Awildtuan's 2000 F350 7.3 Powerstroke - Home/Expedition build

[awildtuan]

Hey, I’m Tuan from British Columbia. Back in August 2023, I left my corporate 9-5 to live full-time in my camper while pursuing a new career as a tree faller. I had my Tacoma for 5 years, using it as an overland rig with more than 300 days of adventures before I finally added the DIY camper. That Tacoma became my home until October of last year when it was written off by a red light runner. Before the accident, I had already been thinking about upgrading to something bigger, more spacious, and off-road capable—since I wasn’t planning on returning to a normal house anytime soon. I was stuck between a Tundra or a 7.3 F350, both with an 8ft bed + flatbed + camper setup. The accident turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Fast forward 10 days after the accident, and I found the perfect truck: a 2000 F350 7.3L Powerstroke Super Cab with an 8ft bed and 393k km on it. The truck had a meticulous maintenance record, so I jumped on it.

Why the F350?​

So, why an F350 instead of a Tundra?

For one, the F350 offers better payload capacity, diesel fuel mileage, and more power—key factors for me as I plan on doing long stretches of off-road and overland travel. Diesel engines also give me the reliability and torque I need when I’m on tough logging roads or backcountry trails. Plus, it’s just easier to find a 7.3 F350 with an 8ft bed than a comparable Tundra, which can be tough to come by, especially with the specifications I needed.

While the F350 checks all the boxes for what I wanted in a truck, building it into an off-road/overland rig has been challenging due to the lack of aftermarket parts availability for this generation of the truck. The options are definitely fewer compared to something like a newer Tundra, but with the right mods, I know this rig will be ready to take on everything I need it to.

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The Build Process​

Since I don’t have a shop and I’m often away for work, the build has been slow but steady. The first thing I did was build a flatbed. It was a cost-effective decision, coming in at about $1500, and it set the truck up for the kind of travel I want to do. The flatbed dimensions are 8.5ft x 7ft, with the rear end lifted up for a better departure angle (since it’s a longer truck). I’m keeping things simple for now, as I’m heading to Alaska soon, but I’ll be doing more upgrades down the road.

Armour:​

• ARB bumper

Lighting:​

• Alpha Rex Nova headlamps – better DOT standard projector LED headlights with good cutoffs (modified to fit since they were meant for 05+)
• Baja Design lights: LP9 Pro driving combo (spot)

Powertrain:​

• Autometer pillar pod & gauges for EGT, Boost, and Trans Temp
• AFe cold air intake (+ spare filter)
• Magnaflow Stainless Exhaust
• Airdog diesel prefilter & pump
• Stage 1 tow pack 4r100 auto transmission - billet converter, Transgo tugger shift kit and 6.0 trans cooler.

Suspension:​

• Level kit with Bilstein shocks
• Black Rhino Sentinel wheels 17x8.5 with 18mm offset
• Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT 37x12.5x17

Camper/Home​

• Custom DIY Flatbed

Mods to Be Installed:​

• Baja Design lights: LP2 reverse lights, Squadron SAE fog, Squadron driving combo ditch lights
• SPOD system for organized lighting control
• Ham radio

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Plans for the Build:​

• 05+ suspension swap (08+ rear leafs)
• Carli Pintop kit for improved suspension
• Regear + add air lockers to the rear axle
• Winch
• Snorkel
• Underbed boxes
• Onboard air setup
• Custom ram dash mount for phone, GPS, and radio
• Fix oil leaks: oil cooler, valve cover, turbo pedestal
• Install new batteries + battery terminals
• Clean up the engine bay
• Rock sliders + skid plate

Potential Future Upgrades:​

• Upgrade powertrain: Looking at KC Turbos for more power
• Change out tuner + gauges to digital: Edge tuner and digital gauge setup

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That’s where the build stands right now. It’s been a grind working on this truck outside with limited time, but I’m excited to get it dialed in before heading out on my Alaska adventure. I’ll keep this updated as the build progresses, and if I ever decide to part with it, this thread will be a good resource for the next owner.

How my F350 currently sits March 19 2025

 

[awildtuan]

This was taken after the first day I bought her, Nov 12 2024

March 19 2025


My previous "home" of 1.5 years, a 2019 Toyota Tacoma

 

[DirtWhiskey]

Awesome platform I think you'll love it. The 7.3 is my favorite truck engine. Simple and easy. I've only gone about 5 adult years without one. A few things:

- Fuel bowl sucks. Too many points of failure. I'm deleting mine soon.
- Carry a spare sensor set. CPS, IPR etc.
- Not sure which tranny you have but if it's a 4R100, get a larger tranny cooler from an 05.
- Ford steering sucks. Lee power steering pump with remote reservoir, better steering gear or hydro assist if you're adventurous.
- Swap out the upper radiator hose for one from a dual alternator setup. Factory hose routing is dumb. Gotta remove your upper hose to change out the serp belt. PIA in the field.
- I've been happy with the Hydra tuner. I even scored one of the discontinued Cyclops Bluetooth controllers for it. Program from your phone, set to No Start adds some security as it doesn't have a screen. I keep the screen hidden away just in case.

Love to see more shots of that flatbed!

 

[SDDiver5]

I so badly want to make a comment but don't know how to type the hilarious accent you do on IG.

