Faults:

There is one big problem, but I blame the EPA. They outlawed the old paint process and the paint basically fell off. There was a recall and they repainted it for me. But that was a pain to deal with because I need my truck.

The temperature dash gauge went out and it was an easy fix.

The front fuel tank gauge went out. We had to drop the fuel tank to fix it.

The left turn signal has to be held down to make it function.

The A/C needed a charge.

Other than that, no problems. I've followed the maintenance procedures with oil changes etc.

General Comments:

The diesel with the Banks Turbo is a dream. I'm glad I purchased it back in 1991. The dealer installed the Banks Turbo package with EGT gauge, turbo boost gauge and Banks TransCommand for the transmission. It cost me 25K.

It's a four door house on wheels! People love to ride in it due to its smoothness and high-up perspective. It's pretty quiet and has very comfortable seats. I use it to pull my Fifth Wheel and it has never let me down. I get offers to buy it all the time. It's BIG, powerful, reliable, simple and kinda classy in its own way.

Faults:

Fuel pump solenoid went out fairly early--maybe 50,000 miles. It came on even when no one was in the vehicle, causing the battery to run down.

Park/neutral switch went out in the transmission at about 115,000 miles, causing the vehicle to fail to start.

Transmission went out at about 120,000. Seals failed, apparently due to the vehicle not being run often enough to keep them lubricated.

General Comments:

In spite of its size, this truck is fun to drive and definitely sticks to dry pavement. I like to say that it straightens out the corners, because I can drive it down a very curvy road without ever slowing for the bends. Lots of power when unloaded, like a giant sports car.

However, when pulling a heavy trailer, I think it ought to have more power for the size engine it has. Seventy mph on the freeway is easy, as long as the road is flat. Hills present a problem. Maybe I'm expecting too much, but it's like driving a big truck and slows down on uphill grades. Even modern trucks, fully loaded, can handle freeway grades without much slowing. I'm disappointed in the F-350's performance pulling a heavy trailer. It ought to be better for 11 mpg. (When I say "truck," I'm talking about tractor-trailer units that gross 80,000 pounds.)

Other than pulling a heavy trailer, this vehicle is a delight. Handling, power, and driver comfort are great. Heavy loads in the bed are no trouble at all, even well over the recommended limits.

The only other caveat I would offer is for sticking to the road under slippery conditions. My advice: leave it parked.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the vehicle. It is in very good condition, and very reliable. The owner before me had rewired things such as the rear tail-lights, so I am having to redo his wiring. Other than that, the truck is in tip-top running condition.

General Comments:

The truck is a long-wheel-base, and a dually. The entire length of it is just under 20', and the dual rear wheels make for a wide stance. Despite the dimensions, the truck handles very well. I had driven a 4 door Mercedes before this, and the only thing I notice differently is the turning radius. You have to back it up to clear stuff in front of you. As for general maneuverability, I was surprised as to how nimble it really is.

I gave the truck a 5 for comfort, that is because it has a vinyl bench seat, which is not uncomfortorable, but does make for a sweaty back no matter how cold the interior is.

I gave the running cost a 7 because I am getting surprisingly good fuel mileage from the truck. The rear end is geared 4.10, and has a 5 speed manual transmission. Currently I get about 23 miles per gallon. I can get 25 miles per gallon if I shift at a lower rpm, and keep my foot out of the floor.