Getting a new F350
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Getting a new F350
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Hey guys I am new to the forum and in the process of getting a 99 ford f350 with a 7.3 diesel purely for towing. I just wanted to know any tips or tricks to get the best fuel mileage/power out of this truck. The truck is a 7.3 crew cab 2 wheel drive, Not sure of the gear with 105k on it. I’ve got a good line on some 4" exhaust. But I have read about chips and filters and transmission VB. I am unsure what to get. Any help would be appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
welcome to FTE
here is a link to new buyers https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...re-on-fte.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...longevity.html
here is a link to new buyers https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...re-on-fte.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...longevity.html
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 789
Likes: 16
From: West Coast/L.A. Area
The trans is a weak part of the PSD's. You got to keep them cool, especially when towing. So you will needed added cooling of some sort. If you chip the PSD, then exhaust temp becomes an issue and you have to get a EGT gauge. I would start with the trans cooler, then get gauges, EGT, boost (for fun) and Trans temp because you can't trust the dash meter. Then you're ready to do more if you got the $ and the time.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Ok does anyone have a link they can put up for trans cooler, chip, gauges. I also read about wicked wheel and a transmission valve body upgrade for towing. Is there any specific one that is more suited for towing over the others?
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Welcome to FTE. You might read up on what is preference for pulling like gears,turbos,exhaust housings, tranny,tunes, etc. You can find one some times that is set up like that for sale.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 789
Likes: 16
From: West Coast/L.A. Area
Most people on this forum like the 6.0 trans cooler. You can check on ebay for that. As you can see by my profile, i went the easier route and installed a smaller TruCool in line with the factory cooler. It has been working very well for me and I haven't gone over 190 degrees since I installed it, even in 100 degree outside temps and 6 degree grades.
For gauges I like ISSPro, but there are a couple of other brands that are reputable as well.
As for towing, the DP Tuner chip will help the trans shift a lot tighter, but in the long run, you may want to change the valve body, or even go for a complete rebuild. Lots of info on that on this forum as well as the other mods you asked about. Have fun.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
The most 'major essential' on a used 7.3, IMO, is carefully tightening the intercooler-related clamps (all of them), doing the Hutch mod (fuel tank pickup and line mod), and installing a 6637 air filter. This greatly boosted my power and mileage, all for a total of less than $200.
You should baseline the vehicle (checking all things underhood, axles, fluids, brakes, etc.) before doing any mods.
Just my .02 - read this forum a lot and you'll pick up all you need to know.
You should baseline the vehicle (checking all things underhood, axles, fluids, brakes, etc.) before doing any mods.
Just my .02 - read this forum a lot and you'll pick up all you need to know.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gasman6674
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Nov 30, 2015 02:13 PM
mezcalero280cal
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Feb 13, 2012 07:23 PM
f350idi
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
8
Apr 26, 2009 06:36 PM
Colossus
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Jun 13, 2003 11:03 PM