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Ok, doing some research on trucks. i have an 87 idi drw but i like the ease of modding the newer stuff (ie plugging in a chip) and ive seen a few trucks local for decent prices, so i have a few questions. what im looking for is a 7.3 auto, either drw or srw, 4x4 and extended or crew cab.
1. what is considered high mileage on these motors/trans?
2. anything i should look for, that are common issues?
A million miles is high...j/k. Well I bought one that had 190k on it and never looked back. If they are taken care of then they last a LOOOOONG time.
If you want a 7.3 you are looking at 99-03 models.
A few tidbits to know is the earlier ones had forged metal rods and in mid 01 they went to Powdercoated rods which is a little less desired with a chip or above 400hp.
All the SRW's before 02 had dana 50 fronts....and Dana 60's starting in 02.
All the DRW had 60 fronts.
You will want to research the differences in the engine between 99 and 99.5 and 00. Alot of things changed in that period.
Check on the CPS to make sure it has been fixed in the recall.
Check the normal front end loosey goosey things
My auto trans lasted until 177k with moderate towing and regular maintenance.
You can get built ones if you need it absolutely bullet-proof.
Im sure others will chime in with more.....I love this body style and motor
Check on the CPS to make sure it has been fixed in the recall.
it doesn't really matter my replacement sucks too ha. just buy one from IH...
also you can get the 6.0 forum to run a OASIS report which will tell you everything thats been done to the truck IN the DEALER shop!! check for blowby and try to get all records of things done to the truck!
I don't know what high mileage would be considered. I've only gotten 271k on mine so far. Last I heard Kennyford had over half a million on his truck. How many miles do you have on your 87?
yes i want the 7.3 thats probably one of the more common/reliable psd motor out there.
i guess the question is at what mileage do you start to encounter issues, or do they start to become more obvious/expensive with repairs.
as for my 87, the speedo shows around 90k, but i dont know if it rolled over, the previous owner used it to tow a camper, and it sat for a few years prior to me getting it, and the interior/seats do not look like it has 190k miles on them. so i dont know.
Sorry, I left that part out. In 271k miles, I've had my CPS fail at about 155k ($65 for the IH version or $25 from Ford), I've had to replace my alternator, then change the "lifetime" warrany alternator again. My clutch started to slip at 212k, then the clutch hydraulics ($150) went a few months later, followed by the clutch pedal position switch ($25) that knocked out my cruise control. The starter acted funny once a couple of weeks ago, so I'll be changing that soon. I don't count tires, batteries, fluids & filters, since they are normal items, but I have no complaints about my truck.
Of course buying a used truck is always a crap shoot. Pay attention to the intake tube going to the turbo for any signs of dirt, look for blow by from the oil fill tube, and read the link posted above. Good luck.
I found a truck 200 miles away. its a 1999, auto 4x4 drw 4 door xlt lariat for 8k. not sure on mileage, after my student loans consolidate, i will have to call them and check on it.
ive seen a few srw's as well that are close to what im looking at.
Last edited by razorback24; Nov 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM.
Reason: .
Find the build date of the truck you're looking at, and go for a later '99, will be easier to modify in the future!
I've got an early '99, right now I'm working on converting the turbo over to the later style, so I can get a van turbo on it, or in the future go bigger. Transmission went out with 210K miles on it. 100k+ of those were when the engine was "modified" and would do heavy towing.
Look the truck over well, and take it for a loooonnnggg test drive, a couple days if you could. Once you get a good one, you can build it to suit your needs; ie: heavy towing, racing, daily driver. There's a lot of potential with the 7.3L and when well maintained can lost a long time.
How do u get the records? My truck has had 1 other owner besides me, & he apparently like to screw with electrical!!AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am now fixing this stuff myself!! I did have the cam sensor go out & my mechanic was nice enough to replace it, for a $$$, but I just found out about the recall! I decided to take things into my own hands, since I can't do much worse then the idiots I've been trusting.
I've been online & thru a number of forums, this one seems to be the most user friendly!! Any help this WOMAN can get, would be appreciated!!
I have to replace the end link bushings here soon, soon as I get the dash back on.
U would LOVE to see what the previous owner did to the ignition & other areas of the harness!! Wow, didn't know I had it in me to take on this project!!!
Also, how do I know if my truck has been lifted or the suspension modified??? Be patient, I'm still learning...
Last edited by korg70kbc; Nov 11, 2008 at 01:04 PM.
Reason: forgot something
How do u get the records? My truck has had 1 other owner besides me, & he apparently like to screw with electrical!!AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am now fixing this stuff myself!! I did have the cam sensor go out & my mechanic was nice enough to replace it, for a $$$, but I just found out about the recall! I decided to take things into my own hands, since I can't do much worse then the idiots I've been trusting.
I've been online & thru a number of forums, this one seems to be the most user friendly!! Any help this WOMAN can get, would be appreciated!!
I have to replace the end link bushings here soon, soon as I get the dash back on.
U would LOVE to see what the previous owner did to the ignition & other areas of the harness!! Wow, didn't know I had it in me to take on this project!!!
Also, how do I know if my truck has been lifted or the suspension modified??? Be patient, I'm still learning...
You're right. We would love to see what he did to it. Don't forget to take some pictures so you can share them with us.
What records are you looking for? Sounds like you have a lot of questions. Why don't you start a new thread with your questions so we don't stray too far off the original poster's questions here. Welcome to FTE.
OH, I have lots of pics. Actually, I'd like to know how to find out if any records are out there on this truck. I know the guy traveled to Alberta at 1 point, but thats all I know. I also know, that I can't trust mechanics anymore!! They have been nickel & diming me to death only to find out my ignition is hacked up & put back together with electrical tape! check out my albums in a little while, I'll show u.