Welcome aboard!

 

[yamaha225]

I have a very similar truck to yours with similar goals in mind! I also follow you on YouTube and love the content you’ve posted there thus far. Looking forward to following along here as well!

Here is the tread on my truck if you’re interested!

Early ‘99 F-350

 

[Klutch7]

Came across this truck on IG the other day. Looks like a great start and I'm looking forward to following along. The ARB bumper on that year SD is one of the best looking combos out there!

 

[andy_b]

Great truck! I 100% agree w/ @DirtWhiskey’s recommendations. I have a 2000 7.3 w/ most of the mods you’ve done. The Hydra, a KC 300x, tunes (I’ve had the best experience with Brian Jelich of Jelibuilt), and updated injectors (Rosewood) will make it amazingly fast with minimal smoke. Makes getting around with a camper so easy. Good job addressing the trans before the engine - I have a 6 speed manual in mine but have never heard anything positive regarding older 4R100s and their interactions with more boost lol.

In addition to the steering mods Dirtwhiskey mentioned, I’d replace the steering box, too. I upgraded my steering in a piecemeal fashion and updating the gearbox made a big difference in precision (made passing semis at speed less harrowing). Sadly, the Lee power steering setup requires the older, dumber, upper radiator hose. I have an Edge tuner and it does a great job integrating monitoring and acting as a switchbox for your lights/accessories. I also put a flatbed on mine and a camper on top of that. It’s only flaw was that it was so loud!

 

[ferdaphoto]

man, love your social media content, cant wait to read along the progress here

 

[DirtWhiskey]

I have a 6 speed manual in mine but have never heard anything positive regarding older 4R100s and their interactions with more boost lol.

In addition to the steering mods Dirtwhiskey mentioned, I’d replace the steering box, too. I upgraded my steering in a piecemeal fashion and updating the gearbox made a big difference in precision (made passing semis at speed less harrowing). Sadly, the Lee power steering setup requires the older, dumber, upper radiator hose. I have an Edge tuner and it does a great job integrating monitoring and acting as a switchbox for your lights/accessories. I also put a flatbed on mine and a camper on top of that. It’s only flaw was that it was so loud!

Agree with above! 4r100 is a stout tranny that need cooling. It's the gearing that sucks! Wide gals between gears.

I was able to mount the Lee PS pump kit by grinding it a bit and pushing the mount backwards (towards the cab) to make room for the dual alt radiator hose mod! Works a charm. I'll take some pics.

I'll also add the need to do a stout battery and power cable replacement. Stock cable arrangement is not the greatest. I'm also really happy with the Ford AIS extreme duty military air box. Much better filtration and air flow but housed so much more quiet. I tried an open air Donaldson air filter and trust me. That engine is loud enough as is without the jet engine effect!

 

[awildtuan]

Ayo, thank you guys for the comment haha.

Past few weeks have been busy - work wise, I was put on an 8am-8pm schedule for a week, I finally had a few days off to get things done. I'm also going on nightshift for the next 3 weeks 6pm-6am so it's going to be tough. For my mental health, I've been prioritizing getting outside when the weathers nice over working on my truck, finally got out to catch my first fish of the year.

1. I picked up Axles from an 08 F350 for my coil swap w/ Carli suspension. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have time to do this swap as I have less than 2 months before I leave for my trip up north. I will be running a normal 4" lift kit for my trip instead.



2. I picked up a camper! I was stressing about what I was taking up north with me, after discussing with a few companies about borrowing a camper, and potentially driving down to Cali to buy a FWC, someone messaged me about this beauty. It's a 1986 C8 Big Foot camper. It only weights 950lb dry! I dont have airbags on and it sits fairly level, will definitely need help once loaded with my life. I'm exploring my options right now for an alternative.



3. Spent a day Installing my Spod and Ham Radio - a must for the forest service roads up here as you don't want to come around a corner with a loaded logging truck coming at you. We use Kenwood's in my work truck but they're a bit pricey so I sprung for this QYT-9900 which is super slim and low profile.



4. What I currently have sitting around, waiting to be done... Hopefully in the next month if I can find the time. Warn Winch, Optima Yellow Top batteries, valve cover gasket, oil cooler gasket, strictly Diesel Dipstick Adapter Repair Kit, Baja Design lights

 

[Roam.Wild]

When are you heading North? We'll be in AK June 1 through the end of August before heading up to Tuk. We're crossing into BC in 4 weeks, hope to see ya out there!

 

[awildtuan]

When are you heading North? We'll be in AK June 1 through the end of August before heading up to Tuk. We're crossing into BC in 4 weeks, hope to see ya out there!

I'm heading up probably mid end of June, not sure yet, dates will revolve around my paddle trip down the Yukon river

 

[awildtuan]

Some updates, I finally got to do the maidan voyage, and a few more overnights driving up north for work.

I found aluminum boxes for the side for $200 each and got them for both sides.

So many parts but so little time to think about.

Few things I'm focusing on for the next week, fabricating a fog bezel for the ARB bumper so I can put 4 more light pods up front. Camper stairs, it's getting annoying jumping up and down, for reference the flatbed sits at 46" off the ground so it's quite the leap. Installing the lift kit hopefully this weekend - if I manage to get back to my work house.