Need help deciding
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7
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Need help deciding
Hey all, new to the website and soon new to diesel. I need help deciding what year to get. I know I want the 7.3, crew cab, long bed, SRW. Other than that, I am not sure the major differences in the motors between the years if any. I like the 97 body style as well as the 99-02 styles. If anyone has any inputs as to pluses and minuses of the different years, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time, Jeff.
Thanks for your time, Jeff.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
WELCOME
99-03 stepped up the horse power and alot nicer interior options. 7.3 on these are now computer accessable with the use of a laptop software from Autoenginuity, the 97 ish is still mechanical options to troubleshoot and upgrade. Thats my 2 cents worth.
99-03 stepped up the horse power and alot nicer interior options. 7.3 on these are now computer accessable with the use of a laptop software from Autoenginuity, the 97 ish is still mechanical options to troubleshoot and upgrade. Thats my 2 cents worth.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by 89budget50
Hey all, new to the website and soon new to diesel. I need help deciding what year to get. I know I want the 7.3, crew cab, long bed, SRW. Other than that, I am not sure the major differences in the motors between the years if any. I like the 97 body style as well as the 99-02 styles. If anyone has any inputs as to pluses and minuses of the different years, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time, Jeff.
Thanks for your time, Jeff.
I'm kind of short at 5'8" and the driver's seat is too big for me. My calves rub the front of the seat when I operate the clutch. I've remedied it somewhat by taking the seat apart and stuffing some padding in between the lumbar support to shim it out.
I fit into the OBS trucks a lot easier because the cab was a little smaller.
The most comfortable truck that I had was my '91 with an aftermarket seat in it. Took the Ford seat out, it gave me a crick in my neck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I'm 6'1", 240 and I love my '02 CC!! Compared to my Ranger Extended Cab, I have a much more comfortable ride. I've been on several 1000 mi round trips and one almost 2000 mile round trip and it was nice being able to stretch a little without bottoming my feet into the firewall and back in the seat!!
Joe
Joe
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 627
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From: Middleton, Idaho
I'm 6'10" and 340 and love my early 99 dually. I pull some heavy trailers and so I looked for the 6spd. Plus I love grabbing the gears 
. Aside from the turbo the 7.3's are pretty darn similar.
. Aside from the turbo the 7.3's are pretty darn similar.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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I'm about 5'10", so I guess I will have to drive one in manual to see if I like it. I have driven them in auto, and OBS in manual, but have yet to find one close by in the newer years. Thanks for the info, it is helping alot!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 544
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From: SLC, UT
99 and 2000's had forged rods if you plan on modding it. I think some of the early 2001's did but couldn't tell you an engine date to look for. The forged rods are good for a lot more power then the PMR rods of later years. If you plan on leaving stock 
, I would go for the cleanest low mileage 2003 and enjoy.
, I would go for the cleanest low mileage 2003 and enjoy.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton FL
I will just hit on the long bed vs short bed, I would suggest test driving both around town like the places you will most frequently go, the LB is loooooooong. I wanted one baaad till i drove a couple of them, they are just that much harder to drive around in town. The wheel base is a killer
If you go with the Crew cab, if not go with the LB for sure
ps by the way love my truck, my signature has her dimensions
If you go with the Crew cab, if not go with the LB for sure ps by the way love my truck, my signature has her dimensions
