besides that, when you've got keen young pups learning the trade under your wing, a driving lesson on a quiet patch of road at the end of the day goes a long way.

[@atillatekin7030]

"What's going on in my life and will be until they bury me" I love that, and I hope that day is a long long time away. Much respect.

[@MatthewBowe]

I love that you don't hide your faith from your channel.

[@theprojectproject01]

I'm an atheist and I really have to agree. People like Scott who really walk the walk their faith demands are good people and we need more of them.

[@Leo_S94]

Im not into religion at all but even I have to respect that Scott is a real one.

[@Hardy_H_H]

but it looks like you wear yours on your sleeve since that was your only take away from the video

[@aNeReplays]

That was his only take away. Guaranteed. You seem sharp.

[@MatthewBowe]

@@aNeReplays Thanks. I wasn't aware I needed to write an essay of all of my observations. I certainly can, if you'd like. I merely wanted to express my appreciation for the man's faith, a faith we share. He used certain keywords, whether intentional or not, that I picked up on and enjoyed. I apologize that my enjoyment ruined yours.

[@MrBigtom06]

You have one of the best trucks ford ever made that motor is bullet proof if you take care of it. Nice job on the truck build.

[@ec6052]

You don't even need to take care of a 7.3 very much. Mine has the original air filter(2003), might get 3 oil changes in 100k. Hasn't had glow plugs in 6 years, starts on ether for 8 months a year(I'm in North Atlantic Canada). All she uses is fuel and tires. Sounds just like a new engine at 330k and runs even better. Since I've owned her I've seen friends, family and colleagues. With about every engine imaginable between them and all have been back to the dealer at some point but my no maintenance 7.3 just hammers away all day long. Still haven't seen a check engine light, only when I first flick the key.

[@R_B62]

My luck with the 7.3 was terrible. 120,000 miles it ate 2 valves as I was driving at 65mph on the highway. SOLD IT WITH THE BLOWN MOTOR, NEVER AGAIN!!! TYPICAL FORD, FIX OR REPAIR DAILY.

[@ec6052]

@@R_B62 Oooh, so clever... lol That's the fault of the "loose nut" holding the wheel AKA operator error. There's more 7.3's still operating today than all the Cummins ever built for Dodge.. combined. Chev fan for life but no GM engine can touch it with their Cracked Heads, Every Valve Rattling, Oil Leaks, Eating Transmissions. Then what other choice do you have? Pay $80k for a Cummins shipping crate? AKA Dodge... Their name literally says "DODGE"... As in "dodge" that headache and buy a real truck like a Ford.. I love my chevy 1500 and they've had some experience with Heavy Duty trucks(7500,8500, etc. Classes) but Ford is the only one who never had to shut down their Heavy Duty line, never needed a bailout, consistently number one selling truck for years. Call a tow truck 90% chance it'll be a Ford. Chev finally just got back into the medium duty market(4500, 5500, 6500) after recovering from near bankruptcy and focusing on economic cars... Dodge doesn't even make a truck big enough for most tow companies. Dodge doesn't even have anything big enough to tow Heavy Duty trucks.. But yeah "Fix Or Repair Daily"... great name for the number 1 selling tow truck because of all the trucks they tow to be "Fixed Or Repaired Daily" 🤣

[@ec6052]

@@Chordstride Go away until you have a clue..

[@ec6052]

@Chordstride 🤣 Ahhh, an apprentice I see! Well let's take you to school.. You have possibilities such as over revving, regularly shutting the engine off at high temperatures(especially in the cold) causing too much stress from thermal expansion and contracting, was it sitting in a field for 20 years when he drove it down the highway at 65, was the fuel sitting for 20 years in a field before he took it down the highway at 65, did he install some goofy mod he found on Ebay, was he towing his mobile home to his mama's, was their excessive valve lash for the last 20k miles and my personal favorite "Check engine light come on 20k miles ago and she ran just fine until the engine blew". These are things you'll learn to ask when you finally get into the field and have to diagnose things. Great career choice though, especially when you get your seal!

