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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:21 AM
  #1  
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Define maintenance

Hi FTE'ers, I have a 2002 F-250 7.3 all stock. As of late I have been catching
up on maint. and inexpensive mods. Some day would like a chip.
Money is always an issue (family). I now know that I should increase intake
and exhaust. I believe my turbo pedistal o-rings need replacing (ordered
mechanics pack from diesel orings) and have read on here about bellowed
up pipes. So when I do the o-rings should the up pipes be swapped, or are
they just goodies. Also I will be having a local trans shop replace my fluid
w/semi synth. and while he's doing that he said he would do a transgo shift kit.
Now I'm thinking shift kit or vb housing?
Up pipes 400+
Trans fluid and kit 400+

Bank still owns the truck but we're getting there !
Pre-thank you to all
Jeff
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:37 AM
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It would be a good time to upgrade to the bellowed uppipes while you are doing the pedestal o-rings. You'll have everything out anyway. The bellowed uppipes will get rid of the weak link in the exhaust system. Pretty much a one time time deal. I would definitely do it. Doing the TransGo kit, instead of the VB alone, will give you a few more upgrades. If you are confident in your trans guy's work or your own, I would let him do it or do it yourself.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:46 AM
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Thanks for the reply, I figure if he is doing the fluid swap (less mess for me) he will
be changing the filter and then everything is open. I could prob. do it, but if he's there...
He is a good guy known him for years.
What would be the best/cost effective option for up pipes
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:54 AM
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Contact Clay at Riffraff Diesel Performance. That's where I got mine. He's a site sponsor. He's always got good deals.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 08:57 AM
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IIRC, just the bellowed up-pipes are $350+. I'm thinking there would be a pretty high labor cost on top of that. They are a PITA. But like Roland said, once you've run that gauntlet, you'll never have to do it again. I have a SLIGHT up-pipe leak right now, and I'm dreading that job. I just bought a set of donuts though. Maybe I'll do the bellowed option instead. We'll see.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 09:20 AM
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I'll see what Clay has. I would do the install on the pipes. Does a guy still need
the doughnuts w/new pipes?
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 09:23 AM
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bellowed pipes don't use the donuts.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by new2diesel
I'll see what Clay has. I would do the install on the pipes. Does a guy still need
the doughnuts w/new pipes?
Originally Posted by Adam0331
bellowed pipes don't use the donuts.
Like Adam said ^^^. The bellowed uppipes have the bellows, obviously, and different flanges that use a flat metal embossed gasket. This eliminates the problem with leakage from wear on the uppipes due to the movement inside the donuts.
 
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Old May 30, 2009 | 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by mueckster
Contact Clay at Riffraff Diesel Performance. That's where I got mine. He's a site sponsor. He's always got good deals.
I am happy to help and have both the standard bellowed in stock as well as ceramic coated. PM me for pricing as I can't post it, Thanks.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 07:39 AM
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Got gauges? If not, grab a set of pillars. EGT,Trans temp,Turbo psi.

Especially before you "chip up"
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 10:33 AM
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Nope, no gauges either. I'm thinking more about necessary things. I guess
at this time I'm going to be forced to go the doughnut route. I NEED ball
joints and so does our mountaneer. After yesterday afternoon fixing my
wifes sunroof on her mystique, it sounds like she needs some control arm bushings.
AARRGG guess I'll e-mail Clay again.
Thanks folks
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 11:05 AM
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For balljoints, you may look into Dynatrac ball joints. They are 'supposed' to be better than the factory ones. There was an article in powerstrokeonline magazine...
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by camodown
For balljoints, you may look into Dynatrac ball joints. They are 'supposed' to be better than the factory ones. There was an article in powerstrokeonline magazine...
did not know that dynatrac made ball joints, anything has to be better than factory, been through 3 sets in 4 years.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Izzy351
IIRC, just the bellowed up-pipes are $350+. I'm thinking there would be a pretty high labor cost on top of that. They are a PITA. But like Roland said, once you've run that gauntlet, you'll never have to do it again. I have a SLIGHT up-pipe leak right now, and I'm dreading that job. I just bought a set of donuts though. Maybe I'll do the bellowed option instead. We'll see.
It's time consuming and requires some finesse, but is certainly a do-able job in your driveway.

Guzzle's site has a write-up on it. The only thing I will add to that is I had to tie some thinner cord (5mm) to the y-flange, route it beside the turbo, and have my wife pull it tight once I had the y-flange lined up with the turbo. That allowed me to have both hands free to put the clamp in place.

If you do it once and only change the donuts, chances are that you will have to do it again. Chances are also that you would rather not do it again. I am glad that I got the bellowed up-pipes because, while it is do-able, I can think of better ways to spend my time.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 04:52 PM
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I have used Moog on a couple of my previous trucks and haven't had any problems. Also when I get them from a local guy, he gives me the press to use. I am also planning on replacing those front axle u-joints while everything is apart, and axle seals. Just keep adding on, No money left for goodies. Could be worse, like not enough money to make necessary repairs.
 
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