best first upgrade?
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New User
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best first upgrade?
New diesel enthusiast here, I'm buying an '88 4x4 diesel (7.3 I assume) w/auto trans...rebuilt transfer case..new brakes...140k mi. I am wondering what my best upgrade for the money would be, i'm more interested in longevity (driveability) over power. Also I should mention the truck comes w/a 9-1/2 ft camper. My thoughts would be toward a better oil filtration, cooling, or airbags? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
For filtration use a 7.3 Powerstroke filter (Motorcraft Fl1995). It not only offers better filtration but also an added quart of oil, 11qts. total.
For cooling check and make sure the radiator is clear from deposits by looking in the top. If you replace the thermostat only use a Ford/International part as there have been reports of the aftermarket brands failing more often than not.
Airbags may not be necessary, it all depends on the feel and total weight.
My #1 recommendation is an aftermarket turbo system. It allows the engine to work more effecient creating alot more power and torque to help with the added weight of a camper.
For cooling check and make sure the radiator is clear from deposits by looking in the top. If you replace the thermostat only use a Ford/International part as there have been reports of the aftermarket brands failing more often than not.
Airbags may not be necessary, it all depends on the feel and total weight.
My #1 recommendation is an aftermarket turbo system. It allows the engine to work more effecient creating alot more power and torque to help with the added weight of a camper.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,086
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From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley
A turbo times two. I always said i didnt need one, then i had one fall into my lap, installed and would never go back. Better economy, more power, screamin whistle, and lessens the egt's for cruising around.
Another common especially with your camper and stuff is an alternator upgrade. Get a 100+amp installed and you will love it.
Another common especially with your camper and stuff is an alternator upgrade. Get a 100+amp installed and you will love it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,347
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From: Mi'kma'ki
first step i would do with a pre-93 is the 130a 3g alt.
followed by e-pump and e-fans.
soup bowl removal.
cowl induction.
free flowing exhaust.
add some gauges.
trans cooler and shift kit for your e40d.
there's some more ideas for ya anyway.good luck.
@140k id be budgeting for a complete idi tune up as well.
followed by e-pump and e-fans.
soup bowl removal.
cowl induction.
free flowing exhaust.
add some gauges.
trans cooler and shift kit for your e40d.
there's some more ideas for ya anyway.good luck.
@140k id be budgeting for a complete idi tune up as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
XLT, his truck is an 88, so he has a C6 
Defenently add a cooler!
And if your looking for longevity and durability, defenently add real gauges!
Oil pressure, water temp, trans temp, and most important, Pyrometer! Add those 4 gauges, keep an eye on 'em, and that truck will last for ever!
Defenently add a cooler!
And if your looking for longevity and durability, defenently add real gauges!
Oil pressure, water temp, trans temp, and most important, Pyrometer! Add those 4 gauges, keep an eye on 'em, and that truck will last for ever!
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New User
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Thanks for all the ideas, I hope to have the truck by the end of the month. It was owned by an older gentleman, don't know if that's good or bad but seemed to have been well taken care of the price w/camper was too good to pass.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,347
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From: Mi'kma'ki
oh oops.i guess that was a year too soon then.not until '89 was it?
hard to remember all these things.
ahh well,a shift kit w/cooler is always good no matter the trans.
i put the strongest springs when i did my c6. she shifted like she meant it all right lol.
hard to remember all these things.
ahh well,a shift kit w/cooler is always good no matter the trans.
i put the strongest springs when i did my c6.
she shifted like she meant it all right lol.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I can't imagine how hard that dang thing must of been on the U-joints! lol
The C6 is already a pretty quick firm shifting tranny from the factory.
The C6 is already a pretty quick firm shifting tranny from the factory.
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Senior User
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From: Tennessee
yep might not be very cheap but turbo hands down. increase HP-Torque-MPG-Engine efficiency. this is why all diesel engines produced today are turbocharged. make sure you got SCA charged coolant. keep glow plug system in good working condition or you'll be **** out of luck come winter. if your just gonna use the truck to tow with every once in a while I wouldn't spend much money it though.
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Got the new coal burner last week and as I figured very clean...well maintained truck& camper owned by an older couple. First thoughts are not sure if its the camper or the tranny..but 65 mph puts me over 3k on rpms..yikes...glowplugs replaced about 18k miles ago....a camper that weighs right@ 3k loaded on a f250? Any thoughts?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
3k RPM at 65mph with a C6? Yup, sounds right on the money with 4.10's!
My old 12ft. slide in camper I use to have on my bone stock single wheel F250 did fine with my 3k lbs camper on it. Very tippy on windy days, but got use to it.
My old 12ft. slide in camper I use to have on my bone stock single wheel F250 did fine with my 3k lbs camper on it. Very tippy on windy days, but got use to it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
ahh.
first best upgrade re-answer:
trans swap.
options to get lower cruising rpms/increased fuel economy;
slow down.way down. (cheapest option.)
swap whole rear axle with a truck that has 3:55's (second cheapest route.)
find a used gear vendors OD unit.(find a good deal,or scrap the idea for a OD trans.these cost too much even used imho.might as well just go with a newer OD trans instead.but if you can find that deal.)
swap C6 for either the E40D w/ computer and wiring harness or manual ZF5.(pricey.but will yield the highest gains.)
taller tires also.forgot this one.
and or a combo of all the above of course.
though one has to decide would it have just been cheaper to buyer a newer truck with a OD already though.
there's a reason the older trucks sell for less.this is a big one besides just standard age depreciation.
3k lbs is just what i call hauling "light",sometimes "medium" loads in my fuel economy reports.
she'll be just fine.
the old timer probably added an overload to 'er didn't he? if not,go ahead an add it.
first best upgrade re-answer:
trans swap.
options to get lower cruising rpms/increased fuel economy;
slow down.way down. (cheapest option.)
swap whole rear axle with a truck that has 3:55's (second cheapest route.)
find a used gear vendors OD unit.(find a good deal,or scrap the idea for a OD trans.these cost too much even used imho.might as well just go with a newer OD trans instead.but if you can find that deal.)
swap C6 for either the E40D w/ computer and wiring harness or manual ZF5.(pricey.but will yield the highest gains.)
taller tires also.forgot this one.
and or a combo of all the above of course.
though one has to decide would it have just been cheaper to buyer a newer truck with a OD already though.
there's a reason the older trucks sell for less.this is a big one besides just standard age depreciation.
3k lbs is just what i call hauling "light",sometimes "medium" loads in my fuel economy reports.
she'll be just fine.
the old timer probably added an overload to 'er didn't he? if not,go ahead an add it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,319
Likes: 4
From: Elk City, OK
turbo is nice, get a great jump in mpg. what gears do you have? doing a gear swap may go far for you too depending on what you have now and how you plan on using the truck. gears will lower your rpm's, increase your mpg as well. hydroboost is a good upgrade as well especially if you plan on hauling or driving loaded. id start with all new belts, hoses, thermostat, flush your radiator and make sure your sca's are kept in check.