Stolen truck, looking for replacement

[acende]

Well, my 2006 F350 4x4 Crew Cab was stolen last month. It was an XLT with a 6 speed manual, I have been looking for another truck and not having much luck. I really want to stay with a manual transmission and there aren't that many out there. Also want SWD and the 6.5 bed. I have found a few outside located out of state. I live in Southern California. Is it possible to buy a truck out of state and register it in California?

There seem to be more trucks with a 7.3 and the 6 speed manual. If I choose that option what should I watch out for? Thanks for any suggestions. I'm sad that Ford stopped offering the option of a manual transmission.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Can't help you on the search. I like my auto trans with the manual option. But you can buy a vehicle out of state and bring it in state. You'll have to pay registration fees and get it smogged once you get it here.

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[john mathis]

The 7.3 is bulletproof! Way better motor than the 6 point Oh my God, that gonna be expensive to fix! Many performance upgrades available for the 7.3.

 

[troutwest66]

You already know about the 6.0s so don't be scared. I have an '04 and I am liking the 5R100 tranny. Always had manuals before and I miss it but not as much as feared. I tow and spend a lot of time in the mountains here in north Idaho hunting, ATVs and fly fishing. No issues with the auto. Is kind of nice just mashing on the go pedal and the tow/haul feature works very well. Good luck on the search.

 

[roble1]

I had a 2006 6.0 truck I drove for 4 years, the only trouble I had was a turbo problem that Ford took care of, otherwise never spent a dime on it. Bought it with 50,000 miles on it, was a great truck. Had a 6.4 for two years then traded for a 6.7 three years ago, haven't had any problems yet, love the truck but I don't put very many miles on it. I miss driving a manual transmission but after trying to teach my wife how to drive a stick shift, I will never go back [can't afford the divorce] I have friends that had nothing but trouble with there 6.0's but most of them chipped them right away for more power and had headache after headache for there effort. I think Ford makes the best trucks on the road and if you get one and treat her right they will last a long time regardless of which engine you have.The 7.3 was a bullet proof engine that Ford should have continued making but manufacturers don't seem to understand the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" idea. Good luck on your search

 

[DaveBen]

I am still driving my 2004 F-350 with 6.0 and auto. Love it. Maintenance is the key.

 

[acende]

Thanks for the responses, The main reason I'm looking at the 7.3 is because I have actually found a few with the ZF6 manual. I was the original owner of my 2006. It was in excellent condition, try proving that to an insurance company. First they wanted documentation, no problem sent off a 100 pg pdf. They don't even look at it, they have a outside company who evaluates and they can't or won't explain the process. Now they want photos and other things. When I asked the adjuster to state exactly what else I need their response was: I don't know what else you have? Wow, what a joke! Yes, I have contacted my agent and a supervisor is suppose to contact me. Half of their comp's were for F250's.

Does anyone know how hard it is to register an out of state diesel truck in California? I have seen a couple that might work, but hey are between a 1,000 to 2,200 miles away. That's a long way to go for a maybe.

I know that I'm being stubborn in my search for a manual transmission, and I know that automatics have come a long way. However it's what I like and unlike many other people I don't believe that I will ever be happy with an automatic. Sometimes when I get frustrated by the search for a manual I find myself checking out Dodge 3500's cause a manual is available. My dad had a 96 3500 with DWD and a 5 speed manual. He put a hi-lo gear vendor on it. The engine and drive train were awesome the rest of the truck not so much.

The search goes on...

 

[01yellerCobra]

Can't help you on the search. I like my auto trans with the manual option. But you can buy a vehicle out of state and bring it in state. You'll have to pay registration fees and get it smogged once you get it here.

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Does anyone know how hard it is to register an out of state diesel truck in California? I have seen a couple that might work, but hey are between a 1,000 to 2,200 miles away. That's a long way to go for a maybe.

Already posted that info. My mom brought her T- bird from Az. Got it smogged and paid registration fees. The issue will be if the truck is somewhere that doesn't have smog. I don't know how much smog equipment the 7.3 has, but it'll need to be there for the inspection. Something to add in to the cost if need be.

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[acende]

Yeah I need to research smog law and what is required. I know before 2003 there's not an egr, and after 2008 there's way smog stuff each generation. Do you have a shop that you recommend ? My old truck was reliable the shop that worked on the minor stuff didn't work on any other diesel vehicle. Last April I did have to replace the egr and cooler I ended up using a local Ford dealer.