Ford 7.3., tell me your stories good and sad

[ScottAR]

I have a '99 F350 SRW 2wd, reg/cab, 7.3/6spd. 150,000 miles... Get 16-18 in town, 19-21 on the road driving between 55-60. I don't travel on the interstate much so that's usually fast enough. Bought the truck with 100k on it.

Replaced the clutch pivot fork, the '99 model one is weak. New clutch at same time just because. Brakes all around, One battery, Cam sensor, Turn signal switch soon. Might sell it soon, to get a '99-'02 F550. Now, that I have a backhoe, I need a bigger truck.

Kinda troublesome, Hate to see it go as it has been a real good rig, but I don't need two trucks.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I have a 99 17' box E-450 its at 90,000 miles. Had the CPS issue, had a relay that turn on the glow plugs go out. I'm loaded at 14,000 pounds all the time and I pull a trailer that adds another 4000 to 6000 lbs. 8 to 10 mpg, 10 is rare. Power is great, I'm happy.

 

[capt_met]

i have a '94 7.3idi ( non-turbo) 5 speed maual. 250,000 miles so far. since i got it i have had to replace the batteries, starter, injectors and glow plugs. also got a new clutch. i was able to get the truck for a very low price and parts for it are suprisingly low priced. excellant 2nd truck. not the most powerful, but will get the job done at its speed. i am a GM guy and have nothing but good to say about this old truck.

 

[Bird]

One of my brothers has a 2000 F350 crewcab dually, 6-speed manual, 2WD. It had just over 100k miles on it when he bought it; looked and drove like new, and I guess still does. He's got a little over 150k miles on it now. I know he's replaced the water pump and the clutch and the batteries, and I think an alternator, but the engine itself has been trouble free.​

Well, I guess he won't have it much longer. I just got an e-mail that he signed the papers yesterday to buy a new 2008 F550 crewcab and will have a custom bed made for it.

 

[deereguy]

If it hasn't already been mentioned Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 1948-2008 Ford F150, Super Duty & SUV owners community and information source. Covers F100, F-150, F250, Bronco, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, Lighting, Escape and More -check out the forums or Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks and Cars

I have a 1991 7.3 IDI- love it and a 2004 6.0- its ok, Ford shouldn't brag about it.

 

[Saxman]

I have a 94.5 Powerstroke that I bought new. I has a July 94 build date and i got it in August. It is a extended cab,5 speed manual with 4:10 ratio rear end. I pull my travel trailer with it and it has been a great truck. One alternator and 2 water pumps, the second pump was replaced because the Ford dealer installed a bad pump. I have about 114K on it now and plan on having it along time. I have consistantly got 17-19 MPG with this truck and on occasion I have got 20MPG, it has lots of power and has been fun to drive.

 

[MrJimi]

Well, we did the nasty and bought a 2002 Ford F 550 7.3 turbo diesel today, It's an auto 4 speed with overdrive and is great after a few of my magic tricks done to it like lots of paint and fluid checks. So far we love it. It has a 4.88 rear with a limited slip real and it will spin all four rear tires easy now.
Thanks for all your great advice
and did I mention that I don't like auto transmissions at all?
Jim

 

[JESSE1]

I've had 2 ('99 & '02) 7.3 Powerstrokes and they were good engines. Use a good quality 15W40 oil like Rotella or Delo 400 and it'll run a long time. Just realize with the 4.88 axle that your fuel mileage won't be great but you've got pulling power!

 

[MrJimi]

I've had 2 ('99 & '02) 7.3 Powerstrokes and they were good engines. Use a good quality 15W40 oil like Rotella or Delo 400 and it'll run a long time. Just realize with the 4.88 axle that your fuel mileage won't be great but you've got pulling power!

The part of the 4.88 that I love is limited slip, is that close to old days posi trac stuff ? It does spin the back tires fine ( I have no load on rear at all now/ cab and chassis only ) for now till I find a eight foot dually bed for cheap near me.
Jim

 

[Ryan03]

The part of the 4.88 that I love is limited slip, is that close to old days posi trac stuff ? It does spin the back tires fine ( I have no load on rear at all now/ cab and chassis only ) [for now till I find a eight foot dually bed for cheap near me.]
Jim

If you are refering to a dually pickup bed, I have some bad news for you, the cab and chassis frame from the cab back is different from the pickup frame. The cab and chassis frame rails are flat on top to make it easier for body builders to install aftermarket beds. The pickups have a raised section above the axle. Most cab and chassis have a narrower rear track width than a dually pickup . Not trying to lay a turd in your lunch box, just trying to catch you before you buy a bed that might be difficult to mount and not look right.