I'm posting this in multiple forums to get as much info as possible. I'm looking at buying a low mileage 7.3l 99 F350 dually. The carfax says it was built in March of 98. I'm looking for any advice on things I need to be aware of with early 99 production models, both drivetrain and chassis. Eventually I will be towing a fifth-wheel camper with this (assuming I buy it), so please give me any info you might have.

Bryan

 

Not knocking the earlies, but I'd hold out for at least a late 99. More power available easier. If you like more creature comforts, go with an 02 or 03. Since you'll be pulling, try to avoid the '01s with the diode issue in the trans (there is a date range for that, but I don't know what it is). Oh, and get a bigger trans cooler no matter which one you get!

 

The most important thing in my opinion is to check the intake tube for signs of dirt / dust. I've seen way too many low mileage trucks that were soon going to need a turbo or engine.

Here's some more reading.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html

 

The brake system isn't quite as large as a 99.5+ truck, either.

That might be a big consideration for someone who is going to tow heavy.

Pop

 

Thanks guys. Can I swap out the brakes for a late 99 model or later (or upgrade to some aftermarket kit)? Also, it appears Ford made a turbo change in mid 99; can I also swap that out? Were there ECU and tuning changes that accompanied that? Any pointers to threads or more info would definitely be appreciated.

Bryan

 

I don't know the story behind the truck you're looking at, if it's someone you know and you know how it was maintained or if it's just sitting on a lot.

If you can, look for a later model 99 or newer, unless you know the seller and the maintenance history. I've got an early '99, and it's a great truck! There's nothing on these trucks that can't be upgraded, but it all depends on how much cash you have!!
But right now I'm in the process of upgrading all the turbo pedestal, intake manifolds, spider and all associated parts to the later model to fit the 38R I just picked up. On a new truck it'd bolt right on.

Depending on how much power you want, an advantage to the earlier models is the forged rods in the engine, compared to the PMRs (powdered metal rods) in the later models.

There were continual upgrades in the "tuning" as the years went by, but nothing that can't be fixed with a custom tuned chip.

 

So, what does it take (parts wise) to get these trucks upgraded to the equivalent to a late model 99? The basics that seem to be prevailing are the brakes and the turbo. Assuming I have enough cash to cover, what do I need to buy/find. What I'm looking for is kind of generic laundry list of parts to purchase.

Bryan

 

Entire intake system, minus I/C & tubes, injectors, & HPOP. I don't know what it would take to upgrade the brakes, if it's even possible. I just ordered Power Slot cryo'ed rotors & Hawk pads for the front on mine to the tune of ~$447. The rears I'll just put pads on, and the Hawks are about $75. We're talking a couple grand, depending on what injectors you put in. And that's before you even start the "common" mods. Figure about another $1500 or so there.

Not trying to scare you off, just want you to know exactly what you're getting into. Oh, and you can get forged-rod engines up to 2001 models. IMHO, forged doesn't truly buy you all that much anyway, since we've seen both those and PMR engines let go in the same low to mid 400 RWHP range. Find one you like, and make an informed buy...

 

Good post Joe.

 

I've done the whole Early 99 to Late 99 intake and turbo upgrade. If I had known better when I bought my Early 99 I would have looked for a newer truck, at least a 99.5. JMH Advice.

 

To swap the brakes, you have to swap the unit bearings (hubs) from the early 99 to late 99 style, new rotors also.
Other big early/late differences to swap- track bar. Late models use a larger bar with larger bolts, and nobody makes an aftermarket adjustable bar for the earlies (very nice to have if you lift or level your truck). All you need is a drill and the late model upper track bar bracket, bar, and bolts.

 

Don't the later models actually have a larger front axle than early '99??

I don't know if worrying about the size of brakes is that big of a deal. I've run with 18k+ behind me (trailer brakes of course) and I'm not the least bit worried about getting the thing stopped. You just can't drive like you stole it, no matter how big your brakes are.

All the intake updates don't have to be done. With my early stock intake setup, stage 1 SS injectors, and 17* HPOP bought from a junk yard, last year on a dyno run I was at 325HP/735TQ.

Give us some back ground on the truck you are looking at. Is it local; do you know the seller? Good maintenance history? If it fits your needs, price range and it's in good shape, there is no reason not to get it.

 

No, somewhere mid 01 they changed to a Dana 60 front instead of the D50. Basically the same axle, slightly larger center section IIRC.

 

Rear brakes on an E99 are the same. Front brakes are the same size but the rotors are shallower.

E99 Duallys have less differences then E99 Single Rear wheel models.

Here's the list:

Some differences between Early 99 and 99.5

Credit to Chase (aka superduty4x4), Ron aka (Ron's Power Stroke) and in Bold credit to Jet (aka SolidGround) RIP.

It I did not credit everyone envolved with this I apologize.
Early 99 has a wicked wheel stock from the factory. And much smaller turbo (spools faster, though)

The early99 has 120cc(AB code) injectors the late99-03 has 140cc(AD code) injectors.

The early99 has 2" intake plenums. The late99-03 has 3" intake plenums.

The early99 has a 15* swash plate HPOP. The late99-03 has a 17* swash plate HPOP.

The early99 has one glow plug relay. The late99-03 has one glow plug relay and one air intake heater relay side by side. Both relays are above the passenger side valve cover toward the front of the truck.

The early99 has a totally different air intake that is not inter changeable with the late99-03 (except for DRW trucks) . But you can put the late99 air cleaner assembly in the early99 truck.

The early99 track rod has smaller mounting bolts than the late99-03. (except for DRW trucks)

The early99 has shallower rotors than the late99-03. (except DRW trucks)

The early99 has shorter hub-bearings than the late99-03. (except DRW trucks)

The early99 front axle U bolts are square where they go over the spring pack. The late99 U bolts are round. (except DRW trucks)

The early99 has a different pitman arm than the late99-03. (except DRW trucks)

The early99 does not have the AIH like the late99-03.

The early99 does not have the automatic transmission fluid cooler in the radiator.

The early99 has no indicator light showing that "cruise" is on. Late99-03 has a cruise light that will come on when you set the cruise control. Some, but not all early99 trucks have the light in the dash already. A newer PCM(Yes it will plug in and will run better too) must be used to make the cruise light illuminate. It is a green light on the right side edge, half way up.

 

I don't know the whole story yet and its something I found online. Its a 99 2wd, with just short of 21K miles on it. The pictures I have seen back that up, both in condition and snapshots of the instrument panel. My theorey at this point is that it was bought for pulling a camper and the owner fell ill and rarely travelled in it.

The dealer sent me a carfax, which also eludes to low mileage, but there is a large gap in time and it has a quasi-red flag on it. The dealer told me that they bought from an insurance company and there was a melted wiring harness on it. He said that they took it to a Ford dealership to get it replaced and it runs fine. He said it is all verifiable. I'm skeptical at this point, but open to investigating it. If this truck is truly is what they claim and their asking price is about $14,500, I'm willing to consider it seriously (and negotiate a lower price!!) If the dealer provides me the info I have requested and I can verify, I will hire one of those independent "inspectors" to check it out. I might also enlist someone on here to check it out in person; take it for a drive etc, but its too early for that yet. At this point, I'm just gathering info on what things to watch out for in the early 99 models and what it would take to upgrade it. Doing that is up my alley; work on my vehicles all the time and my dad was a cummins diesel mechanic back in the day.

Bryan