[@Hashix91]

I'm driving a Honda Accord as more of a tool transporter. Took the passenger seat out just so I could stuff more things in the sedan for random jobs. Everything from carpentry tools to welding gear. I'll make the jump to a truck tool tank one day but I can't really complain when I get so many miles to the gallon.

[@_Ethann_]

Hey EC been a long time sub, decided to seriously pursue Carpentry/timber framing little over a year ago and have hit the ground running. Find myself going back and watching old vids that have seen but didn’t need the info at the time. Your channel has been invaluable and I appreciate all your efforts!

[@sethdistler5332]

It's easy once you build a few to spec. Slow and steady to spec. Then you learn all your measurements and common and you learn if you want to be more productive. Don't drop any timber on the floor without making sure it will fit somewhere. Your scrap can almost always be used for cripples. Blocks. Drywall nailers . You name it. Keep at it!

[@Billliamm]

This is the second time this week that I was astounded that I’ve been watching a channel for over half a decade that seems like I just started last month.

[@danielw4401]

I bought a 96 recently, and was frustrated at having to immediately do ball joints and other front-end work. $500 on top of purchase price hurts when you work for a living. But my father-in-law was talking about looking at new trucks and said that a base model 3/4 or 1 ton goes for 70k. There's a lot of maintenance that can be done for that much money. I'm fortunate that I have a truck that I can work on without a degree in computer science, and I plan and doing what it takes to keep it on the road until the frame is gone. It's good to hear someone with your experience saying this. A lot of the folks in my area laugh if you don't refinance the trailer home to get a new chevy every five years.

[@thomasthedoubter6813]

7:37 "Engage brain before operating machine." Perfect.

[@Mikey-HTTR]

Thank you for sticking with KZbin and sharing your journey with us.

[@philljustphill1656]

Just discovered this channel. What the hell have I been watching these past few years that I haven't come across it yet? Great content, good man, good work, awesome truck, no nonsense.

[@robertmoody2221]

I’m doing the exact same thing to a 2001 f-450 7.3 turbo diesel truck it’s going to be a beast. Good video

[@DirtBandit]

Scott, I'm so glad to have met you. You are truly a wise person. I've only met a couple people like you so it's a pretty rare quality this day and age. Keep doing what you do.

[@mossy6144]

Good to see the AvE sticker, my workshop and Landrover have many of them. Keep up the good work, from the UK

[@theprojectproject01]

I'm fairly certain Scott knows to keep his... well, stick on the ice.

[@leviorourke7498]

My work truck is a 1997 f-250 7.3L diesel heads and gaskets done an rebuilt the transmission and a tune chip. She pulls any and all I need and then anything else. Has an ambulance frame under from it being a utility truck with a boom an bucket. So she is heavy an Great for being the ultimate work horse. Great video, thanks for sharing

[@stantheman5163]

All of your equipment is so cool. Big, heavy duty stuff that any man would be proud to own and work with.

[@VanGo_OutdoorLife]

When I consider a work truck platform and concept, your company truck set up will be my go to design- keep up the great work!

[@bearriver685]

I've never seen the Grand Caynon in person, but I'm inclined to think I'd be far more pleased to see this truck, if only for a moments passing on the highway.

[@trentsmith7023]

damn man. u good? that was deep

[@ohwowthatsgood]

No man. The grand canyon is life changing. This is a truck.

[@dalyjolly5891]

Yeah man, go to the GC. It’s mind blowing. Be on the south rim at sunset.

[@zactillett9820]

Hope there will be a part 3. Great content and youtubes best creator. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@Rodknockacres]

I remember watching the first video of this truck and as a gearhead I loved it six years ago and still love it to this day

[@Zero_Zero_Zero_Zero]

These talks always feel like visiting with the dad you wished you'd had.

