Batting a low average today. My oldest son and I pulled the stock running boards off to replace them with some 2020 F250 stocks...Apparently everything you read on the internet is NOT true, and they were nowhere near close to fitting and I don't feel like spending the time and energy to fab up brackets for steps that I only got cause they were cheap. So now we're running naked, which looks awesome but is not cool for my short self, much less the wife and kids. Really considering the AMP research steps, I love the look of no steps but realize that they are a necessity. Just trying to see if there are any deals to be found on them.

Got the baja bar pulled off the front without issue, looks so much cleaner now. Didn't realize the bolts holding the bar on were also the main bumper bolts, so we had a little "oh crap" moment when the last bolt came out and the bumper dropped about one inch LOL.

Started assembling the S&B Intake that arrived today and step 1 was as far as I got. The holes for the intake spout to mount to the main box did not align and I didn't feel like drilling on a brand new $300 box. Sent pics to S&B, waiting to hear which part they goofed up and are replacing. So that projects on hold.

Looks like the trans cooler will go in starting Saturday morning, unless the oil cooler rebuild kit shows up before then as thats the priority.

 

Auto Anything will put them "on sale" occasionally. The discount is typically a meager 5% though.

 

Work weekend began this evening.

edge CTS3 installed, trans temp sensor installed, had to go out and find a tap for the EGT probe, I thought I read that the kit came with one. Waiting on my last order to arrive from riffraff for the AIH delete plug/boost sensor install location but I’ll go ahead and get the wiring ran.

downpipe and hangers have been soaked in PB blaster for the MBRP swap.

trans cooler and magnafine filter are ready to go in tomorrow.

3/8” tubing is ready for the door weather stripping, hoping to cut down on road noise and firm up the door closing.

Stereo install kit arrives tomorrow, dash is already pulled and old unit out.

Oil cooler rebuild kit was supposed to arrive today, but nothing showed up.

S&B is shipping me a new air box and snorkel, the one I received had the holes drilled wrong. If I knew it would be the end of next week before I got it, I probably would have just re-cut the holes and made it work. Oh well.

any tips/tricks for any of the above projects?

 

I would recommend just replacing the 20ish year old weatherstripping rather than try to firm it up. The newer style weatherstripping is thicker than what is on your rig now. I just did that on mine. I want to say it was around $150 for all 4 doors.

 

Once you have an aftermarket head unit installed, it's a real PITA pulling your dash off. So, if you intend to re-bulb your instrument cluster, replace one of your cigarette lighters with a USB port, run auxiliary switches, etc., do it now.

Run cables for any of the inputs and outputs you think you may want at any point. In mine, I went ahead and ran cables for amplifiers, AUX inputs and outputs, video out, back camera, etc. So I can add anything and never once need to pop that dash off.

 

first off I am going to admit I rarely reply in this fashion to a post with so many issues and especially to a member whom I have not established a certain level of trust from prior help on projects.
mainly I am a suspension expert but having owned 7.3 vehicles since day one I have gained a bit of knowledge and wisdom I shall pass on .


Truer words are not often spoken.
a good way to wed out potentially bad info when it comes to mods is look at the age of the post, so many of the early mods have proven over time to be just plain dumb to catastrophes


first order of biz is confirm what water pump wasn't used to replace. if it was from Motorcraft or international then you are good to go. if it was from Autozone or other big box store then I promise you one of your upcoming trips will result in a roadside replacement. lesson I am trying to pass along you CAN use big box store auto parts in some areas but other parts have proven time and time again that OEM parts are the only way to go. water pump and EVERY SINCE SENSOR ON THE 7.3 are parts you never want to use unless they are motorcraft. I f you want the details why just ask and I will drone on with techno cable until your ears bleed.

second part of the water pump maintaince at your milage is to avoid a son to happen break down the entire cooling system should be done at the same time.
Radiator. Autozone believe it or not it includes a life time warranty AND is 100% identical to the motorcraft replacement at about 1/3 the cost. I cut one of each apart and closely examined them
all 5 coolant hoses- Gates
recovery tank - Dorman. ( no other choice and some have failed father quickly )
cap.- motorcraft
clutch hub - motorcraft. ( ouch its speedy )
Thermostat and o ring. Motorcraft only. ( its design is different then the stant and the stant WILL leak in the correct motorcraft or IH pump
tensioner and pulley. motorcraft, big box store are going to use cheap Chinese bearings and are noting more then a very temp emergency patch
belt. Motorcrate / Gates

did you turn the yellow handle on your fuel bowl to let the water out ?
what steps have you taken to address the bigger issue of where the water source came from ? likely the last place you refilled your tank, they likely have a problem and should be addressed or avoided.
A complaint to your states Bureau of Automotive Repair or if in California then the ARB or Air Research Board who regulates fueling stations. they will come out and test sample the stations current fuel supply and had itor if it does blown your motor up there is a course of action you can follow up on.


the stock fuel system on your 7.3 is a great design overall and more then adequate for a stock motor even with the hottest tune. you would be a FOOL to remove your stock bowl or
fiddle with the system as it is already a regulated return.

every 100k the stock Fuel pressure regulator needs the popes valve to be replaced. I recommend the Diesel oranges or riff riff billet housing and nut and the stock cast aluminum will strip during or soon after your rebuilt. Check your Current WOT fuel PSI. this will tell you everything you need to know.

I apologize for being harsh here but poor choice in unit bearing parts parts unless you had them order the Spicer parts, speaking of Dana Spicer. amazon and eBay you are almost assured to get counterfeit spicer parts.
venturetruckparts.com should be added to your riff raff and diesel O rings list of trusted suppliers. they are very helpful and only sell real SPICER parts which is the only thing you should be using on your front axle. ( fyi, motorcraft also repackages spicer parts and are OEM quality just a bit more $$ but your local ford dealer has them unstuck if you get in a pinch. )

first off I am going to admit I rarely reply in this fashion to a post with so many issues and especially to a member whom I have not established a certain level of trust from prior help on projects.
mainly I am a suspension expert but having owned 7.3 vehicles since day one I have gained a bit of knowledge and wisdom I shall pass along simple because I have had to much coffee this morning and a few minutes to spare due to weather delay departing on my next yacht delivery, a few of your mentioned items jumped off the page suggesting you are getting far to much old info off the internet

 

I want whatever blend you're drinking bud

 

He had me at “yacht”

pirate, thanks for all the info! Will definitely go back and re-evaluate some of the upcoming work and see where my parts may “fall short”.

 

Well, started on the oil cooler reseal this morning. Long story short, I chickened out and just did the oil change. The first bolt started to round with a 6pt socket and the 2nd bolt was not a 10mm, looks like someone has worked on it before and I don’t have the time or space to repair it if something goes wrong. Will call a couple of shops on Monday and see what I’m looking at spending to have them do it.