I would like opinions on whether this should be replaced or not. If so, any suggestions on where to get a new wheel and what brand would be the best would be appreciated.

 

It looks like there is some erosion on the blades. I have seen a whole lot worse and some of the owners of those trucks refused to replace them and just continued driving them.

What kind of air filtration system is on your truck. You need to solve that problem before you replace the wheel.

Riffraff has a decent selection of replacements at reasonable prices, especially if you are going to replace the stock wheel with the same.

 

Filter is a little beat up, but it is pretty clean. It's a K&N filter. Probably should go ahead and replace it.

 

Yes. With something other than a K&N. NAPA 6637 is the best/least expensive filter.

K&N=Turbo Diesel Death IMO

 

Then look at all of the fittings, make sure there are no holes in the plumbing, and check the tightness of the clamps all the way to the turbo.

 

Air filters are like oil, everyone has a favorite or "best". Personally I decided on the Ford AIS because it is rated to flow as well as the 6637 but still look factory.

 

And it's a lot quieter.





OP- your wheel looks fine. Unless you just want to upgrade to a newer wheel that one will do fine. When I got my truck with 280K on it the wheel was eroded a good bit more than yours and had quite a few nicks. I replaced the stock air box right away but ran that wheel for 3 years as I worked on other parts of the truck.

 

I just had my intake off (finally installed a new steering gearbox) and took a peek at the wheel. Mine looks almost exactly like yours and seems to be doing fine. I just got this baby in the mail:


Riffraff Diesel Billet Compressor Wheel 94-03 - Riffraff Diesel Performance


I also got the GTP38 rebuild kit. At 270K I figured a little preventive maintenance was in order. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I haven't noticed any issues with the turbo though, just finally had the $$$ to get around to it.

 

What's wrong with that wheel? (I'm being sincere.) Mine looks similar to that one, but I thought it looked normal for a 15-16 year old compressor wheel. I understand the whole CCV oil pulling into it, so there will be black/brown stains on the wheel. But if that one causes concern for replacement, I've overlooked mine erroneously. Is there a better QUIET wheel out now? Key word, QUIET. I do not want to hear the wheel or whine more than current.

If you really like to hear turbo whine, develop and hear engine drone at multiple speeds/RPMs and develop turbo flutter that will make you think your truck is going to fail when pulling grade EMPTY, the 6637 filter is great. But don't worry bro, ALL of your troubles will go away when you install the loudest, most obnoxious compressor wheel made, The Wicked Wheel! I love mine! (Sarcasm.)

Not a big 6637 fan. Probably the worst "mod" I've done to my truck is the 6637 air filter, so it's not that bad. It was when I first got it and had an itch to mod the truck for little money. The after the fact mods to fix the issues were disregarded because I didn't want to risk going down a slippery slope with mods requiring other mods to function properly.

I believe if you build an enclosure for the 6637 the drone issues are handled. I think there's a newer quiet compressor wheel out there that may cure the flutter issues. Or you could just install an AIS or 6.0L intake and not have to deal with any of the caveats.

 

My wheel looks the same and is doing fine. The Garrett has no problem building 16psi (stock) getting on the freeway. I have to pull the turbo to fix an oil leak and decided to make a pre-emptive strike while it's off since it's got 270K on it with all original internals. With a little luck it will solve my turbo surge also.

My 6637 choice was an inexpensive way for me to get rid of the OEM airbox that doesn't seal. The noise doesn't bother me (I didn't buy a 7.3L because it was quiet). Between injectors, intake, turbo, tires, old weatherstripping, and 13-year-old insulation there's no way I could do enough to bring down the decibels anyway.


I have not heard about the 6.0 intake installed on our trucks so I looked it up (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tallation.html). How do you check/fill your power steering with that setup? As much as I off-road I'll stick with my 6637 for $20. I'd like an AIS but if my allowance builds up to that level there's always something else higher on the list that needs attention or repair.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I think I will just leave the wheel for now because it seems to be working fine with no boost issues. I will be upgrading my air filter system. Probably go with the 6637 and see how it goes. All the clamps and seals seem to fit nice and tight so I think just a filter change will do.

 

Good advice by many has led to a good decision on your part.

I agree with all of the negatives associated with the 6637 that others have posted...it was Too LOUD for me, especially when towing. That is why I have an S&B.

The 6637 is, at a minimum, a good temporary inexpensive solution to the K&N problem.

 

After doing a little more research, I have decided to go with the S&B filter kit. I have read a lot of positive things about it over the 6637. Plus it really dresses up the engine compartment.