[@abnerschmucker1]

My work truck is a 97 Ford F350 single rear axle but with 4 doors. The only real down side is no 4x4. I'm glad you stopped and listened to the Holy Spirit showing you the danger on your hitch.

[@ILikeWafflz]

Mine is 2WD and I'm glad it is; in 9 years I've run into _two_ situations where 4WD would have pulled me out, and there's no way the increased weight, heavier steering, higher stance, higher cost, and added complexity of 4WD would be worth it for me.

[@rontompson9048]

I have a 97 Ford 1 ton duly 4 wheel drive with a snowplow attachment in the front it has made me a good living for the last 30 years

[@rontompson9048]

27 years

[@robertbowman9108]

the first work truck video was how i learned about your channel, its a pleasure to see a man at his craft showing such pride in his tools. I hope to one day have a flatbed and hope the trucks of the 90s are still around cause Detroit seams to have very little interest on making them now and the prices as you mention are insane

[@itsame4002]

Ford’s can be tricky to work on. My toyota pickup truck is obviously too small for this gentleman’s needs, however my oil pan cost $50 to replace and i did it myself in 30 minutes. I do wish toyota made big work trucks like the F350, that would be amazing! Toyota’s are durable, that’s true, but i love them for their trailside repairability. Aka they’re so easy to fix that you can do almost anything with a few basic tools, even replace major components. Similar to military jeeps back in the day, there’s a video of GI’s dismantling a jeep in under 2 minutes. DISMANTLED, meaning every single component was removed and the ENTIRE vehicle was broken down to bare bolts. They re-assmbled it equally as fast. Inspirational engineering

[@theobrown1309]

When you said in the last one of these, don't be afraid to build a truck for work. It'll bring you pride and make your job easier. Not long after I found a 1996 f250 used her and abused her. Now she's got a dump body and I use it for my lawn care needs. Love my cheap old truck.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

GASP!!! The Still Small Voice is so valuable. The Lord helps His own.

[@Captain1981.]

Crazy that George hitch craked. I built mine a little shorter less leverage on it i guess. Great video keep them coming

[@backyardproblemsolver]

Such a practical and functional truck! It's always nice to see something so well thought out. And a great reminder to listen to that voice!

[@duanelundgren7985]

There is such a HUGE value in being Happy and Satisfied with what you have in your life!!! How can you beat that!!!! I enjoyed your DELIGHT!!

[@balzacq]

I'm just a homeowner/DIYer and not a contractor, but boy am I glad I bought a used Nissan Titan a year ago before I started on a really big project. Trying to haul reno trash to the dump and plywood and 2x's home from the store would have been nearly impossible with the minivan I used to drive. And the 4-wheel drive will come in handy when I start taking down trees and cutting in a driveway at my 5-acre property in the woods.

[@rigell2764]

I loved the video, especially the part at the end about the still small voice. I've had one experience like that in my life except the voice was loud and clear "get out now". Saved my life.

[@StubProductions]

Pinion is correct. Pinion and ring (crown) gear in a rear end. Usually hypoid

[@vikvanderhaeghen200]

Love the sticker!! @7:19

[@warrenwerks]

Love that truck! I run an 04 E-350 super dusty extended van for my woodworking business. For my line of work I’m so happy I went with the van over a truck. So much space in there for all my tools and projects, and everything stays dry when it rains or snows. When I’ve done a whole kitchen or something bigger I’ve rented and towed a trailer behind. It’s not the prettiest vehicle around but for what I do it’s exactly what I need and I’m grateful to have jt

[@iboostbob]

@essentialcraftsman hey i just recently found your channel and have been watching a lot of your older videos. i just want to say i greatly appreciate that you always point out when you make a mistake and explain what you learned from said mistake. a lot of people wouldn't show the mistakes they make let alone explain how they made them. i feel you are showing 100% of the reality of whatever task you are doing and it makes it a lot easier to understand. at least i think so. best regards from Kentucky and keep up the good work!

