I am looking to get an '03-'07 QCLB and would appreciate any advice on things to look for. My Price range is 10-15k so it is going to be a higher mileage truck I'm sure, 200k+.

Explanation of title:

Had an '02 F250 PSD CCSB Auto, 2 trans rebuilds in 115k, sold it and got a new '06 CTD Mega G-56. Towed the toyhauler very well. Had too sell in 2011 for financial reasons(residential construction-ouch) and was dead set on owning another CTD. Bought a '99 ECLB Dually Auto(just couldn't find a manual!) Didn't like the auto and the cab wasn't big enough for the family(4 kids) and at the time I couldn't afford an '03 QC. Sold it and bought an '01 F350 PSD CCSB ZF-6. I like this truck but am getting tired of the manual trans and would also like a long bed. I've considered a 6.0h-no and don't mind doing some of the things needed to fix them, I just don't feel like they're a good long term(mileage) vehicle and there difficult to work on, it seems, soooooo here I go again-----looking for an '03-'07 CTD QCLB Auto! I know the auto trans in these aren't the best and will cost some $$$ at some point, but I am prepared for that. However, manual transmissions aren't bullet proof either, I recently had to have a new input shaft and some other work done on my ZF-6. Almost enough for a new dodge factory heavy duty 48** with a warranty!

What I am familiar with: Front end parts, my '06 had plenty of this before a 100k!

What to look for in regards to the trans and engine? On the PSD's you check for blow-by out the oil filler cap, same for the CTD? Other things to look for? Transmission-shudder while shifting, hard gear lever shifting? Other things to look for?

Thanks for your time

 

Go 04.5 to 07.5, gets you the 5.9L with the 48RE
I have two 05's I like the auto