Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

thinking about a change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 06:57 PM
  #1  
huckster's Avatar
huckster
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
thinking about a change

I am thinking of selling my '99 f250 5.4l 4x4 SD, for a '03 f250 7.3 4x4. I found one that is basically the same truck with the 7.3diesel with less than 150K on it. I've never owned a diesel so what am I in for with the 7.3? I need a crash education so I can make a decision before the '03 is gone. Everything you guys can offer will be helpful. thanks
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 07:02 PM
  #2  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,354
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
I bought my first diesel truck (the one in my signature) just over a year ago and love the truck. I hope to always own a diesel for the rest of my life.

As for education, you really need to just start reading and writing down questions you get from reading. Then search for those questions and continue until you either feel satisfied with what you have learned or get too tired.

To get you started, might I suggest clicking on the link below and having at it!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...ech-links.html
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 07:16 PM
  #3  
Jesser02EX's Avatar
Jesser02EX
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma
Originally Posted by huckster
I am thinking of selling my '99 f250 5.4l 4x4 SD, for a '03 f250 7.3 4x4. I found one that is basically the same truck with the 7.3diesel with less than 150K on it. I've never owned a diesel so what am I in for with the 7.3? I need a crash education so I can make a decision before the '03 is gone. Everything you guys can offer will be helpful. thanks

03 is the last of the 7.3's. To find one with less than 150k miles is outstanding. Check the turbo impeller wheel for any ware, the air box for leaking/dMage and the oil cap for blow by. If all of those are good, I say jump on it quick.

Owning and maintaining a diesel cost more. But with some basic maintenance it'll run longer than anything else.

Diesels need clean air, oil and fuel. Keep those in check and you'll be ahead of the game!
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 07:41 PM
  #4  
binuya's Avatar
binuya
Fleet Mechanic
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 4
From: Seattle
Club FTE Silver Member

Here's a link to one of the buyers guides in the stickies at the top:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html The 7.3 is an entirely different animal from the 5.4. It's built to do real work, and do it well.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2015 | 09:23 PM
  #5  
RV_Tech's Avatar
RV_Tech
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
You didn't really say what motivating a possible change. For me diesels are met to work, if I wasn't towing, I would not own one. They do last longer, but I think you pay for it along the way.

This the first diesel I had owned, but I had owned a number of gassers and many of the basics are the same. Read over the info suggested and take your time going over it and you should be fine.
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2015 | 03:44 PM
  #6  
holeshotwalt's Avatar
holeshotwalt
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 0
From: Dustbowl, NV
For me, getting a diesel has been amazing... more power, better fuel mileage (18-21 mpg, depending if I'm going 75+ or 60 mph), even though I rarely tow anything, the extra buy-in cost I hope will be worth it by having the truck last for 500k miles...
That is a good year with low miles, you better jump on it! Good luck!
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2015 | 04:18 PM
  #7  
schlepprock250's Avatar
schlepprock250
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 19
From: Archdale,N.C.
Club FTE Silver Member

03 was the last year for 7.3s. However 03 was the first year for 6.0s, not trying to question your knowledge but be sure it's a 7.3.
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2015 | 06:05 PM
  #8  
dn29626's Avatar
dn29626
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 14
From: South Carolina
Originally Posted by schlepprock250
...03...the last year for 7.3s...
...03 was (also) the first year for 6.0s...
...be sure it's a 7.3...
I have been driving diesel for half my life. I wish every vehicle was diesel.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jun 6, 2015 | 08:18 PM
  #9  
huckster's Avatar
huckster
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by schlepprock250
03 was the last year for 7.3s. However 03 was the first year for 6.0s, not trying to question your knowledge but be sure it's a 7.3.
I thought about that..... The VIN show it to be a 7.3.
 
Reply
Old Jun 7, 2015 | 05:24 AM
  #10  
Tugly's Avatar
Tugly
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
If you can see the engine, it's likely a 7.3L.





A day of mulling without a deposit down on the truck means it's likely gone, depending on how much he's asking for it.

Rules: In the consumer diesel world, 7.3L is sought after - as is the Cummins 5.9L... but the Cummins has an unreliable wrapper.

The book says 0-60 MPH in ten seconds. If it can do that without blowing soot out the tailpipe, there is potential for it to be a healthy stocker.

New Toys
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MNBenny
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Feb 3, 2016 07:47 AM
thepossumface
General Diesel Discussion
8
Nov 11, 2013 09:11 AM
farmermike
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Jan 20, 2008 08:40 AM
cudajim
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Mar 18, 2007 07:06 AM
Fallguy2004
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Nov 25, 2006 05:17 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:53 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE