After 3 failures, (3 - 4th of July's in a row) in my 2001 7.3/automatic that all were under warranty, somewhere along the line I added (and closely monitored) an auxiliary cooler and gauges AND learned that Amzoil juice was worth about 20-25* in reduced transmission temps, a good thing. Eventually bought a f450/6sp manual and never towed with the 350 again, that solved the transmission problems. All of my 7.3'3 have been bulletproof and sold off at 9000 or so hours, it's shameful that FoMoCo jerked us around with those transmission's prior to what they put behind the 6.0 that seemed to be much better although I've never had one.
Someone should make a 5r110 or whatever it is swap kit for the 7.3 trucks. Don't know if the gear ratios would work for the 7.3 since it drives more like a tractor then the higher spinning modern diesels.
My first thought of buying an auto truck was if it grenades, swap to manual. I did this yearsago in a ford escort and it was amazingly easy. Bolted right in, pulled in on Friday night, pulled out Sunday. The thought of a build auto interests me though. Im definitely watching this thread!!!
On a 99-03 Ford it's pretty easy. Yeah, a BTS transmission is damm stout, but quite spendy. A ZF6 will handle about 600ft/lbs more than enough for a mild tune with an upgraded clutch provided you dont beat the tranny. It will cost you a lot less than an auto to hold that power too.
Mine was obd2, just swapped the ecu, no issues at all. Going auto to manual is easy for obd2. I live in CA too, very strict smog standards, no issues at all. Usually the harness just has a few added things for auto. Delete these and swap to a manual ecu and all is good.
Today’s work was muffler delete and found a clamp-on tip on clearance for $12. Which I put a tack weld on, just in case. Ihatethe clamp on ones, but couldn’t refuse the price. Also replaced the map vac line and air filter. Also used it to haul a bunch of brush and made $150. Hauling my first load of firewood tomorrow. Give those airbags a workout!
I may buy a van and I was wondering how the diesel Mercedes were as far as cost of operation and reliability. I want to be able to do carpenter work with as well as travel.
We looked at sprinters about 3 years ago and spoke to a few owners. They loved the functional, but they were spendy. We decided against it. Went with a newer 4runner. A buddy bought the ram promaster and loves it, definitely a lot of van options out there. I like the options, economy and function of the Mercedes sprinter, just out of my price range if it needed much work.
I am sure there have been a few sets of sleeves installed as well a couple of injector sets- other little tidbits as well. rebuild/ overhaul engine on those big trucks takes about a week give take a few days.
Especially if it can run around in the desert (as compared to the east) where the only salt on the road is on the french fries at the local cafe. Man I wish it was only maintenance and mechanical repairs/components needed here. I just junked a mechanically healthy 2000 3/4 4x4 suburban that I ordered new. It had only 130k on the cock, died of cancer (non operable). I like checking out pics of beautiful old trucks, usually from out west and those crazy long tractors.
Ahoy! Been awhile since I've been to FHC. Seeing all 7.3 talk, I though I'd post up my old girl. 2000 F250 w/ 100k that I picked up last summer. Has a straight exhaust but otherwise 100% stock. Purchased to haul the Kubota L3901 around and firewood. Was in a 2013 f150 so I was stepping back in time moving to this. At first I wasnt thrilled but the more I run and drive this unit, the more I like it. Slow as dirt but pulls well! Cheers!
