Hello FTE friends!

Shopping for a 7.3 equipped vehicle. Favoring F250 2wd/crew cab ... tall family.

Anything to avoid (car salemen I know about already, hah!) or any tips on production year, auto trans. vs. standard, fuel economy, horsepower and such.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

 

Standard gives better fuel mileage, i have an auto,'02,F250 4X4 xcab. Love it!
Seen 20mpg/highway ,combined 17.5mpg,awesome pulling ability. Good motor...
been around for awhile, easy to improve power/economy with mods and such.

 

A large percentage of the 2001's had a problematic automatic transmission. Had an assembly called a mechanical diode inside that was a real weak point.

Do a search for mechanical diode.

Pop

 

if you are into making power, the earlier year's powerstrokes are better because of the rod design. they are forged instead of powdered metal. forged are usually good for 500-550RWHP and PMR's are usually good for 400RWHP. i believe that the date of changing over is 8/01 build date, but im not certain on that. im sure i could search and find the right answer. if you aren't going to be going crazy with mods, i'd suggest you get the newest model that your wallet will allow, for the sake of the rest of the truck, IE brakes, suspension, chassis and body condition. if cared for and general maintenance is performed, these engines will outlast twice the life of the rest of the truck.

Merry Christmas
Kris

 

Merry Christmas ... a bit rainy and cool in the Tampa area today, with no snow!

Thanks for the replies ... the last two body changes, when were they? I'm not sure I like the most current one.
And what are the earlier years ( 7.3 ) referred to for bottom end strength?
The F250 ... decent ride?
Which bolt-ons make the most improvements in HP and fuel consumption?

 

lets see here- the body style was changed in early 98, but there was no 1998 model. they had the Old Body Style (OBS) until early 98, and released the New Body Style (NBS) in late 98. they had them up into 2004, and in 2005 they body stayed the same, but the interior was different, along with the bumper and grille. however the last year for the 7.3 was 2003.5. in 2003, they offered two diesels, the 6.0 and the 7.3.

the f-250 and f-350 are basically one in the same. the main differences between the 350 and 250 is that the 350 has a rear lift spacer block of 4''. while the 250 only has a 2'' block, enough for the bumpstop bracket. since you are getting a 2wd, i would recommend getting a 250 because the rear will sit lower, closer to level. the front springs on the 250 are about 1100lbs GVWR lighter than the f-350. since you probably won't be getting anything big (such as a huge winch or a plow) on a 2wd, i would go for the 250 for the smoother ride.

fuel economy and power- you won't believe how detuned these machines are from the factory. there are a set lists of "must do's" when modifying, they are- 4'' free flowing exhaust, intake (usually 46637 "kiwk" filter, or ford AIS), and gauges. 95% of the guys here have a-pillar analog gauges, including me (i am installing them tomorrow). what you may use to enhance power is up to you. do you want something that you can't see on the truck and you can still plug in to pull codes? then a tuner is great for you. load the stock program onto the tuner and load a horsepower-set file on the truck's PCM, and let it go. store it in the center console or glovebox. most people are seeing "the light at the end of the cloud of smoke", including me, and going to a custom chip. DPtuner is the best brand i think, and that is what i am getting after i get rid of my programmer. don't get me wrong, the tuner was good for power, but it did not make the transmission act how i wanted to. therefore i'm getting a chip that can have transmission adjustability added in. chips in general show some signs of being on the truck, usually a **** on the dash to adjust power levels. these you can't easily take off of the truck and return to stock, say if you needed to go to the dealer for service (god forbid), as you could easily upload the stock program and be back to stock and have no hard evidence of a tuner installed. but the gauges and intake will show some signs that you have a power enhancer. if you are interested in a tuner, i have the Edge Evolution for sale soon, that i am selling. almost new condition, and contact me if you are interested in it.

 

It looks like the sun is coming back out now. I think today is your lucky day and Christmas too! I have a 99 F250 4X4 Supercab 7.3 and I'm in Town N Country (near Hillsborough/Memorial). Why don't you just come over and testdrive mine? It's not 2wd and smaller than a Crewcab, but you'll be able to get a feel for the 99, 7.3 and F250. Let me know if you're interested. I'll be at home all week.

 

I have a pre 99, nothing wrong with that, just more of a pita trying to get after market items for it as there are subtle differences, I'd go for a late 99 with a build date after March or later. They have a larger turbo, different airbox, and diffferent brake and front axle configuration. On the other hand, replace the stock air box with a 46637 filter, no need for a wicked wheel, as it came stock with it, probably a little easier on pocket book, an they are fun to drive.

 

Thank you all for the input ... probably will shop next weekend. Wish me luck, hah!

Greg

 

BLHFLA, A test drive may be nice can I call on you at end of this week?

Greg

 

Sure, just email me for my number. I'll be in Miami Thursday but here the rest of the week.