We have heard from our trusted mechanic that if you want the best diesel in a TV, go with the 7.3L in the F-350 from 1999-2003. We have found one in great shape, only 75K miles and sweet price. Our intel is that this thing is a towing beast and we cant go wrong with it. Any thoughts on this TV from the forum would be really appreciated. Thanks!

It could be argued. They are indeed a very good engine. The only down side is weaker performance than newer rigs but it will serve you well otherwise.

Snap it up quick if proper maintenance has been done.

We own a 2003 F250 Lariat with the 7.3L diesel engine that we purchased new. Have towed a 38' Monatana 3400RL 5th wheel for the last 6 years. Now have 135,000 miles on the truck of which 30 to 40,000 miles have been towing the 5th wheel or a 20' 12,500 lb equipment trailer. Absolutely no engine problems at all. The weak link on thses trucks is the transmission. Our trasmission started heating up more than nornal the last couple years. Added an additional supplemental transmission oil cooler. That brought the transmission temps back to normal.

The only weak point is the transmission. Figure on a new one any time over 100,000 miles.

2002 F350 Lariat with 7.3L Diesel | Good Sam Community

Robert6401
Explorer
May 20, 2013
That's true, I probably should've had more tact. Sorry OP.
Lantley
Nomad
May 20, 2013
Robert6401 wrote:
When I want truck advice, I go to a truck forum:

www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum31

When I want RV advice, I come to an RV forum.

I'm not sayin........, I'm just sayin'.

Good advice to a point. There is a lot of knowledge on the truck forums how ever often those discussions are for those looking for more power and speed. Truck forums are not geared towards towing but more towards racing.
There is a lot of DIY info on those forums as well,nevertheless it does not hurt to discuss RV towing characteristics of a truck with those that tow RV's.
jmconneely
Explorer
May 20, 2013
I bought my 02 F350 DRW Thanksgiving of 2012. It was a company truck. Had 305,000 miles on it when I bought it and it went right thru inspection with a few minor repairs. I already have 9,000 miles of my own on it and only repairs were, an oil cooler and a front hub. Had a 5th wheel hitch installed when those repairs were made. Can't wait for our first trip.
Robert6401
Explorer
May 20, 2013
When I want truck advice, I go to a truck forum:

www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum31

When I want RV advice, I come to an RV forum.

I'm not sayin........, I'm just sayin'.
Artemus_Gordon
Explorer
May 20, 2013
suse1023 wrote:
i'm told that with some modifications my 2001 7.3 dually 4x4 crew can pull (or more importantly--STOP!!) upwards of it's rating--any one know which mods are going to achieve this?
i don't want to walk into a diesel performance shop and be completely ignorant!!

I feel your pain. I hate gear heads! Lol. I chipped mine ( some won't reccomend it) Airad intake and modifyed exhaust. Loads of power !
suse1023
Explorer
May 20, 2013
i'm told that with some modifications my 2001 7.3 dually 4x4 crew can pull (or more importantly--STOP!!) upwards of it's rating--any one know which mods are going to achieve this?
i don't want to walk into a diesel performance shop and be completely ignorant!!
wandering1
Explorer
May 20, 2013
I got 180k miles without any problems out of my 99 before I traded it in. Great tow vehicle for towing my 12k 5er.
Lantley
Nomad
May 20, 2013
A 7.3 PSD is a great truck. However as others have mentioned the transmissions are the weak link. The OEM 4 speed tranny does not compare to the modern 6 speed transmissions. The 7.3 also lacks an exhaust break which has become standard equipment on today's trucks.
The 7.3 is still a decent truck however simply due to age and a lack of modern basic features I would no longer consider it the best diesel going. The payload capacity of the 7.3 is also lacking vs. the newer trucks.
In the end the 7.3 is a legendary power plant that is still very capable, while it does not match up to the ability of the newer trucks it still shines in the bang for the buck category.
Artemus_Gordon
Explorer
May 20, 2013
Long story short! Got 17k for my 2003 with 175,000 miles last week. Great truck! No smoke and lots of modifications.
itsabouttime
Explorer
May 20, 2013
I have a 99 F350 with a 7.3 diesel. I've heard the transmission is usually good for about 150k miles. I got this one at 234k miles and last summer at 342k it got it's third transmission. I consider that reasonable expense for the vehicle. It has 356k on it now. It does have a good bit of maint because of it's age; last couple of years besides the tranny had four wheel brakes, water pump, radiator, alternator and a few hoses. It does tow good and I hope to keep it as long as I can.