7.3 PSD durability?

[1speedlos]

I know this topic has been gone over about a million times, but I'd like to maybe get fresh perspective. I'm not trying to start another brand-loyalty shootout!
While I'd been looking at a 2nd gen Dodge (based on their legendary durability, and the mechanical pumps) they're just too pricy, and seemingly rare with a manual tranny/ 4x4 that we're looking for.
There seems to be tons of F350s here in Tx, and since so many of them are work trucks, they're set up with power-nothing, which we like.
We won't be doing anything crazy with the truck- pulling an Airstream as a base camp for a year, and doing some off-road exploration/expo stuff in between.
Are the PSDs electronics going to cause a lot of problems down the road? What are the weak links to keep in mind?

Thanks for any info,

Carlos

 

[BigDaveZJ]

The 7.3 itself is a tank. If you get the slushbox 4R100 behind it, it's only a matter of time before it fails.

If the CPS recall is done, you're fine there, and if it's not done it's very easy.

The UVCH (under valve cover harness) that powers the injectors and glow plugs can fail, but that doesn't always spell complete disaster, but it is annoying. I pulled my Jeep and trailer back from the mountains at 60mph on only 4 cylinders in my 01 F250 when my UVCH went out.

Other than that, as long as they're maintained well you should be fine.

 

[ntsqd]

Two friends of mine work in the Dealership Auto Repair biz. From them I've learned to never buy a work truck from Texas or NM or anywhere that has oil patch industry. Those trucks may look good when sold off, but they have had a hard life and are nearly done in when sold. It's likely true that it's had regular dealership maintenance. It is also very likely that all of those miles were driven like it was stolen.

 

[Bella PSD]

Besides the above, also look at the oil pan for surface rust. It can lead to $ repairs. But you will have years of warning as the pan will start to seep oil over a long time frame. The International 7.3L is about as legendary as they get, and hard to go wrong picking this engine!

If you have patience, you can find an 7.3L with the ZF 6 speed and that's about as good as it gets!

As far as the CPS, carry one with you in the glove box, as well as a 10mm socket. About 5 min. to replace and your off again. Mine was good for over 100K, so its not like they go out every other day...

Louie

 

[upcruiser]

While I can't get to specific on them, I will say that my father has a 7.3 that has just shy of 600,000 miles on the clock with the orginal engine and turbo and runs great. He's gone through about 4 trannies in the thing, but he tows comercially with it so its getting about as much of a work out as you can give one.

 

[RocKrawler]

I'll also state again my buddy has an 02 that has 893K on it now, original motor & I'ts towed & delivered trailers for Skyline nearly all its life

 

[brianjwilson]

If you pick one up with the ZF 6 speed it will be a good, dependable rig. I believe some years had forged rods, others didn't. The motors without them are good for around 400 HP I hear. Something to think about if/when you add exhaust, intake, and a chip/tuner. Even under 400HP it should be a great rig.

 

[1speedlos]

Thanks!

Thanks for the quick responses! We're definitely going with a stick on this one- what years did the ZF 6 speed come in?

 

[Bella PSD]

All of the SuperDuty trucks came with ZF 6 speeds. 99 and up.

I would not be concerned about powder-forged connecting rods or forged connecting rods. I have powder rods and push 325HP at the rear wheels when I turn it up all the way. Something I hardly ever do. Its just not needed much, short of showing up a Corvette or Mustang. I think the powder-forged connecting rods started around Oct 2000. There is an inspection hole you can look through in the block to check. But I would not bother with it.

The trade off getting forged rods is an older Superduty, with less HP from the factory. If it were me, I would look for the very last 7.3L in an 2003(USA)

Louie

 

[olympiccop2002]

If it were me, I would look for the very last 7.3L in an 2003(USA)

I just did that... Well, it's a 2003 at least but it was made 08/02. 2003 F-250 Crew Cab Shortbox with 62k. 7.3L but it has the auto... $18,500 out the door. They are pretty rare around here to have the lower miles. Yup! It's "ExPo" White too!

 

[GTABurnout]

I have a 2003 7.3 as well and its a dependable rig. I carry a CPS even though I had mine replace under the recall just in case.

Good roomy trucks, not the fastest but its a 1 ton truck so who cares...

 

[highlandercj-7]

IDK where your looking but it's a buyers market right now. The bottom has fallen out of Diesel trucks they are practicly giving them away. I just saw a 03 crew cab cummins 4wd dually with a 6 spd for 13500! On Pittsburgh Craigslist. Your better off with a Cummins for a engine that will last I have seen tons of them with over 500k and still running strong. I have seen them with 650-750-900k miles even. I have never seen a PSD with over 450k and that is extremely rare. Most are extremely lucky to hit 300k.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1109321580.html

 

[TreeTopFlyer]

If you do end up getting an auto, don't bother getting a re-man or anything like that. There are pretty much only two choice, BTS or John Wood. BTS I think has a beat the ******** out of it for 2yrs warranty. When my tranny goes south, it's what I am getting. The price is steep, but they are rock solid. Too many people have tried to cheap out only to either pay for another one or pay for a BTS that they should have bought in the first place. Good luck with your search.

 

[WKCwith5]

The 7.3 is a great motor that will last through some heavy use. I have 2 F550 4x4 that pull 12000 to 15000 pound loads 3 days week. Both trucks have over 200k and no leaks just general maintance done.

 

[Bella PSD]

I have seen them with 650-750-900k miles even. I have never seen a PSD with over 450k and that is extremely rare. Most are extremely lucky to hit 300k.

This is your opinion/experience and anyone reading this please keep this in mind. The fact is the Dodge engine and the Ford International engine has similar overhaul expectances. The fact is 50% of the International and Dodge engines will go to 350,000 miles before needing overhauled (called B50). Many, many Dodge and IH 7.3L go well over this.

Respectfully
Louie