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As the title says I picked up a 2001 7.3 power stroke excursion and I have some questions.
Issues:
Loud hum out of front end at highways speeds I believe this to be the hub main bearing I already have the assemblies apart. Oil leak 4 inch spot after 4 days. door lock actuators. Passenger side inner axle seal leaking (very small leak but I'm sure it will only get worse).
Repairs to be made before road trip in 6 weeks to NC
1. Replace hub assemblies
2. Replace all outer axle seals
3. (Maybe) Inner Axle seals
4. U joints since axles are already out
4. Diff fluid front and rear
5. Trans/transfer case fluid and filter
6. Engine oil and filter
7. Flush coolant and replace thermostat and o ring
8. brake fluid
9. Have truck reviewed by competent diesel mechanic. Know of any in CT?
My main questions are about the carrier. How do I remove the carrier without the spreader tool? Since I'm not changing anything do I need to check backlash before and after removal? Has anyone actually used the rag method to remove it and been successful? Has anyone tried putting it in the freezer before reinstallation to shrink it and been successful? In everything listed above removal and reinstallation of the carrier makes me nervous being a sensitive drivetrain component.
Either way its definitely a cool truck and id like to get it off the jack stands and start driving it.
Any thing else you would recommend having done before road trip?
Ill post pics later if I can get comp to cooperate
Here are some pics. I said I'm this far already might as well go for it and with two pry bars the ring gear practically fell out. That's the only picture I have of it not on jack stands so I'm pretty eager to get this done and start driving it.
My main questions are about the carrier. How do I remove the carrier without the spreader tool? Looks like you already figured that one out.
Since I'm not changing anything do I need to check backlash before and after removal? Put it back exactly the way it came out (shims and all) and you are good.
Has anyone actually used the rag method to remove it and been successful? Again, I think you have a handle on this.
Has anyone tried putting it in the freezer before reinstallation to shrink it and been successful? Yes, it works great.
Well I finally made some progress today axles have all new seals and ready to go back in housing. The tool finally came and I got the new inner seals in. The carrier is in the chest freezer. Everything is ready to go back together tomorrow. I also picked up some new front power stop rotors I noticed there was a rust imprint on both front rotors from the pad I believe the truck sat a while before being sold. I believe that could have contributed to the vibration.
So I got everything back together just waiting on the RTV to dry and I could fill with oil. The carrier did not go back in easy it was kept overnight in -10F and I still had to use a 2x4 and a BFH. Also with the key in the on position the abs light stays on. and the right side hub is not unlocking I spin the rotor and the axle still spins any suggestions?
So I got everything back together just waiting on the RTV to dry and I could fill with oil. The carrier did not go back in easy it was kept overnight in -10F and I still had to use a 2x4 and a BFH. Also with the key in the on position the abs light stays on. and the right side hub is not unlocking I spin the rotor and the axle still spins any suggestions?
Thanks
ABS light: Key/run cycles. I think it detects the loss of signal when you disconnect it. Mine cleared up after a few (one or two?) cycles
Hey guys. I figured its been a while so id give an update on the progress. So far
Items Completed:
All axle seals in the front end
All five door lock actuators
Installed XM,
straightened the steering wheel
Tightened steering gear box
Had wheels balanced and alignment (still get some vibration above 60mph)
front diff fluid
Oil and filter change
Blackstone oil analysis
Air filter
Truck Inspected
To Do List
Left and Right exhaust manifolds and add gasket
Bellowed up pipes
Turbo pedestal oil seals
RMS (shop will most likely take care of this)
Steering Stabilizer
Rear Diff Fluid
Trans Fluid
Thermostat and housing
Repaint Roof Rack and plastic trim on rear hatch
Interior squeak (driving me crazy I think its the second row seat)
Even with all the things I still would like to fix the truck has been reliable we have put about 2000 miles on it since purchase and took it on a 1500 mile road trip which included driving on the beach and the auto hubs worked flawlessly. Also towed 7000 lb. the trailer could be felt in the suspension but the engine barely knew it was there. In the last photo its sitting next to a Ford Centurion C250 7.3 power stroke (Four Door Bronco) that's what I was originally looking for but it proved to difficult to find.
Have you towed over mountains? My 7.3 seems to struggle pulling an 8,000lb trailer even with mods in my signature. My expectation for the 7.3 may be too high and have no baseline for determining if I have an issue.
