I am looking at buying a 2001 F350 with a 7.3 diesel. It has an automatic transmission. The engine has been upgraded w/ stage 2 injectors, it is chipped, has an upgraded turbo, air filter kit, 4.5" exhaust and the tranny has been upgraded with a shift kit.
My main concern at this point is the powder metal rods. I really don't know what all of the mods have done to increase the HP. Any guesses on the HP increase with the modifications? I have done eneough research to know to stay away from 400+ HP engines with the stock rods. Thanks for any input!

 

does this truck have a set of gauges installed?

 

I am not sure! I have only talked to the current owner on the phone. I am going to look at the truck tomorrow and I am trying to educate myself on all the things I should be looking for as I move from gas trucks to diesel trucks. So far this board has been a great resource as I have searched for information. Thanks for he reply!

 

the early '01s had the famous mechanical diode in the trans that can fail at any time it takes a notion

 

Thanks Ray,
My research has alerted me to the diode problem. I was hoping that when the tranny was rebuilt and upgraded with the shift kit that the weak diode had been replaced with a better one. I will ask the owner if he knows.
Thanks for the heads-up

 

Gary, have a look at this reference for things to check over on a used truck.
Is the trans upgraded or rebuilt? Just upgraded may mean there is still a mechanical diode in there, rebuilt means you're good. Hopefully there isn't a K&N filter on the truck, if so be very leery of it. Gauges are a good thing with the mods listed, the owner probably has them but if he doesn't, again I'd be leery. Good luck, keep us posted, and give us some pics to drool over

 

Welcome to FTE Gary. What are you going to use the truck for? You also need to have the owner tell you everything he has done to the truck. Ask for paperwork on all the mods. If you have to, write down what he says and let us know what he says. With a truck modded like that, you need to know what everything is. If you can take pic of the truck and post them here. Good luck.

EDIT: Forget the welcome, you been here way longer then I have.

Welcome to the 7.3 forum.

 

Thanks for the welcome to the 7.3 forum! I have been an FTE member for a while.
This new truck will be replacing my 94 Bronco. I will ask for the paperwork and get as much info from the current owner as I can.

 

I have the reference in hand! It will serve as a great starting point as I inspect the vehicle. I will also get a clarification on the tranny. Thanks for the advice on K&N also!

 

Was the owner ever on this forum? Could have got all his info for his truck on here..

What kind of millage does it have. And 4.5" exhaust?

 

Usually people with a modified truck like that tend to be on forums ask him what forum he was on and his screen name and you can check up on what he has done to it.

If the truck is in great shape and has a great price then you already have a modified truck and ready to enjoy. Find out who tuned it (chip) and who built the injectors.

 

Redfire42,
I am not sure if the current owner was ever on this forum. The truck currently has 59,000 miles. That is not a typo, it has been someones baby. Been garaged it's entire life. It does have a 4.5" exhaust installed on it

 

Exhaust is probably 4", I've never heard of anyone selling a 4.5" kit but who knows. Keep us posted!

 

Justin,
I will check with the current owner about forum and screen name. This truck is immaculate. My only reservation is with the HP being produced by the modifications.
Thanks to all for your input! Having had gas engines all my life I am looking forward to understanding the in's and out's of diesels! My step-father spent his career rebuilding locomotive engines for Union Pacific Railroad. I am sure to be spending a lot more time with him in the future!

 

post some pics when you get that bad boy!