[@mrDavo111]

When i was helping a friend move, the company had put some big magnets on the back of the (winch) controller. Its always in reach and you can position it so its not sliding around (or being hit). Can also mount it to reduce water ingress

[@TheFlyinrhino]

I have the same feelings for my 06 Ranger. It works hard and keeps going.

[@StoneysWorkshop]

Takes a lot of discipline and obedience to stop and obey that voice, congrats!

[@matstaley388]

I have an old 95 3/4 ton powerstroke that I have been using as a work truck. What a workhorse! I just recently acquired a 2001 F450 for an amazingly low price. It's has the 7.3 and a 6 speed manual trans and an 11' service bed. What a dream this thing is. It doesn't have the crane but I don't do heavy enough work to require one. It is perfect for my GC/Handyman business model. These old trucks will run a million miles if you take good care of them.

[@scrapperstacker8629]

Awesome Truck!!! My brother who works in the corporate world often talks about his front office and back office. For me it’s me front seat and back seat. Those are my office’s. And it works. I never miss a day of work. I just need longer days.

[@paulnye6025]

It even looks good. My favorite era of the FSeries trucks

[@praetorxian]

Scott is a Renaissance Man. Been following EC for years. Cheers.

[@marka9049]

I own the same truck for 12 years now, but maintained all of the big three American makes the last 25 years. Of all the light duty trucks in our fleet we're down to one 7.3 and have dozens of the others. The 7.3, 6.7, and once studded heads are installed, the 6.0 powerstrokes are great engines. The 6.4 powerstrokes are double the trouble of those three combined. The Cummings and Duramax give us very little trouble.

[@richardarney3954]

Cool. Good catch..

[@tinmanssaws]

Being in the trades for the last 20 years I've had many work vehicles. The toughest and most reliable were the econoline E250 ford vans. Simple, over built and bomb proof they got the job done. The drawback is they were loud, bumpy and uncomfortable for long drives doing out of town jobs. They get stuck easily in snow to. Wish they still made those things, they were amazing.

[@michaelbacile8439]

I’ve got a 2008 e350 with the 5.4L 2valve. The thing is a work horse man. 320k original miles and I’ve never had to do any major repairs. I’m really happy with it

[@bradh5629]

20,000 in fuel pumps in my f350 6.7, happy to be leasing now first time in thirty years but i could not rationalize the insane maintenance costs. I do most of the work myself but it's still expensive on heavy diesel trucks.

[@charleywalker2982]

That’s an awesome work horse that any man would be proud to own.

[@MrGoodfella4023]

I run a small shed building company and have been using suburbans for the last few years. They are great for hauling all the tools I need inside. Even built some drawers inside to store tools. And they pull the 16ft trailer with all the lumber I need to build a shed great. The suburban might not be for everyone but for me there great.

[@kyledean6659]

Great to see you're still around Scott.Always enjoy your videos.I'm not big.I'm working by myself, but you seem to make it work. Be blessed my friend

[@jeffwallace7169]

Beautiful truck! In my opinion the square body ford diesel trucks are the toughest trucks ever built, my 95 f450 is just about to hit 490k miles, it’s only needed minimal repairs, I even drove it for 6 months with only 3 quarts of oil in it, my friend had a medical emergency while I was changing the oil and I changed the filter but had to rush him to the hospital and forgot to put the almost 3.5 gallons of new oil in it, still runs great today. Need to sell it though, living in Northern California and it is no longer CARB compliant, luckily I have a 94 crew cab 4wd f350 with a 12v Cummins swap sitting in storage I need to rebuild. Enjoy watching your videos and seeing your work, keep goin.

[@fantasticfox411]

Old man. You are a treasure. Thank you.

[@davidklug5623]

I’m pretty sure I’ve been keeping up with y’all all six years. Keep up the amazing work!

[@andydsimmons]

She's a beaut. Very lucky you looked twice at that hitch. Thanks for the tour

[@jaylink1234]

I have an 04 f250 and I love it. I do general contracting my self and I am glad to have found your videos.

