Older 7.3 Deisel vs. Newer Ford Engines

MrVan wrote:

arkansasrunner wrote:
Thank You for all that has responded. With all of the pro & cons, I think I am going to Beef up my 7.3 with a K & N air filter system, increase my exhaust with Banks Exhaust & try out the programming chip. Then, I will go from there & maybe if a real good deal comes along on a newer truck, I may have to jump on it if this does not work. Happy RVing out there. We can't wait till March, then it's full time.

Just remember the transmission with the 7.3 L Diesel engines is the weak link.

I disagree, the weak link was the transmission cooler, I changed mine ( Early 99 ) when I started towing heavy to the 6.0 transmission cooler along with gauges . Problem on a lot of the early Superduties was you were cooking the transmission ,and never had a clue until it was too late.

My early 99 had no light or gauge that told me my transmission was overheating,I was lucky that I never towed heavy until the 6.0's were out in 2003. Went to larger exhaust, intake ,DP tuner, 6.0 transmission cooler, 6.0 intercooler . Totally different truck, have driven it since new July 98 coming up on 16 years, no it won't stay in the mountains towing my fifth wheel with the new ones, but then I don't care if I am 15 minutes behind. Mileage 16-18 empty 10-12 towing not far behind the new ones. Oh, I paid 30K new, have had no payments for 14 years. Will I keep it,yes. It has low miles, looks like new, and has given me no major problems.