We used to have a 96 (IIRC) with the non turbo 7.3. That truck had over 250K on it with no major issues. MPG was about 8mp at 11-12K loaded with 4.10 rears. One thing was it didn't have the giddy up my 2000 7.3 turbo has at the same weight.
Need some advice, I have a chance to get a 1992 f-350 crew cab longbed diesel. Has anyone had or know of how good these 7.3 diesel engines/trucks are. I dont know the rep. these engines have. Any help is great.
We used to have a 96 (IIRC) with the non turbo 7.3. That truck had over 250K on it with no major issues. MPG was about 8mp at 11-12K loaded with 4.10 rears. One thing was it didn't have the giddy up my 2000 7.3 turbo has at the same weight.
.
No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!
Ronald Reagan
the 7.3 liter is a good motor. stay away from the smaller 6.8 liter. they are junk.
Like DSW said, they are a little slow getting up to speed. I had one for the last year. I had some problems with it but I blame the problems on hte last owner and not the truck. If you can, try to test drive it and get it warmed up, then wait 20 minutes and try to start it again. If you have trouble starting it again you might be buying a new injector pump in the not so distant future. That was the major problem mine had. I could take it to the store and when I get back in the truck it won't start. If that happens, pour a quart of water on the IP. (I know that you aren't supposed to pour water on a hot engine, but that is the only way to start it without waiting a couple hours for the engine to cool)
Other than that, they are smooth running trucks that can haul anything.
engines last for as long as you take care of them.. 250-350,000 miles is an average. keep nacool in the cooling system, put a 7lb cap on the radiator, toss the 13lb cap. Too much cap pressure pops the top cooling tank off the radiator. if it doesnt smoke when its cranking, turn the pump up, 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise on the allen set screw inside the pump, (P. side, remove plate on side of pump held by two small screws, bar engine over till you can access set screw) I had a couple of these trucks, average 11-12 mpg, towing was less, they are kinda gutless compared to a turboed. glowplugs are usually a culprit on hard starters, $8-10 bucks a piece aint so bad, not a big deal to test them and replace them... temp controller for the glowplugs is about $75, usually all you need to do is clean the terminals and they work again..
expect to have clutch issues, mostly because the firewall flexes, and the support bar across the front that holds the radiator and everything else is a poor deal, nothing a little welding wont fix..
cc
DSW, the 94.5 to early-2003 diesel F-series trucks only came with the 7.3 Powerstroke turbo diesel. If your truck had a non-turbo 7.3, it was an early-'94 or older. The truck in the picture is a '92 or newer, if it has the stock frontend on it, so that truck would have to be a '92 to early-'94, if it doesn't have a turbo.
'94 and newer F-series trucks are easy to spot from the back, since they have the 3rd brake light on the back of the cab, since that was the year high-mounted stop lights became a Federal requirement on trucks. '93 and older just had the cargo light.
There were 3 diesels available in '94. The non-turbo 7.3, the 7.3 Turbo and 7.3 Powerstroke turbo. All Powerstrokes have turbo.
JReynolds, the non-turbo 7.3 and 6.9 engines were dogs, compared to the 460 gas engine. You're better off with either a '94-up Powerstroke turbo, or a 460 of any year.
Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-07-2009 at 07:19 PM.
MM350P/Python/Q300
MM175/Q300
DialarcHF
HTP MIG200
PowCon300SM
Hypertherm380
ThermalArc185
Purox oa
F350CrewCab4x4
LoadNGo utilitybed
Bobcat250
XMT304/Optima/Spoolmatic
Suitcase12RC/Q300
Suitcase8RC/Q400
Passport/Q300
Smith op
Thanks DR. That truck was definately a 7.3 non turbo, but I must have misremembered the year.
.
No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!
Ronald Reagan
I like the rack you built on it. I need to lengthen mine some.
MM350P/Python/Q300
MM175/Q300
DialarcHF
HTP MIG200
PowCon300SM
Hypertherm380
ThermalArc185
Purox oa
F350CrewCab4x4
LoadNGo utilitybed
Bobcat250
XMT304/Optima/Spoolmatic
Suitcase12RC/Q300
Suitcase8RC/Q400
Passport/Q300
Smith op
Thanks. We put alot of thought into just how we planned to use it and it turned out well. The rack and body are curently on a similar gas ford. One of the workers grenaded the tranny last year and we got a gas truck with low miles cheaper than a rebuilt tranny. I'll probably do a similar rack if I ever get a flat bed or do a utility body conversion for my PU. I'd like to do something similar for my current truck body, but with a tall enclosed body the rack would be higher than I'd prefer that way. I'm still working on a good design, I miss being able to haul full 24' lengths with ease.
