Differences in Connecting Rods "03 vs. earlier
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Buckingham, IA
Differences in Connecting Rods "03 vs. earlier
Tomorrow we will look at an '03 F350 PSD. I know there is a difference in the connecting rods from the earlier years but have the '03s had any problems with reliability if not pushed hard? I don't plan to do any major mods, just the basics and maybe a chip. Have any of you heard of rod failures because of the non-forged rods? I have seen a post on here regarding the differences in the various years but my search didn't turn up what I was looking for. I would appreciate any information you can give.
Been reading this forum for a few years while riding in the back seat of my son's PSD. Now I may have my own and will better understand the passion that you guys have for the 7.3L.
Thanks for any info,
farmdad
Been reading this forum for a few years while riding in the back seat of my son's PSD. Now I may have my own and will better understand the passion that you guys have for the 7.3L.
Thanks for any info,
farmdad
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
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From: Parker, CO
Originally Posted by aklim
Up to late 01, IIRC, they were forged rods. After that, we have the Powdered Metal Rods which are good up to 400HP
But like Aklim said, the PMR motors are reliable up to about a 400 hp range. Go beyond that and you may or may not make a window in your block. A chip will only bring you up to the 300-315 hp range tops so you'll be safe there. I haven't dynoed my truck yet, but with my mods I'm probably around 350 hp, give or take a few. The PMR's are holding up just fine.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: SE WI
Originally Posted by aklim
Up to late 01, IIRC, they were forged rods. After that, we have the Powdered Metal Rods which are good up to 400HP
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Buckingham, IA
Thanks for the replies. You all have helped me to feel confident that the '03 will be fine with what I want it to do since I don't plan on big horsepower. 'Course, you never know...........
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Sedro-Woolley, Washington
I have a "00 and from what I have read, is there a problem with forged rods? Should I be worried about adding bigger injectors, tuner etc??
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by hambonz
I have a "00 and from what I have read, is there a problem with forged rods? Should I be worried about adding bigger injectors, tuner etc??
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,162
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From: Vilonia Arkansas
I thought that the year break on the forged rods was in the 2001 model year so I would say that you have forged rods . To answer your question there is NO problem with forged rods they are much stronger than the later PMR's.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: plainview tx
Originally Posted by hambonz
I have a "00 and from what I have read, is there a problem with forged rods? Should I be worried about adding bigger injectors, tuner etc??
maybe i missed something.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 21791
94-early 01 rods were the forged ones, all the same. Late 01 model years tend to have the Powdered Metal Rods moreso than the middle or early 2001s. The difference is that they used a "weaker" material but kept the rod castings the same, and didn't reinforce the weak spots which cause the PMRs to shatter, under high cylinder pressures, caused by incredibly advanced timing, or improper tuning with drugs. Stock injectors you will be fine. Some guys are running 420+ hp and are going fine, it's all on how you treat it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
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From: Hartford, WI
Originally Posted by strokin_it7.3
Some guys are running 420+ hp and are going fine, it's all on how you treat it.