7.3 First Drive
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 76
From: South Carolina
yes this truck is a production type vehicle BUT its used for the press people and is shared around the country by all of them, might even see some of them at the Ford Press Event coming in Jan 2020
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
Why? What's wrong with the Sterling? It's a proven unit fully capable of the task. The 7.3L only puts out 475 ft-lb; it's not anywhere near the Sterling limits of stress. The Sterling has held up very well behind far "torque-ier" engines than this.
The Dana has bigger capacity mainly for loads; it can carry more weight - which is why you see it in the F450 and up. The M275 also has more friction losses and unsprung weight.
I, for one, like the Sterling. Nothing wrong with it. Good reputation. Great aftermarket support. What's not to like?
The Dana has bigger capacity mainly for loads; it can carry more weight - which is why you see it in the F450 and up. The M275 also has more friction losses and unsprung weight.
I, for one, like the Sterling. Nothing wrong with it. Good reputation. Great aftermarket support. What's not to like?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
That won't stop Andre and company from making assumptions, and giving advice based on uninformed opinions and general bias ...
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
- Anyone notice that the t-stat housing seems to be DIRECTLY under the upper intake manifold just downstream from the throttle plate? I can only presume the intake must come off for the t-stat change? Am I seeing this right? Oh - now that's just brilliant ...
- And is that a plastic tranny pan (shrouded in heat shield between the Cats) for this new 10-spd ???
- And is that a plastic tranny pan (shrouded in heat shield between the Cats) for this new 10-spd ???
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 321
From: Lost in the Ozone....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,886
Likes: 3,422
From: Ohio
- Anyone notice that the t-stat housing seems to be DIRECTLY under the upper intake manifold just downstream from the throttle plate? I can only presume the intake must come off for the t-stat change? Am I seeing this right? Oh - now that's just brilliant ...
- And is that a plastic tranny pan (shrouded in heat shield between the Cats) for this new 10-spd ???
- And is that a plastic tranny pan (shrouded in heat shield between the Cats) for this new 10-spd ???
The trans pan is a "composite material" used to save weight. As per the trans engineer in one of the intro videos from last winter. It's probably fine, but even in worst case scenario, easy to replace.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 21,195
Likes: 306
From: Near Salmon Arm BC
Weird to have so much criticism from people over a truck they don't own, and haven't put 100k miles on, to actually discuss the issues they have personally had with it.
It reminds me some of how people were telling me that I made a mistake buying a bunch of Mack and Volvo trucks, and how they wouldn't take the daily abuse my driver's give them. Yet they have been extremely reliable!
It reminds me some of how people were telling me that I made a mistake buying a bunch of Mack and Volvo trucks, and how they wouldn't take the daily abuse my driver's give them. Yet they have been extremely reliable!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
Don't get me wrong ...
I like the concept of the 7.3L gasser and all that it promises. I am biding my time for a couple years to let the unforeseen issues be ironed out. Will drive my 6.2L truck and then upgrade perhaps in 2022? But I'm a guy whom does ALL my own maintenance, and so if the t-stat is crammed under the intake, I'm going to be cursing someone when I go to change it. As for the trans pan being polymer/plastic/composite or whatever you want to call it, well, I'm OK with that also, as long as it holds up well. Plastic fuel tanks have all but eliminated corrosion issues. Plastic fuel lines offer the same thing. I'm not at all against a non-metal product being used for the trans pan, IF it holds up well.
I used to be all about the mostest/fastest/baddest-*** ________ my money could buy. Now, I'm much more concerned about something that runs decently, holds up in the long term, and has ease of service in mind.
I like the concept of the 7.3L gasser and all that it promises. I am biding my time for a couple years to let the unforeseen issues be ironed out. Will drive my 6.2L truck and then upgrade perhaps in 2022? But I'm a guy whom does ALL my own maintenance, and so if the t-stat is crammed under the intake, I'm going to be cursing someone when I go to change it. As for the trans pan being polymer/plastic/composite or whatever you want to call it, well, I'm OK with that also, as long as it holds up well. Plastic fuel tanks have all but eliminated corrosion issues. Plastic fuel lines offer the same thing. I'm not at all against a non-metal product being used for the trans pan, IF it holds up well.
I used to be all about the mostest/fastest/baddest-*** ________ my money could buy. Now, I'm much more concerned about something that runs decently, holds up in the long term, and has ease of service in mind.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,421
Likes: 696
From: Minnesota
Yep . . . . can't believe some of the stuff I hear . . .