First modifications or upgrades ???
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New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, KY
First modifications or upgrades ???
Hello to all, First time poster and first time Diesel owner. I have just bought a 1997 F-350, crew cab, SRW, 4x4, 5 spd, PSD and would like to know what should be done first. The odometer shows 350,000 miles but I was told the engine has about 200,000 on it. I don't know much at all about diesels but I definitely love the truck! The engine compartment is pretty dirty and there are some oil or fuel leaks (oil/fuel on the ground after sitting). The truck seems to start fine and drives good. I was told the truck was in great shape mechanically. It has an aftermarket airfilter (dirty) and the bottom part of the original air cleaner box is still there. I will be cleaning up the truck this week and would like to start fixing the truck up soon. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. 
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
Start doing some searches in the forums for some of these:
-6637 mod (replaces the air box and helps the intake flow better)
-10k mod (gives you a little more power and smoother idle)
I'd also suggest looking into a 3" downpipe and doing at least a cat delete if not a muffler delete also. It will help the exhaust flow a LOT better and it sounds awesome too. If you really want to see gains though look into a custom chip such as a Tony Wildman chip. Stay away from the name brands like Bullydog and Superchips. They really don't run well on our trucks and Tony will custom make a chip specifically for your truck and the mods you've done.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
-6637 mod (replaces the air box and helps the intake flow better)
-10k mod (gives you a little more power and smoother idle)
I'd also suggest looking into a 3" downpipe and doing at least a cat delete if not a muffler delete also. It will help the exhaust flow a LOT better and it sounds awesome too. If you really want to see gains though look into a custom chip such as a Tony Wildman chip. Stay away from the name brands like Bullydog and Superchips. They really don't run well on our trucks and Tony will custom make a chip specifically for your truck and the mods you've done.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
Welcome to FTE. Sounds like a nice truck...Got pictures?? 
Any used car i buy gets ALL new fluids and filters. My preference is to use synthetics but can get pricey. Be sure to get diesel rated fluids...even the coolant is special. Don't skimp on the filters....you can't go wrong with motorcraft but there are many good aftermarket suppliers out there. Just depends on your wallet.
If you are going to do performance mods, my suggestion is to get gauges to keep an eye on the expensive stuff the mods can hurt. #1 on the list is an Exhaust gas temperature gauge. (EGT). A boost gauge is just plain fun to watch...but will be very helpful for diagnosis in the event of engine trouble.
Steering and brakes should be inspected/replaced for obvious safety reasons. Stopping and steering 9000 pounds can be scary especially if you plan on carrying/pulling big loads.
Any used car i buy gets ALL new fluids and filters. My preference is to use synthetics but can get pricey. Be sure to get diesel rated fluids...even the coolant is special. Don't skimp on the filters....you can't go wrong with motorcraft but there are many good aftermarket suppliers out there. Just depends on your wallet.
If you are going to do performance mods, my suggestion is to get gauges to keep an eye on the expensive stuff the mods can hurt. #1 on the list is an Exhaust gas temperature gauge. (EGT). A boost gauge is just plain fun to watch...but will be very helpful for diagnosis in the event of engine trouble.
Steering and brakes should be inspected/replaced for obvious safety reasons. Stopping and steering 9000 pounds can be scary especially if you plan on carrying/pulling big loads.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: Ocala
I had no idea we needed special coolant, I used the Advance Auto brand green fluid mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Do I need to switch to a different fluid?? Hijack over.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 380
Likes: 1
From: ohio
No you dont need to drain your coolant but you need to keep the SCAs in the correct range. Most coolant sold as H-D or for truck or diesel will have it which is what Cudajim was saying. The is also an additive for regular coolant. I get it at NAPA. It is best to test the coolant with a test strip and add the correct amount but better too much than not enough. A NAPA that caters to the HD market will know exactly what you need when you ask for the additive while one in yuppieville will likely get you dumb look. I thin you can get it from Ford too. I didnt look up the part numbers but search this forum as they have been posted before.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: Ocala
No you dont need to drain your coolant but you need to keep the SCAs in the correct range. Most coolant sold as H-D or for truck or diesel will have it which is what Cudajim was saying. The is also an additive for regular coolant. I get it at NAPA. It is best to test the coolant with a test strip and add the correct amount but better too much than not enough. A NAPA that caters to the HD market will know exactly what you need when you ask for the additive while one in yuppieville will likely get you dumb look. I thin you can get it from Ford too. I didnt look up the part numbers but search this forum as they have been posted before.
But for the original post, here is a good write up for the 6637 youve been told about - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/824714-6637-s-2.html pics start on page 2
Last edited by KevinC.; Mar 24, 2009 at 12:24 PM. Reason: left out last part
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 380
Likes: 1
From: ohio
Back to the original poster, Most will agree that in order of priority your mods should be similar to this:
1.air filter (6637)
2. Gauges- boost pyro and trans temp if auto
3. Downpipe/exhaust
4. Then the various electronic mods which can be searched on this forum.
After installing my pyro I will vouch for the importance of having one BEFORE you start adding fuel. Mine will push 1250 degrees towing and hasnt even had any fuel delivery mods done to it.
1.air filter (6637)
2. Gauges- boost pyro and trans temp if auto
3. Downpipe/exhaust
4. Then the various electronic mods which can be searched on this forum.
After installing my pyro I will vouch for the importance of having one BEFORE you start adding fuel. Mine will push 1250 degrees towing and hasnt even had any fuel delivery mods done to it.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: Ocala
No you dont need to drain your coolant but you need to keep the SCAs in the correct range. Most coolant sold as H-D or for truck or diesel will have it which is what Cudajim was saying. The is also an additive for regular coolant. I get it at NAPA. It is best to test the coolant with a test strip and add the correct amount but better too much than not enough. A NAPA that caters to the HD market will know exactly what you need when you ask for the additive while one in yuppieville will likely get you dumb look. I thin you can get it from Ford too. I didnt look up the part numbers but search this forum as they have been posted before.
But for the original post, here is a good write up for the 6637 youve been told about - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/824714-6637-s-2.html pics start on page 2
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
I've always started from the bottom and work up. Tires, brakes, shocks, springs, bushings, steering, all fluids and filters, driveshafts and u-joints will keep you busy for a while. Get the basics done before you dive into to many mods. Won't do you any good if you can't drive it reliably and safely. I've been working on mine since September and haven't done any performance mods yet. It's not really ready for that.