Im looking to get a later model 7.3 3/4ton.. I heard recently that there were 3 different versions of the 7.3. I prefer 2WD w/twin I beam, But am open to 4WD. What are some of the bad/weak areas of the trucks in general ? Which version and yr useage of the 7.3 is best for reliability/power ? What would be a reasonable amount of miles/price for an XLT S/Cab?
Im new to the diesel genre....as you can tell from my handle, I like the old FE's ...I got turned onto diesels cause my friend let me take his 2000 for a little run....sweet rig, like the 6.0, but still too rich for me....


Any help/pointers immensely appreciated, 65cs

 

I'm not an expert on all models, but will pass on what I know. I , too personally like the 2 WD, because of many factors, but one of the primary is changing gearing. Its a whole lot easier to bump gearing on a 2WD than a 4WD, plus I like the twin I Beam front, and its ride.

The PSD has been making changes continually to the engine from 99 on up, actually all the years. One significant is the addition of intercooler, another in late 99, they went to powdered connecting rods , whereas, prior to that, they were forged rods. Fuel injection changes are ongoing, exhaust, etc.

I would suspect that many will suggest that you stick with a 99 or early 2000, because of price and the rods issue. Never know, you may want to hop it up a little, and I feel better with forged rods on my early 2000.

 

You might consider checking out THIS website. There is an extensive section of buying a used PSD. Some of the information will be outdated, such as gear ratio, if you buy a 1999 or newer truck but most of it is very valuable.

One of the points to consider if you plan on modding your truck, as TJC1989 pointed out, is the use of forged rods in the early 2000 and earlier PSD. They will take more HP than the newer rods. FYI, in 1994 there were 3 diesel engines available, the IDI, the IDI turbo, and starting halfway through the model year the PSD. All are 7.3L, but the PSD is not based on the same block. If you buy a 1994, make sure it is a PSD.

I'm more than a little partial to my 1997 PSD. In 1997 they also upped the HP/torque from 215/450 to 225/480 from the factory. The 1999 and newer trucks have higher ratings.

 

the rod change was done on 10-16-00 so if you have a build date before that you have forged rods. there was a hp increase on the 2001 models to 250hp from 235hp. if you could find a 2001 model with a build date before 10-15-00 you would have the better rods(the newer ones will take up to 400rwhp) and more power. in 2002 they changed the front diff from a dana 50 to a dana 60. the 60 is a little stronger and there are many more options for after market limited slips and lockers for the 60

 

Right there with you on the '97

I put the reverse shackle kit on mine which leveled the truck and took some of the harshness out of the ride (more like the newer trucks). I have the F350 cc 4wd version, very reliable, great power. I run with a 3000 lb (dry weight) slide in and tow a boat behind that...I can pass going uphill.

100,000 miles is just about getting broke in for one of these PSD's.

Are you going to use it as a daily driver without a load? If so, a couple of the big differences between these and the new trucks would be ride quality and engine noise (compared to the 6.0L). I also installed the Rancho 9000X's so I can firm up the ride when loaded, but even with these and the reverse shackle kit I think the newer trucks still have a more comfortable ride. I imagine you can pull into a drive through and place an order with the 6.0L without them asking you to shut it down so they can hear you ...

 

Well, my main intention is for a daily driver, so I need tips/tweaks that can be done at reasonable cost where still able to do as all Fords do...pull houses, or at least be able to if asked. I use my trucks, but want a nice ride...I drove my friends 2000 and im hooked....sweet ride and all, but after what I have seen above I will stick with the earlier ones with the more stout rods and all....What would be the max miles you would think would be before these need major surgury on engine, etc.? Im looking/debating a ceiling of around 15K for the rig, has to be a 2wd Supercab longbox...the idea of a short box has always stumped me...as to why ?
I have seen a few that got my attention, one was a 4X4 too(if right deal presents itself Im open to 4wd).
Have there been any huge recalls on these or ????

This site has been awesome for my old rigs, and theres a ton of info on the new ones I see


Keep it coming cs65

 

The supertuner gave me an additional 3 - 4 mpg, paid for itself pretty quickly.

The 7.3L has been around for awhile and they had that motor pretty solid...until they went with the 6.0L... Haven't heard of any major recall's, most people say they go 250K to 300K miles before major service.

I picked up mine '97 F350 CC LB 4WD a couple of years ago for 18K... so they may be in your range now.

 

I'm a newbie too and I did a bunch of pricing and shopped nationwide because I have flight benifits. I live in northern KY and I went to San Antonio and just bought a 99 250 cc sb 4wd, dealer (stealer) maintained, 61K mi, and its never towed anything...

I paid $22k for it. the guy had a stack of maint records and reciepts an inch and a half thick... he really seemed to take good care of it

Anyway I went to autotrader.com (advanced search) and cars.com when I found something I liked, I went to nadaguide.com and kbb.com to find out what the trade in/privateparty/retail values were...

good luck

 

I have a 97' cc 2wd use it as a daily driver, Tymar intake, 3" DP, 4" straight exhaust, looking at a chip, I also pull 27' 5th wheel. I like the 2wd ride better then the 4wd for my use 2wd is great. I looked at some newer models but went with a little older one, the wife said she didn't have a problem with me spending money for goodies, on something that was paid for. Enough said bought the older one and started ordering.

 

a guy that i pull trailers with bought an early 99 350 ex cab 2wd dually 6 spd with 225,000 miles off ebay for 15k
i got my early 99 350 psd 4x4 c/c dually 6 spd with 96k miles on it for little over 21k last july.
(just to give you an idea of prices)

 

Camperspecial.

Don't even worry about the rods. Even the "relatively" weak powdered metal rods in the mid 01 and up trucks will handle 400 horsepower at the rear wheels. You would have to spend a lot of money on your daily driver to even approach that number. Buy the one you think is the best looking and with the best options and drive it like you stole it.