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.

 

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.

 

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!!

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

What's CPS? Everyone's talking about CPS.

 

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.

 

I doubt it, I looked for any stickers or tags to see if anything has been done. THere was nothing that I could see.

 

BTW, 11,000 pounds won't be a major problem for your 7.3. Guys here tow that much with a 5.4L V-8 gas engine.

 

Yes- Buy one or two of these to keep in your truck as spares. Sponsors like Powerstrokeshop.com have them for as little as @ $15. Cheap insurance....remember to familiarize yourself with its location. You'll need a 10mm socket with a short extension and a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the old one out.

Go to the 7.3L forum and read all about the 'necessary' upgrades!