.
No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!
Ronald Reagan
I have a 7.3IDI non turbo in my F450 and a 7.3 Power Stroke in my F250. Both engines have over 200,000 with no major problems ever except glowplugs & injection pump. Both are 5Spds. I agree with DesertRider33 your better off with a 94 up Powerstroke although the older 7.3IDI were good motors they didn't have "the get up & go" like a Powerstroke has. My old 7.3IDI runs on just about everything waste motor oil, tranny fluid, cooking oil, GAS-my fault... The Power Stroke only gets diesel.
BSS
Services
1997 F250 4X4 Powerstroke w/ Bobcat 225NT & tools
1992 F450 SuperDuty 7.3IDI w/ Bobcat 225NT & more tools!
I would love to have thoose fancy diesels, but I am on a budget for now. Thanks for all the advice and input guys. I think I am going to go ahead and get the truck(pics to follow)
Make sure it has the 4.10 axle ratio. If it has the 3.55 ratio, you'll be wanting to change the gears later once you realize how gutless it is when loaded. My F350 is a '92 with the 351 engine and had 3.55's when I bought it. The truck would barely get out of it's own way when loaded in the hills. I ended up changing to 4.56's and the power improved immensely, but it cost me $2000 to make the change, since it's a 4wd.
Also, if it has the 4spd overdrive automatic trans, make sure it's in good working condition. Those early model E4OD trannys have a bad reputation of not lasting very long under hard use and are expensive to rebuild. The '95-'97 E4OD's were more reliable than the early ones. The 3spd non-overdrive C6 tranny is a better tranny than the early model E4OD's and cost about half as much to rebuild. If it has the 5spd manual, you should be good to go, as long as the clutch is good.
For what it's worth, there really isn't all that much of a market price difference between the '92/93 trucks and the '94-'97 trucks, for otherwise equal condition and configuration/option type.
Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-08-2009 at 08:20 AM.
MM350P/Python/Q300
MM175/Q300
DialarcHF
HTP MIG200
PowCon300SM
Hypertherm380
ThermalArc185
Purox oa
F350CrewCab4x4
LoadNGo utilitybed
Bobcat250
XMT304/Optima/Spoolmatic
Suitcase12RC/Q300
Suitcase8RC/Q400
Passport/Q300
Smith op
There is a price difference in my area, a lot of guys in this area snatch them up pretty quick. I got this one with 161K. for $2400. Came with a cap also. Has all new filters etc. All I plan to do it build a rear bumper and some racks.
I have a 1994 f 350 crewcab 4 x4 with ranch hand bumpers front back and a behind bumper winch up front, I bought it in 2002 with 225,000 miles and now have 275,000, I love this truck I also have a 2001 f250 with only 42,000 which had to towed to ford dealer because it has the romps or loping( see youtube ). The best thing about the non powerstrokes (94 and earlier) is they are easier to fix, less sensitive to fuel contaminants, and fuel lines are exposed. Most of the diesel parts are available at oreilly or autozone. I would buy it if I were you and change water fuel seperator to wix screw on filter.
as i understand all 93 and older fords that have a diesel motor have 4.11 gears. just gassers had 3.55 available. i dont know about newer trucks
Dynasty 200DX
Passport plus w/ spoolmate 100
victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)
Miller digital elite
milwaukee power tools
Never welded but trying to learn.I bought a used miller sidekick for 50.00 that came with a copper wire spool, If I want to use flux cored wire (because I do not have gas yet) do I have to change anything in the gun, liner, tip or anything else. I think the shielded wire is thicker.Thanks Mike
Nope.
3.55 was the standard ratio for all F250/350 pickups with single rear wheels, regardless of what engine they came with, for 92-97. 4.10 was optional with all V8 engines.
92-97 F-Superduty (450) commercial cab&chassis trucks came with 4.63 as the standard ratio and 5.13 was optional.
Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-08-2009 at 03:13 PM.
MM350P/Python/Q300
MM175/Q300
DialarcHF
HTP MIG200
PowCon300SM
Hypertherm380
ThermalArc185
Purox oa
F350CrewCab4x4
LoadNGo utilitybed
Bobcat250
XMT304/Optima/Spoolmatic
Suitcase12RC/Q300
Suitcase8RC/Q400
Passport/Q300
Smith op
NICE truck for the price!! I always thought the OBS trucks 92-97 were some of the best looking trucks. DesertRider33 my 91 F-Superduty "450" has the 5.13 in it and it will pull down the house but at 65mph she is almost tacked out. I love the 5Spd except for the bad firewall flex. You push in the clutch pedal and you can see the dash move. I could buy the kit to fix it but ive been to busy working.
