My firend had one also, and he constantly had problems with the boot or hose that attaches to the turbo. It wold constantly slip off. Not all have the problem, but I think that part is one I would take with, and be prepared to change it if required. Possibly get it looked at before leaving too, to make sure it appears to be tight and has good clamps. Sorry I don't know the issue better, but I am sure you can find it on the Ford forums or someoen else here. I just know he had a ton of problems with it, but he always dealt with it very easily. I was following him once when it happened on a grade here in Colorado and he told me to go on he'd be fine. Another time he had to do it off an interstate in the middle of Houston and made him late to meet us in Arkansas. It didn't seem to bother him much as he knew the easy fix when it happened, but check it out.
Good luck with the trip! You say you will be in the US for 6 months first, but it looks like from the ad you'd have to pick it up in SA?
What a great set of photos with the rig.....looks just like the ones I have seen of my truck down there. What an adventure! I guess the buying of expedition vehicles already in the lands you want to explore is becoming more and more a route of choice for people. I really learned a lot about that at the Overland Expo last year. Are you aware of that show/convention/gathering (whatever you call it!) in Flagstaff? Are you considering attending? If not, you ought to because what a great place to prepare for your trip!
BT
On edit - I should have clarified my comments were related to the 7.3; my friends' was one of the last ones, a 99 or 2000 I think.
