I just purchased a 90 7.3 diesel at an auction.60k on it
Later i found out i need a tranny due to the fact there
is no reverse. pulling the camper should be easy just parking is what im worried about. And Does anyone have any feedback on the 7.3 international diesel. and where i might find a good 4 speed with overdrive???
Thanks
Shad in Johnstown

 

congrats on your purchase.
My question to you is.. does the truck havea manual tranny now??
If it has an auto tranny you might find the cost of c0nverting it to a standard might be counter productive as the flywheels are very expensive (so I am told)
good luck

 

The next question is: Is it a Ford or International?

 

The truck is a ford but with an international motor in it.
It has a manual tranny in it. I spoke with the Ford dealer and he said that the reverse gears generally go and can be done for 800.
labor and parts. So im going to have him shave the flywheel new clutch and so forth

 

Is a 7.3 international motor a lgood motor and what kind of life expectancy can i look forward too.?

 

I have a '91 IDI with 251,000 miles on it; still purring like a (loud) kitten. My local Navistar guy says that 400,000 miles is an AVERAGE service life for the 7.3 IDI. The Ford E4OD tranny that was offered for your 1990 is a fine OD unit for the 7.3, but ONLY IF UPGRADED. They were crap out of the factory but at least 8 upgrades are available that can bulletproof them when they are rebuilt. Swapping your 5-speed out for an auto is a logistical nightmare involving everything from the steering column to the injection pump and beyond - you have to ask yourself if a 12 year old truck is worth that much labor and aggravation.