This is topic For the 7.3 guys? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :
 
I don't know anything about diesels.
I'm seriously considering a 7.3 250 or maybe an Excursion. Wondering from people who know what to look out for and what maintenance should by done by what milage.
That way I can ask the right questions and don't look to naive about diesels.
I know they can be very expensive to fix and don't want to be stuck with a bad one
Thanks for any info [patriot]
 
Posted by hidnn.o.s. (Member # 1219) on :
 
7.3's weakest spot was the transmission, or torque converters. Ask if they've been replaced. If they have been replaced and the truck is stock, runs smooth etc, they are "generally" solid pieces
 
Posted by norcalfiddy (Member # 11207) on :
 
208k and running strong with 0 problems, with chip and bolt ons and raced alot.

only other problem was the torque converter, i put a triple disk in it and been fine ever since, i have 150k on it.


7.3 is the way to go, super reliable and will run forever and make plently of power for towing


id recommend doing a TS chip, intake with a dry filter (6637, afe, s&b) and 4 or 5" exhaust with or without muffler, and downpipe (if you buy 95-97) big improvement since they are turds stock

[ 2013-07-22, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: norcalfiddy ]
 
Posted by 70mach351 (Member # 7528) on :
 
other things that are problems:

Fuel socks getting clogged, easy fix remove it and put a external filter on the frame.

Under valve cover harness short out. Updated ones from ford fix the problem.

CPS can be spotty.... always keep an extra in the glove box.

That being said, I love mine, its a low mileage 2001 lariat i got in utah. Plans for a DP tuner and a BTS tranny/converter.

Good luck tracking it down, there is a handful of dealers that are buying up low mileage ones and asking an arm and a leg for them.
 
Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :
 
Thanks a lot for all the info. I need it for towing the track car and 4wd for snow.
The 5.4 can only do so much especially towing up and down the Sierras on 80, it's a dog
 
Posted by 70mach351 (Member # 7528) on :
 
yeah im happy with mine, wouldnt go back to a gas pickup. its lifted with 35's and i still get 13mpg average, did 18 mpg when driving highways from utah. Theres deals to be had, just be patient and you will find something.
 
Posted by Wildfire532FB (Member # 1482) on :
 
03 7.3 Here got it with 160K, its almost 200K now haven't had any problems. i put a bigger torque convert in it and had the trans rebuilt for piece of mind. DP Tune chip, 4 inch straight exhaust, AFE Stage 3 intake, Big Head Waste Gate accuator. i get 18mpg city, 20-26 freeway depending on if its mountainous or flat.

[ 2013-07-22, 09:15 PM: Message edited by: Wildfire532FB ]
 
Posted by hidnn.o.s. (Member # 1219) on :
 
And your families car runs 10's, right [Confused]
 




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