hey everyone i've had my 91 7.3 idi now for a long time and i think its time to upgrade...i was wondering what i should be looking for when i go to check out trucks..anything thats a constant problem? I don't know anything about the 7.3 PS, and don't want to buy a worn out unit.
thanx

 

What are your plans with the truck??

I would just get the newest truck you can get with the less miles... somewhere between a 99.5 and a 2003 7.3.

 

my plans for the truck will be just a daily driver, it will need to haul the odd excavator bucket and i have plans to buy a small 5th wheel.. any idea on the power ratings of these motors?

 

If you plan to mod it very much you will want to look for one with forged rods not pmr's.
Look for leaks in the valley, there a check list to look at if your looking for a PSD let us know what your looking for.

 

i would like to mod it to have some good power, maybe 300-350hp 800ft/lb tq? is that crazy? or easily doable?

 

I think they are in the 220 range...

But basic things to look for are:
-Inspect the intake (if it is stock filter pull it and look at it)
-Inspect the intake after the filter... look for dust inside the tubes
-If you can pull off the intake to the turbo, inspect the wheel for play, excessive play or destroyed turbo wheel can mean toasted turbo or dusted motor...
-Inspect the oil, make sure it looks ok and is not low
-Inspect the coolant
-look down in the valley of death and see if any oil is pooled up in there. (It is tough to see and you will need a flashlight but it will tell you if you have any oil leaks)
-Pull the trans dipstick and look at the fluid.. should be nice and clean.
-Inspect the tires for uneven wear... this could be bad ball joints or wheel bearings
-Inspect the PCM (under the steering column to the left of the brake pedal for a chip)
-Look for any thing that looks aftermarket and try to find out what it is for.
-Take it for a test drive and test everything... down to the CD player and AC!!!
-If you can have someone do a carfax or an oasis report
-Find out the history of the transmission and the motor
-Find out how often the oil is changed and the fuel filter
-I would also inpect under the truck to see if there is any mud accumulated under there, that could mean the truck was 4x4
-Test out the 4x4 and make sure it works.
-Look at the bed and see how well used the truck was?

I am sure there is a lot more to look for but at least it is a start..LOL

 

haha thats awesome,exactly what i was looking for.. do these PSD cavitate like the IDI's do? also you said to look for oil in the valley pan? what fails there?

 

Simple things like the turbo pedestal Orings, or the High pressure oil pump (HPOP), or the Exhaust Back Pressure Valve (EBV) can leak from bad orings. Not sure on the whole cavitate issue...??

It can end up leaking down the backside of the motor and appear to be a rear main seal leak...

 

ahh alright ill definatly take a flash light with me thanx.

 

Even better yet, if you have a buddy with AE software, Automotive Enginuity... he could hook it up and check for codes. I did this for a friends truck and it sure freaked out the guy who owned the truck... LOL

 

that looks like something i should have haha. They don't have a price on their website, do you know what its worth?

 

It is a little over 300 bucks... but well worth it!!! A few trips to ford will eat that up...LOL

I got mine from Clay at Riffraff diesel... sales@riffraffdiesel.com He has alot of other cool things you can add to your truck once you get it!!

 

what motor should i be looking for?? a certain year?

 

thanx for all the info. it will really help in my search.

 

Some 2001s and almost all 2000s & below have forged motors. But, I prefer the upgraded creature comforts of the 2002/2003. They have "PMRs", which are Powdered Metal connecting Rods. They are supposedly weaker than Forged, but IMHO, both have survived up to 500+ rwhp, and both have let go slightly above 400. I have a 2002 and will be pushing it at around 400 soon. If you stick with your plans of 350-400 rwhp, you'll be fine in an 02/03. A lot of guys are running that level of power with no issues. You'll be more in the low-mid 700s for torque though. Ya' gotta get closer or above 400 for the 800 mark, I do believe.