Friend is looking at a 97 7.3 and wanted me to go with him. I don't know much about the early 7.3, but told him I would. We are heading out this morning, any help from ya'll would be great. Think it only has 100k on the clock, but don't know much more till I see him.
Thanks

 

someone should chime in, but here is what I know:
There is no intercooler on the earlier trucks, different injectors, smaller intake, and if I remember correctly the turbo is also different.

 

Matt, have you asked this in the OBS forum just below ours? I'm sure they will help you.

 

Turbo is non-WG, no intercooler, AA injectors (90cc), mechanical fuel pump in the valley of the motor under the turbo (check for leaks), 2 UVCH's per side, accesories (alt, A/C pump etc) are arranged different... can't think of anything else right now. If the intake has an orange boot on it where it connects to the turbo make sure it isn't ripped or torn (common issue). Get a good look at the mech. fuel pump, if you see a black thing on it that looks like the Starship Enterprise you have a Cali model (which will have 120cc AB's in it). No electric vac pump, the OBS vac pump is belt driven.

 

Rick, I'm on there doing a search, but I felt better asking here first, ya know..closer to home.
Thanks Chase. We're heading over to the lemon lot (Kirtland AFB) now.

 

Double post, see below.
Muuuuhahaha

 

Chase you pretty much nailed it all right there in that post. The turbo is different on a different pedestal. Like said pull the intake boot and inspect the turbo fins for wear. BTW the OBS turbo comes factory with what you SD guys call the wicked wheel. It is a non-waste gated turbo and is a pretty good setup, especially to keep egt's cool. The fuel pump is in the valley. It has two fuel tanks. The 250's have independent front suspension (dana 50) called the TTB, twin-traction beam. Manuals are 5 speeds instead of 6 speeds. The A/C and alternator are on opposite sides than the SD's.

What else? No intercooler, 15° HPOP instead of the SD 17° pump. It is a direct bolt on though to put the SD pump on. Atleast a '96-'97. The '94-'95 are abit different with the anti drainback valve (short circuit). '94- early '95 don't have degas radiator system but do have an overflow tank. Vacuum pump is belt driven. The brakes are vacuum assist power instead of hydraulic assist.

I can't think of too much difference. They are pretty close to the same motor with minor differences. What else?









Oh yeah,...

... The OBS's are better looking!


















Oooooooooooops did I say that out loud in the wrong forum? That was supposed to be my inside voice. LOL

 

Busted Neal!
I always forget about the HPOP and wicked wheel since my early bird has both those features as well.

 

Did a quick look see. 97 F250 4x4 with topper. Looks clean, did a good job detailing the truck. Just over 100k on the clock. No noticable leaks in the valley, nothing unusual on start-up. Think he's asking a bit much, $10500, but seems well maintained. Someone elase was looking at it so we're heading back over in acouple hours with owner for a drive.

 

Yup that is a bit much. You shouyld be able to get one for less than $9000. Some even closer to $6000 if you are lucky.

Print out some others for sale on the web and take them to show as a comparison to the seller. May help you with the bargaining process.

 

$10500 is retarded for a 97 IMO.

 

For not a lot more, you could find a pretty decent SuperDuty. And I think *they* look better...

 

Don't pay $10,500.00 for an ugly truck.

 

Having owned both, I gotta say that in the right setup the OBS trucks look better. My 90 had a nice mean stance to it with the tires and the squat in the front. It reminded me of an english bulldog or something. I know I know SD guys, BLASHPHEMY, BLASPHEMY!!!

I love my 02 though and alot less problems than my 90.

 

I have never owned an OBS truck, but I think they are pretty. I like Blonds Redheads and Brunettes, I don't have to like one over the other, the same with OBS and SD trucks. I like them both.