[@montanawhite5699]

4:12 same thing for a 95 f150 with the straight 6. Had to replace oil pan, but in order to do that had to lift engine first, kind of a pain. Now I own a 89 bronco with the 5.0 in it. It’s my backup work truck for my lawncare business, good for emergencies but eats so much gas not much of a profit.

[@HoldUpStrong]

I have the 450 (F45 Version) of this truck. Mini skid in the flatbed. pull 24k bumper dump trailer on the back. You should upgrade tow receiver to 2 5/16" and get curt 20k gross double ball hitch. Or pintle

[@craigcolavito5606]

never expected the tank to be a manual, so much respect!

[@rootpassfillcover]

Really you have given to us .WHAT A MAN IS WHAT ONE SHOULD THIVE TO BE.THANK YOU

[@johnrosier1686]

I thought this was an older video at first. Glad to see that the old work truck is still working for you. I wish I had a couple of work trucks to do different things.

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

Yep, those 7.3's Diesels are the bee's knee's! I've got the 1996n7.5 liter gas F350. Bulletproof!

[@bryantsculpting42]

A guy I hired once showed up in a camo-painted Subaru wagon with a self-made front bumper and modified roof rack system , he had 20' ladder, an 8' ladder strapped to the rack and all his handyman tools inside, he had the rear seat folded down and looked like most anything he could need for a handyman job. Funny thing is I bet the roof of that car is roughly the same height of a slightly lifted modern 4x4, he was getting almost 30 miles to gallon, and never got stuck. He said he had transported all manner of plywood drywall etc. When he needs to move debris and loose stone etc he said he has a beefy little 6x8' tilt trailer with stake sides and tarps. the 2" ball was mounted to a reese hitch. All in his whole rig was less than 6K, and payed for. I was pretty impressed, couldn't see what a 1/2 ton truck could do better.

[@blainebieneman3911]

Love my 7.3 it’s awesome to see you still working it.

[@chrisburgess8602]

I love how honest he is with his problems and he is a very humble man I watch most of his videos ❤ he is so great at explaining things in detail! 😊very helpful

[@milesbanares]

Thank you. You inspire the world. Have a good day. I wish you well in life.

[@briankillingbeck6406]

Love the videos keep them coming and keep up the good work

[@JV-pu8kx]

Love the "Danger: Engage brain before operating this machine" sign.

[@HCheatNcool]

I’ve been waiting for this one

[@james-lm9kx]

same here, I've watched the first video like 4 times now

[@szymoozz]

Can't run an old diesel truck that heavy in CA anymore. Thanks for sharing your bad ass Ford with us!

[@kirkpalmer1709]

If it's a GVWR under 14,000 lbs you can. As long as his truck is really an F-350 it's still legal in CA.

[@jerrystark3587]

That truck is a beautiful beast. I love it!

[@arresthillary9502]

thats one of the best trucks Ford ever built. I have 600,000 miles on 2 chevrolets, so they have been good to me but I also had one of those 20 years ago. a true work horse

[@kiwdwks]

That is one awesome work truck! An indispensable tool/friend that you can count on to do the work.

[@chandlerbennett4562]

Funny how everyone wants options when options only cause problems and more cost. Nothing like the simplicity and reliability. A true truck.

[@GavinHorton]

Great update! That's a beast of multi-tasker rig. Keep it up EC!

[@markdoell1834]

That still small voice within thing is always interesting because its always right, and we don't always listen...Great vid. Cool truck.

[@natoe26]

Logo on the truck looks great! Looks like a stamp of approval!

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@joepiker]

I have a similar truck...'97 F-350, 7.3 PowerStroke. My emergency brake works very well (now), unlike my previous 83 F350. Although the emergency brake cables are not adjustable (bad), if you replace them with new cables you might find the e-brake holds very well. The amount of stretch in them is hardly visible, but signifcant. I replaced mine about 7 years ago, and they will hold on a hill. Of course with ,a trailer I chock my wheels. Try replacing yours, if you haven't already done so. I got the OEM arts online.

