Idea? noob. (sorry)
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Idea? noob. (sorry)
Hello all i new to this site and after looking around im quite impressed with the wealth of knowledge on this site. very cool.
I came here to find info on the 7.3 powerstroke diesel F-350.
I need it for Search and Rescue Purposes and after what i've researched its a damn good truck. has all the torque in the world, can tow virtualy anything ment to be towed by this kind of truck. I'm mainly looking into the 7.3 desiel 4x4 crewcab longbed 1997. Should that be the rig i should look into making my rig?
The reasons i picked it was one it has tons of clearance with little lift, lots of power, decent leg room in the back seat, and decent milage. (im not too concerned about mpg. The Air Force is paying for it).
Is it the right truck? any kind of problems with the truck itself? the engine? how hard is it to work on? anything else i should know?
Thanks for the help and im sorry if any of this info is on other threads.
I came here to find info on the 7.3 powerstroke diesel F-350.
I need it for Search and Rescue Purposes and after what i've researched its a damn good truck. has all the torque in the world, can tow virtualy anything ment to be towed by this kind of truck. I'm mainly looking into the 7.3 desiel 4x4 crewcab longbed 1997. Should that be the rig i should look into making my rig?
The reasons i picked it was one it has tons of clearance with little lift, lots of power, decent leg room in the back seat, and decent milage. (im not too concerned about mpg. The Air Force is paying for it).
Is it the right truck? any kind of problems with the truck itself? the engine? how hard is it to work on? anything else i should know?
Thanks for the help and im sorry if any of this info is on other threads.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I think any crew cab PSD from 95 on up would make a fine rig for what you need- get what you find the best deal on and go with it! And welcome to FTE, the 7.3 forums have a great bunch of guys with tons of knowledge.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: Kearney, Nebr
Tanker, in my opinion the OBS 7.3 is extremely hard to beat. These engines have proven themselves over and over. I believe there are a couple FTE's with over 500K on the clicker. So they can go along way.
However, there is one downfall with the 7.3 which I'm sure you noticed when you were searching is the CPS. Which, with the new recall, seems to be an issue of the past.
We are full of knowledge here, even with the biggest and worst projects/problems there is someone on here thats been in the same boat and can walk you through it.
Welcome to FTE.
However, there is one downfall with the 7.3 which I'm sure you noticed when you were searching is the CPS. Which, with the new recall, seems to be an issue of the past.
We are full of knowledge here, even with the biggest and worst projects/problems there is someone on here thats been in the same boat and can walk you through it.
Welcome to FTE.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
With the info here at FTE they are pretty easy to fix. One very helpful tool to have will be a n OBDII scanner. Being able to pull codes and watch live data is the number one toll many lack to be able to diagnose over the internet. But if you have a laptop or access to one, Autoenginuity is a great program that will help with that.
Tools
As for the truck, YES they are great trucks. chassis and engine are great. with a few upgrades they are even better! The one issue might depend on the terrain you will be using it in. The f-350 crew cab long box doesn't turn on a dime. it is a long long truck. If you will be using the truck in heavily wood, non developed areas it might be tricky. But at the same time I much prefer the 350 over the 250 due to the front axle on the 250 not being a solid straight axle. I have owned both and much prefer the dana 60 straight axle on the 350.
Tools
As for the truck, YES they are great trucks. chassis and engine are great. with a few upgrades they are even better! The one issue might depend on the terrain you will be using it in. The f-350 crew cab long box doesn't turn on a dime. it is a long long truck. If you will be using the truck in heavily wood, non developed areas it might be tricky. But at the same time I much prefer the 350 over the 250 due to the front axle on the 250 not being a solid straight axle. I have owned both and much prefer the dana 60 straight axle on the 350.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 1
From: Grass Valley, CA
Yes, they're a great truck. If you're taking it on tight trails, it doesnt have the greatest turning radius. other than that, an amazing truck. I think the majority of people have over 200K on their truck here, and 300K isnt too uncommon.
A CCLB would get 15-16 if you drive it decent. do some mods and you could get 18-20.
If you get one and it does have problems, they'res someone on here that knows how to fix it!
A CCLB would get 15-16 if you drive it decent. do some mods and you could get 18-20.
If you get one and it does have problems, they'res someone on here that knows how to fix it!
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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Thanks for all of the quick replys. It does look like the best truck for the work. As for the length its not to big of a deal. its mainly for towing our various trailors and taking people up there. For the tight track trails we have a Bronco for that. thats in the process of being over hauled and upgraded.
Im new to diesel so half of the stuff i read i really dont know whats going on haha. i tried one time to help a buddy on his F-250 couldnt do it. I only know the main differences between gas and desiel on how the engines run. so my question is does CPS mean? is the computer?
Thanks
Im new to diesel so half of the stuff i read i really dont know whats going on haha. i tried one time to help a buddy on his F-250 couldnt do it. I only know the main differences between gas and desiel on how the engines run. so my question is does CPS mean? is the computer?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 425
Likes: 2
From: anaheim,ca.
welcome to fte! cps=cam position sensor. i don't think the grey cps is any better than old one,carry a spare.
kurt
kurt
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: Kearney, Nebr
It's a simple electronic piece that basically takes care of the timing. It's a breeze to replace if they do go out.
I haven't heard to much riff-raff about the new ones. I know the Super Duties have had some issues because of a different injector that helps reduce knock. Luckily, our trucks don't have those.
These trucks are workaholics. Mine loves to under a good load all the time. I'm starting believe that it does really run better with a couple tons behind it.
I haven't heard to much riff-raff about the new ones. I know the Super Duties have had some issues because of a different injector that helps reduce knock. Luckily, our trucks don't have those.
These trucks are workaholics. Mine loves to under a good load all the time. I'm starting believe that it does really run better with a couple tons behind it.
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