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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 09:09 AM
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
New Motor??

My wife and I are planning on taking a 6 - 12 month travel trailer vacation to see the US. Im about to get out of the military and I want to see a little more of the land I've been defending. I bought my X a little bit ago and she's racking up the miles. Now im at 290K. No problems whatsoever with the motor, the trans needs a coolor as it overheats some when under a serious load. My question.....I feel a little uneasy taking this truck with 290K miles on it across the US pulling a trailer the whole time. The nagging possibility of it leaving me on the side of the road doesnt sit well. Ive done a lot of suspension upgrades X/C's, plan on getting a hensley, and though the trailer is long (33ft) it only weighs 7610 GVW with a dry weight of 5858. Should I be doing something to the engine before I start? Im thinking of saving up to replace it, figure thats going to need to happen soon but is it worth trying to see how much longer she'll go or just re-doing her now? Honest opinions needed as I'm against a wall as to what to do. Truck is a 2000 7.3 limited.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 09:17 AM
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It's a 7.3 you'll be fine do you have any pillar guages or anything to monitor trans temp, or egt's? Running a high constant exhaust gas temp would be my concern. Most of the 7.3's will last 500,000 easy with proper maintainence. My ex has 277,000 on it and all I've done to it Is a set of injectors, ( knock on wood). Thank you for your service!
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 09:21 AM
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I'd be more worried about the tranny, though I would have to guess at some point it must have been changed.

At that mileage point, anything may or may not give you troubles. Bright side is you don't seem to be on a strict schedule, so a major breakdown just might be part of the adventure!

Enjoy the trip, you deserve it. Thanks for the service!
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 09:25 AM
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Originally Posted by ExxWhy
I'd be more worried about the tranny, though I would have to guess at some point it must have been changed.

At that mileage point, anything may or may not give you troubles. Bright side is you don't seem to be on a strict schedule, so a major breakdown just might be part of the adventure!

Enjoy the trip, you deserve it. Thanks for the service!

Yeah sorry the tranny is only 40K old. Thanks for the best wishes
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 09:31 AM
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Originally Posted by Kdr358
It's a 7.3 you'll be fine do you have any pillar guages or anything to monitor trans temp, or egt's? Running a high constant exhaust gas temp would be my concern. Most of the 7.3's will last 500,000 easy with proper maintainence. My ex has 277,000 on it and all I've done to it Is a set of injectors, ( knock on wood). Thank you for your service!

I have a scangauge II. Would like a 4 set of pillars but have other priorities first.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 10:07 AM
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How does the rear diff oil look? I know bearings tend to go around that mileage. If the oil hasn't been done in a while I'd change that since there will be alot if heat being produced
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 10:11 AM
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Originally Posted by Kdr358
How does the rear diff oil look? I know bearings tend to go around that mileage. If the oil hasn't been done in a while I'd change that since there will be alot if heat being produced
Changed the fluid and diff covers both front and rear around 1K ago. Both looked great.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 10:15 AM
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If you tow regularly, I'd get the 26 row 6.0 trans cooler. Compared to the stock 7.3 cooler, it's awesome and does a MUCH better job of keeping the trans cool.

Mine was put in after the old one was destroyed in a front end collision. Towing before and after, my trans stays significantly cooler even while towing the heaviest of loads.

I'd be sure to get it flushed with some fresh fluid, add a 3/8" magnefine inline filter, and the 6.0 trans cooler. After that, you can safely stop worrying about your trans other than the 30K fluid changes.
 
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