Hi folks,
I need some advise and recommendations concerning my 1997 F250HD 160K miles. I am a single 59yr. old horsewoman and on my bucket list, I want to pull my horsetrailer/camper across the US going from equine park to equine park. I want to prepare my old truck to do this and was thinking that I would love for Bill Hewitt or someone like him to dealer proof or bullet proof my truck before making this trip. I'm sure it needs some TLC and maybe more?? I need the assurance that it's in great condition before I embark on this endeavor! I don't think BH works on 7.3L anymore. I live in NW Florida. Can you advise me on who and where I can have this done?? Any help you give will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

I bulletproofed my 97 and here I sit for three plus weeks waiting for a new motor. There are no guarantees! Just have the all the fluids changed and go for it.

 

oh no!! what I dread most!!!

 

Lol. Bill hewtwit... I wouldn't let that idiot look at my 7.3..

 

 

Uugh!!! That's why I'm seeking advise, I'm not a mechanic but, I know I have a very good truck. My trailer is a 1999 BEE gooseneck, the box is 25' and loaded it weighs approx. 14K lbs. My truck has always pulled it fine but, the out west trip is going to be a long one and my equipment is old. So, I would like to get my truck "legged up", so to speak. I would rather spend $10k on it than have a new one + a truck pmt. Any info or suggestions are most appreciated!
Thanks!

 

There isn't any "bulletproofing" done to a 7.3. I agree with what's said above, just change the fluids and go. One thing I might do if it hasn't been done yet is make sure you have a big enough tranny cooler assuming you're driving an automatic. Also, have that trailer serviced. Brakes and wheel bearings. I recommend that you spend the extra money and make sure good quality wheel bearing are used. If made in china, they ain't good quality.

 

BTW: My truck is stock with no upgrades. The transmission is a 371 and I was wandering if it should be change to the 410? No exhaust breaks, so should I add them? Also, should I modify the computer, at all? Maybe do something for a bit more power to go over big mountains? These are the things that concerning to me. Probably need some other things, too! Any info or suggestions will be much appreciated!

 

Do you mean your rears are 3.73 gears?

 

Yes probably! It's the one that get good gas mileage on the road. I remember my husband thought that was important when we bought the truck in 1999.

 

4:10 gear would certainly be better for towing the weight you're going to be hauling. If your truck is a 4x4, that means changing the gears in both differentials. A transmission cooler would be a good investment and transmission temperature gauge. As for tunes, a mild tow tune would be a good idea, but that should also come with gauges, especially an Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) gauge.

 

Thanks John, for the advise! It's a 2wd. Can most any diesel mechanic do these upgrades? Are there specific brand gears, gauges, tow tune ups that are best? What to avoid? How about the brakes? Are stock sufficient for western us driving?

 

I'm afraid to walk into a mechanic shop and be at their mercy as to what to upgrade my truck! My luck, I will get the lowest end of everything for the highest price. I've learned the hard way before not to do that so, any advise is much appreciated!

 

If automatic, big trans cooler and a mildly setup TransGo kit. If a manual, make sure has a single mass flywheel in there.

4" exhaust (or at least a high flow downpipe w/ oxidization catalyst gutted)), quality air intake, mild chip for a bit more 'go', and verify the uppipes to the turbocharger do not leak. Leaky ones cause a host of issues including a very slow truck and huffing exhaust fumes all the time. Verify the fuel system does not leak. Verify the fluids are all correct. Glow system works well.

My truck was derelict on the back of a used car lot for years sitting and it is just about back to snuff. Since you have owned yours since '99, I would assume it is in pretty good shape and will not need too much.

If I was in the area I could help and jot down stuff for you in person. I am far from the authority on the 7.3, but I have fixed just about everything on mine except the short block

 

Thank you, ALL for your info and advice! A friend is telling me that I should sell my F-250 and get a 2006 F-350. He says that it will be newer, a more comfortable ride (not getting any younger) and most of all, better able to pull out west, in the mountains--An overall better truck for what I want to do. I would appreciate your input as to keep the f250 and upgrade or buy a F350. Please let me know your thoughts on this subject! Thank you, kindly!