2002 7.3L Upgrades for Towing
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Joined: Feb 2008
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2002 7.3L Upgrades for Towing
So I just got my first Ford F350 Crewcab dually with the 7.3L diesel and automatic trans.
We got the truck because we currently tow a car trailer with our 98 Chevy 3500 which is maxied out for the load we are towing. Trailer, race car, tools, golf cart put the load at about 11,000 lbs.
Haven't hooked up the Ford yet, but just driving it around it seems a little slugish compared to the Chevy. I remember hearing that it would appear slugish, but be able to pull a house. Right now without even towing the indicator (above the rear view mirror with the compass) is saying we are only getting 11.8 mpg. I haven't checked it by filling up yet. I was told that empty you could expect somewhere around 18 mpg, maybe more. Anyway that's what I told my wife so she would feel good about the purchase.
What modifications, if any, do you guys recommend I make to the Ford to help with the towing and fuel mileage?
Thanks for the help.
We got the truck because we currently tow a car trailer with our 98 Chevy 3500 which is maxied out for the load we are towing. Trailer, race car, tools, golf cart put the load at about 11,000 lbs.
Haven't hooked up the Ford yet, but just driving it around it seems a little slugish compared to the Chevy. I remember hearing that it would appear slugish, but be able to pull a house. Right now without even towing the indicator (above the rear view mirror with the compass) is saying we are only getting 11.8 mpg. I haven't checked it by filling up yet. I was told that empty you could expect somewhere around 18 mpg, maybe more. Anyway that's what I told my wife so she would feel good about the purchase.
What modifications, if any, do you guys recommend I make to the Ford to help with the towing and fuel mileage?
Thanks for the help.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
I would ask in the 7.3L Diesel forum.
But....since you asked, I would first start with the transmission. A lot of companied rebuid the 4R100 tranmsissions so they are bulletproof. If you don't want to do this, at least get the biggest trans cooler you can get and install it.
Engine: Straight pipe from turbo and a custom tune. Make sure you have the latest and best CPS.
Fuel mileage: You can get near 18 empty, but it depends on your right foot. Drive her easy, try to keep the revs below 2000 RPM.
But....since you asked, I would first start with the transmission. A lot of companied rebuid the 4R100 tranmsissions so they are bulletproof. If you don't want to do this, at least get the biggest trans cooler you can get and install it.
Engine: Straight pipe from turbo and a custom tune. Make sure you have the latest and best CPS.
Fuel mileage: You can get near 18 empty, but it depends on your right foot. Drive her easy, try to keep the revs below 2000 RPM.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,196
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I would ask this question in the 7.3 diesel forum. These trucks are a little sluggish, but like you said they'll pull a house and with proper maintenance should last a long time.
But i'll say putting an free flowing exhaust, intake, gauges, trans. upgrades, then put a DP Tuner on it, then she'll be awake.
Edit: By the way Welcome to FTE!!
But i'll say putting an free flowing exhaust, intake, gauges, trans. upgrades, then put a DP Tuner on it, then she'll be awake.
Edit: By the way Welcome to FTE!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Mileage: Duallies will not get 18 mpg, unless you want to drive 45 mph on the interstate. For best mileage, drive conservatively and keep up with maintenance. Don't trust the overhead display, they usually aren't that accurate to begin with.
Performance: Stock 7.3L's aren't fast. Add a chip or programmer and it will wake up big time. Like others have mentioned, a good intake, exhaust, and a set of gauges will compliment a chip. A good trans cooler and a valve body will keep the transmission happy longer.
Performance: Stock 7.3L's aren't fast. Add a chip or programmer and it will wake up big time. Like others have mentioned, a good intake, exhaust, and a set of gauges will compliment a chip. A good trans cooler and a valve body will keep the transmission happy longer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
as stated above chech out the 7.3 forum
I have basically the same truck and with just a few mods makes it completely different
for the trans a cooler is a must for towing,I have a 6.0 cooler whichis at least 3 times as big a stock
a john wood or BTS alvebody will also help the trans out
for the engine opening up intake and exhaust makes a big difference,the add guages and a DP Tuner
truthful fuel milage,I get 14 to 15 in town,mid to high 16s runnig interstate slowing to 60ish will get around 18mpg
fuel milage is best at 2000 rpm or a little under
I have basically the same truck and with just a few mods makes it completely different
for the trans a cooler is a must for towing,I have a 6.0 cooler whichis at least 3 times as big a stock
a john wood or BTS alvebody will also help the trans out
for the engine opening up intake and exhaust makes a big difference,the add guages and a DP Tuner
truthful fuel milage,I get 14 to 15 in town,mid to high 16s runnig interstate slowing to 60ish will get around 18mpg
fuel milage is best at 2000 rpm or a little under
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: COPPERASCOVE,TX
Hey man i have 01 F250 I have been towing my race car and enclosed trailer all over the U.S. and never missed a beat. You will notice that when you put a load on that truck that you will have nooo sluggishness at all infact thats where those engines really come to life. 7.3s are damn near bullet proof. Only thing is CPS damn CPS lol.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 293
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From: Oregon
Your best bet will if you want some more performance would be to get a DP Tuner, you will want an exhaust intake and guages at least if you are going to be putting more fuel to it to help it breath. Do a search for quick 6637 and just ask around about what exhaust, unless you have one in mind and the DP will come recomended by most, I actually just switched from banks and am much happier with the way that the DP controls the truck. Hope this helps. Good luck with your truck.
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Postmaster
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From: Paramount, Ca
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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cps= cam position sensor. a pesky sensor the 7.3 uses that can get real cranky sometimes, ford just did a massive recall to change out the sensors with a new design, check with the dealer to see if yours was done yet.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 547
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From: Tennessee
Go to the 7.3L forum and read all about the 'necessary' upgrades!
