Newbie considering a 7.3L
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Newbie considering a 7.3L
I am a newbie to the 7.3L and Ford trucks in general so go easy on me.
The wife and I will be purchasing a new(er) truck in the 6 months to a year - crew cab, short bed. We need a truck to haul toys and play with but we also need a crew to accomodate the kids that will be coming in a year or two.
One of the possible trucks that has risen to the top of our list is a 2002-2003 F-250 or (preferably) F-350 CC SB 7.3L with an Automatic tranny. I'm hoping I can get some information here on what I should be looking for or what to avoid when shopping around for the above truck. Since this was one of the last years they made the 7.3L I'm assuming that any problems had been worked out. What about the Automatic tranny? How many miles does the typical Auto last behind the 7.3?
I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks so much.
The wife and I will be purchasing a new(er) truck in the 6 months to a year - crew cab, short bed. We need a truck to haul toys and play with but we also need a crew to accomodate the kids that will be coming in a year or two.
One of the possible trucks that has risen to the top of our list is a 2002-2003 F-250 or (preferably) F-350 CC SB 7.3L with an Automatic tranny. I'm hoping I can get some information here on what I should be looking for or what to avoid when shopping around for the above truck. Since this was one of the last years they made the 7.3L I'm assuming that any problems had been worked out. What about the Automatic tranny? How many miles does the typical Auto last behind the 7.3?
I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks so much.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
This page will help to get you started. It's a LOT of reading, but it covers just about everything.
Cat=&Number=1173329&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=3 1&fpart=1
Cat=&Number=1173329&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=3 1&fpart=1
Trailering
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Near St Louis
Why a SB, vs LB? LB is going to give you a better ride and honestly would be much better for towing manners, at least it’s been that way in my experience. The automatic can las a long time if the PO did regular maintenance on it. This is true for the whole truck, because you’ll find one thing not maintained, likely the entire truck wasn’t maintained. Most of mine were that way. Injectors should last more than 200k with proper oil changes. I’ve got a 00 with 420k, and the injectors are showing some wear, but it still starts in colder temps great. Bottom line before shelling out a ton of coin on one, have a competent mechanic versed in 7.3s to go over a potential purchase and confirm if maintenance was done or not. It will save a lot of time and $$ from buying a potential money pit. Those trucks are also over 20 years old now, so keep in mind wiring and parts are starting to wear out.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 660
From: South AR
Why a SB, vs LB? LB is going to give you a better ride and honestly would be much better for towing manners, at least it’s been that way in my experience. The automatic can las a long time if the PO did regular maintenance on it. This is true for the whole truck, because you’ll find one thing not maintained, likely the entire truck wasn’t maintained. Most of mine were that way. Injectors should last more than 200k with proper oil changes. I’ve got a 00 with 420k, and the injectors are showing some wear, but it still starts in colder temps great. Bottom line before shelling out a ton of coin on one, have a competent mechanic versed in 7.3s to go over a potential purchase and confirm if maintenance was done or not. It will save a lot of time and $$ from buying a potential money pit. Those trucks are also over 20 years old now, so keep in mind wiring and parts are starting to wear out.
holy zombie 🧟 thread resurrection there.
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Jfrei
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Feb 26, 2004 03:17 PM
