7.3 years

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Oct 25, 2005 | 09:45 AM

enduringexplorer

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Joined: Sep 2001

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From: WHITE LAKE, MI

7.3 years

I am going to start looking for a used 7.3 to rebuild for my truck. I have a 2003. I know there are some differences in the pre-1999.5 powerstrokes, but are they different blocks/heads, etc, or is it just in the electronics/turbo/fuel system? Actually, what I am asking is what years can I use to replace my 2003 7.3?
Thanks for any help!!
Tim

Oh, by the way, in case someone wants to know why a 2003 needs a motor, my 2003 has 180,000 miles on it already and I don't want to wait for this one to blow.

Oct 25, 2005 | 09:59 AM

RushN350

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 431

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From: Eastern Shore Md

I can't say positively, but last time I was lookin' at re-mans they all said 1998 1/2- through current year. So I'm assuming the blocks are the same. But i'm sure someone will know for sure.

Oct 25, 2005 | 10:03 AM

Kwikkordead

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 25,090

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From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by enduringexplorer

Are you a hot shotter or something? 180k on a two year old motor is nothing to worry about. There's a lot of reports of motors going 500k when driven a lot like you are doing.

Oct 25, 2005 | 10:20 AM

Fat Diesel

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Morgan Hill, CA

I would use a 99 or 2000 model with forged rods.

Oct 25, 2005 | 11:55 AM

Budkole

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Quote:

Originally Posted by enduringexplorer

I have to agree with Kwik 100% on this one. Respectfully speaking, Unless you need a project to keep you busy or just have that kind of money around for "just in case" reasons 180k is not a lot of miles for that truck especially since its only 2 years old. The best thing you can do for a diesel is to drive it. You will find that the people who have high milage diesels have the fewest probs too.

Oct 25, 2005 | 12:20 PM

enduringexplorer

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 616

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From: WHITE LAKE, MI

Sorry, but mine is a POS, and it's 3 years old. Last Ford I will ever buy. It is literally falling apart. I maintain it properly, but Ford won't stand behind it and I can't afford to be down when it blows up. This is my 8th new Ford since 1993. It is smoking and missing now and noone seems to know why. I can't afford to be out of work and leave it at the dealer for a few days and pay $300 just for a diagnosis. Been there, done that. The dealer is just a rip-off these days. Already paid them $1000 to replace an IDM in Atlanta. Takes 10 minutes, but they charged $300 labor. This truck is almost useless, so I am going to have all the spares lined up and ready for WHEN (not if) they fail.
Fat Diesel,
Thanks for the advice on the 1999/2000. Are those the only ones with forged rods, and are all of them during that time forged?

Oct 25, 2005 | 12:31 PM

lukecline

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Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 1,190

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From: minneapolis, ks

You can buy forged rods for 480 at dieselinnovations.com. Also any of the 94.5 -97 models already have forged aswell. A few of the main differences are: smaller single shot injectors, 2" intake plenums instead of 3", extra lobe on cam to run mechanical fuel pump, different turbo, up-pipes manifolds, turbo pedistal, also i think somewhere in 95-96 they changed the front cover on the engine. I know there is probably a few more differences but i think i got most of them.

luke