[@haroldwilkerson2026]

I'm getting ready to build my own truck Crane and I like the idea of the axle so I went and picked up a 12000 pound trailer. Axle that 1 end was bad on, for my base. I really love this truck. My truck is a 97 Ford F350 with a utility bed

[@joek358]

You and me both brother! I have a 91 F250 extended cab lariat 7.3idi automatic (preferred because of steep hills) service truck box. 205k and no leaks. I work on all kinds of things especially luxury homes. These are old beauties.

[@normanjacques4092]

Thank God for the little voice in our heads. Ots saved me way more than once 😅

[@diegoalvarado8072]

Dream work truck. I always wait till the end so you can tell me to keep up the good work. Feels awesome hearing you say that.

[@EasyLiving8]

EXCELLENT TRUCK Young Man, thanks so much for sharing, please stay healthy and safe out there!

[@brianmiller1580]

E350 box truck w 10' bed and over head door has been my go to, I cant work out of a pick up truck ever again after having one I can stand up in and has a fairly low loading entrance

[@WayneSmith-yf3fg]

Scott, I feel ya! I just got rid of a 20 year old Ford PU and it killed me to pay for a new one. But things have changed and I didn't need the type I was driving anymore so I settled for a short bed and bigger cab (so I could haul grands around in). Keep that old girl rollin!

[@noesalazar6460]

I love your crane

[@JamesJames-zp7dy]

Thanks so much for sharing your year’s of experience and teaching us valuable information and skills!

[@jim2mckenna220]

The battle wagon never ceases to amaze!

[@cromagnon305]

That's probably the last year of a real truck, now they are just giant leather/wood sedans with a 4ft bed

[@wesfields9322]

They're most notewbly ugly and unreliable made lately

[@michaelprosperity3420]

I've been driving my Dodge Ram with a 5.9 Magnum since it was new in 2002. That was the year of the new body style. To buy a new one with the same options today is over 50k. I'll just keep driving mine.

[@marvinellis1517]

........Ahem.......6'5" bed..........

[@Mr.ChadBased]

I crack up every time I see a dude in a 75k + truck carrying a 6 foot ladder or anything bigger. Real manly looking👍

[@marka9049]

​@@Mr.ChadBased yep and don't forget the others that put oversized tires on their light trucks. What a money pit. But it's their money and I collect some of it when replacing driveshaft's, bushings, and bearings that fail due to those oversized tires.

[@alecjohnson9911]

These are called hiabs in England we use these to load scrap cars on back of lorries

[@gregcampbell3064]

Liked this for the fact it's interesting to see other's fabrication ideas on your crane and flat bed box. You are lucky out west, if you lived in the upper Midwest that sweet ride you own would be rusted in half and long gone!

[@johnfaustus1]

2:49 That's a boss-level truck driver's trick right there - but, as you mentioned, pretty hard on drivetrain.

[@-Kreger-]

By the way, your truck is awesome. I do general maintenance. Don’t know that I’d ever need something that heavy duty. But I still see how useful and thoughtful your setup is.

[@GoSoHardAuto]

The good work shall keep on coming, thanks boss

[@wooly1286]

Get rid of the ball hitch switch to a pintle hook. You'll never look back if you have a question about whether it's a good idea. None of the heavy trucks ever used ball hitches for a reason. As for the oil dipstick it's a known problem with the 7.3. I have the strictly Diesel upgrade and it's just that an upgrade. The only part I can complain about was $300 for part until I got it and installed it. O.E. part is known for bending due to being over tightened. I was skeptical at first until I installed it. It's a far better option than pulling the motor out just for the oil dipstick.

[@Sasquatch7.62]

Not only do you have a good truck with just maintenance but you have the 7.3L powerstroke that will go a million plus! I myself am in the middle of restoring a 95 f350. In the end it will cost me less for a way better truck than those new electric junk. Love the truck, keep it forever!