BSS
Services
1997 F250 4X4 Powerstroke w/ Bobcat 225NT & tools
1992 F450 SuperDuty 7.3IDI w/ Bobcat 225NT & more tools!
The '00-01's diesels had either 3.73 or 4.10's in the 250's and 350's. I'm not quite sure the rhyme or reason to how they were ordered at the dealer. In standard bed 4x4's they seemed split about 50/50 when I looked to buy my 1st truck back then. Every cab and chassis I've ever seen came with 4.10's
The 07-08 diesel 450-550's were 4.88's stock with 4.30's optional. Late 08-09 the 450's started to come stock with 4.30's due to the horrendous fuel economy with the DPF's. 550's were still stock 4.88's. Every cab and chassis 250/350 I looked at came with 4.10's.
These are the only years I've looked hard at for the rears. My 00 has the 3.73's and I've never had any power/towing issues with up to 27K truck/trailer. My 08 was special ordered with 4.30's (actually was originally supposed to be a late '07 but they shut the line down early, so to get the 4.30 rears I had to get an '08)
.
No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!
Ronald Reagan
I currently still have 2 idi's in my fleet. Their pretty gutless but get the job done
the later 7.3IDIs were VERY cavitation prone, the cylinders will pit and actually pinhole between the coolant jacket and the cylinder. I personally wouldn't touch one with over 175,000 miles unless i knew the maintenance history.
My 94 IDI factory turbo That has had the best coolant maintenance i could give it cavitated @ 230,000 miles and is pushing coolant into the oil. Enough to really start chewing up the mains and rods.
Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
F250/350 pickup ratios
92-97 - 3.55 std, 4.10 opt
99-04 - 3.73 std, 4.10 opt, 4.30 opt with V10
05-08 - 3.73 std, 4.10 opt, 4.30 opt with V10, 4.30 opt on F350DRW diesel (named Tow Boss).
F-Superduty/450/550 chassis-cab ratios
92-97 - 4.63 std, 5.13 opt
00-08 - 4.30 std, 4.88 opt (standard in 550)
MM350P/Python/Q300
MM175/Q300
DialarcHF
HTP MIG200
PowCon300SM
Hypertherm380
ThermalArc185
Purox oa
F350CrewCab4x4
LoadNGo utilitybed
Bobcat250
XMT304/Optima/Spoolmatic
Suitcase12RC/Q300
Suitcase8RC/Q400
Passport/Q300
Smith op
I agree! My fav years of Ford trucks are the '73-'79, '92-'97 and '99-'04.
I drove a '97 F-Superduty with the 7.3 PSD, ZF 5spd and 5.13 gears. It was a 4wd ex-Forest Service truck, converted by Quigley with a Dana 70 front axle. Definately alot of power in that beast. She seemed comfortable at 60 mph in 5th. Tires were stock 235/85-16 size. Would probly be just right with 255/85-16's, drop the rpms just enough to cruise at 65-70 without revving it out.
MM350P/Python/Q300
MM175/Q300
DialarcHF
HTP MIG200
PowCon300SM
Hypertherm380
ThermalArc185
Purox oa
F350CrewCab4x4
LoadNGo utilitybed
Bobcat250
XMT304/Optima/Spoolmatic
Suitcase12RC/Q300
Suitcase8RC/Q400
Passport/Q300
Smith op
You guys think the 7.3 IDI is slow in a normal truck you should see it hauling a 26' uhaul pulling a car on a trailer up Eisenhower and Vail pass
While we are on the subject mine is RPM limited down low. I think Uhaul did this as a speed governer it tops out at 65 MPH. I was told I had to adjust the fuel pump but no one told me how. Any one know?
My main problem being a Uhaul is I don't know how much is ford or what Uhaul might have done differently.
Also does anyone here know what I would have to do fuel wise if I turboed it?
We don't have to get into that in this thread but if there's any one with the knowledge here let me know and I'll start a thread on the subject.
I know quite a bit about gas engines, keeping them happy and making them go fast but I feel like a bit of a tard when it comes to diesels haha.
Lincoln precision TIG 275
Millermatic 140 MIG
Thaks for all the input guys, If I need anything else I will be posting it, it was more help than my dumb friends.