Hate waiting for something to happen... so to be ready, I'm thinking of a used turbo and going thru it. Clean it up, make sure the unison ring operates correctly, maybe a rebuild of the bearings and a new wheel to make it go a little better.

I'm currently at 120k and know it may not be long before this is needed... I suspect sticking vanes is in my future. To minimize down time, trying to make it a simple as possible... I hate being without a truck!

What should I look for and how much should I expect to pay for the turbo.

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't pay a lot due to the fact you could end up with a turbo that can't be rebuilt.

 

Why waste your money on a extra turbo . If you drive your truck regularly you won't have sticking vanes . If you do just pull it and clean it . Unless the seals go out in it they are dependable .

 

Yupper, that's why I'm on my third turbo in 60,000 miles. Dealer couldn't even rebuild them. They had to be replaced. These turbos have been more problems than many will acknowledge. I have a co-worker and neighbor and both of them are on turbos number 6 counting the original.

 

I wonder why some seem to have problems where others do not, mine has 105,000 miles on it with no problems.

 

If you've had good luck, I'm happy for you. The turbo problems go back to when the vgt was first introduced. Garret even increased the clearances. They didn't dothat for shi** and grins.

 

I'm not having any problems yet, 120K. But live in a salt water area with high humidity and I'm planning for the worst. Having a ready spare takes little effort and only a couple hours to swap. Trying to fix it because I need it tomorrow doesn't work for me.

 

Got one on my truck and two boxed up ready for install.
A good turbo ready to go 500.

 

PureTurbo in Oceanside calif will rebuild for $405 plus $25 for shipping within a week for a 97 7.3 ford. plug & play

 

I guess i'am just lucky mine has 190,000 on it and has just been clean twice . Are the 03's any diff from the others in dependability ?

 

Perhaps that is why mine hasn't had the issue so far since mine is an 06' or like you are saying just dumb luck.

 

I just installed turbo number 2 on my 06 at 97000 miles. Hard to believe how rusted and pitted it was.

 

The used ones that they "say" are "good"
go for about $350 on Ebay if that gives
you an idea.

Sean

 

I agree with cj69. Some of these trucks go through turbos like crazy. Why should we have to keep pulling them to clean, drive a special way etc.

 

Not saying anybody drives around like Granny, but turbo's are not suppose to just sit around they need to be walked and hard.