Any experience with UHaul IDIs?

[DOE-SST]

I'm looking at ex-UHaul trucks, and wondering if they are real sluggish when loaded down.


1993 17ft box van. Box is 14ft with 3ft overhang above the van nose. 7.3 IDI NA, E4OD.

1994 17ft box truck with standard ford truck front end. 7.3 IDI NA, E4OD.

I'll be driving at 5000+ feet above sea level, and expect to have 5000 - 8000 lbs of cargo.


Also, any knowledge if UHaul vehicles experienced any cavitation problems?


Thanks.

 

[boosted power]

These really are not a high HP engine, but that's not a ton of weight either. Should do okay on the flats, but you probably won't be maintaining the speed limit on any long grades.

The 7.3 IDI seems to suffer pretty bad from cavitation issues, but as long as the coolant SCA levels have been properly maintained it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[towcat]

U-haul trucks are routinely driven by people who have no business being in anything larger than a Geo Metro and they drive the trucks like a Geo.
They are beaten like a rented mule and intentionally underpowered by U-haul. That being said, they are fairly well maintained, depending on the zone the truck lives in. For what you do, a turbo and a IC is a must. I'd buy one, but I am also aware of the fact there may be bugs to iron out for a while after purchase.

 

[itsacrazyasian]

Uhaul knew of the caviation problem. They run pink dca precharged coolant in their trucks. I bought one off a customer that bought it used from Uhaul. Came with all records. He used it for his business till he could afford a bigger truck. I bought it for the engine as the 7.3 in my 91 crew dually cavitated (i started treating it after i got it). I got a really nice one. He gave me all records that uhaul did up to when he got it. I serviced it from that point on. It had a fairly recent Dealers Diesel motor replacement. The C6 was pretty fresh. Uhaul adds a remote oil reservoir to add 2 qts to oil capacity. They were all 4.10 gears. For what its worth i'd chose the truck body as mine came out of a van and it was a PITA to get out so i can't even begin to think what its like to service. Inspect carefully like any other used vehicle purchase though.

edit: just fyi. Uhaul tags their in city/local trucks as DC infront of the truck number. EL are one way trucks. Basically the trucks that are rented to move from city to city so their mileage should be "easier" miles that the city trucks.

 

[idi_econoline]

Removal and install in the E-body isn't for impatient or easily frustrated souls.... a long hoist, a very short chaining and many skinned knuckles!

 

[DOE-SST]

I've got several E350s. I don't find them difficult to work on, but that may be because I've spent years maintaining and rebuilding aircraft.

The biggest trick is to remove the front pax seat before tackling the engine.

 

[Sw1tchfoot]

We have an IH box truck that we swapped a 6.9L into when the 7.3 went out. It get's around fine, loses some speed on the hills but that is expected.

 

[The Warden]

The biggest trick is to remove the front pax seat before tackling the engine.

As a former IDI E-350 owner, let me say AMEN to that!!

 

[DOE-SST]

We have an IH box truck that we swapped a 6.9L into when the 7.3 went out. It get's around fine, loses some speed on the hills but that is expected.

Can you describe your weights, altitudes and roads?

I just don't want to max one out on weight and find I'm driving a drunken whale, like a Chevy box truck I had previously.