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theoldwizard1's avatar
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2020

Interesting video

While the primary focus of this video is about the new engine and transmission Ford is bring out, there is a lot of info on changes to the F53 Class A chassis.

Ford 7.3L Van vs RV vs Chassis

At 3:42, notice that the rear shocks (which previously been stated as "new") have a Sachs label on them.  Sachs is know in the suspension world as the manufacturer of Nivomat shocks and struts which have a built-in self leveling functionality.  This must help a lot with body roll.
  • The video was fun to watch and interesting for sure. But lets face it, apples to oranges in most cases. OK I get it, the new engine is replacing the V-10. Its about time but it does not seem like the ball got moved forward at all. With exception of "faster off the line" I am not sure what the 7.3 does better. As we have learned, its not more fuel efficient. It won't be matched to a different transmission. Seems like its a wash.

    The chassis upgrades seem more to the point of moving things forward.

    Can't speak to the step van portion of the comparison
  • I think the point is the V10 been around and been a proven engine for years the new V 8 has some time to be be proven and see what fuel MPG the V 8 sure hasn't been great in that either. The test also maybe not true gears in rear end may not be the same. The only way take the engine v8 put in place of the v10 then test in same body clock it.
  • Super! I'll bet a new 7.3 with a full banks power pack and 5 start tune would beat your V10 by at least 3 or 4 seconds too. Whats the point?

    The video is showing whats available today and some of the improvements that have been done. What happened 12 years ago really isn't relevant to whats offered today. If they were both available today then sure, but the old V10 is gone.
  • Thicker sway bars are OK but you can add thicker new ones on the older F-53 but what they never showed was the front suspension is it any better or is it still to stiff and bangs on every pot hole and crack in the road.

    My 08 F-53 Bounder with more HP than the 2016 to 2019 V-10 with a full banks power pack system and 5 star tuning would have beat that 7.3 by at least 3 to 4 seconds in that test.
  • Sachs is one of the largest suppliers of OE shocks in the world.

    Suspect not particularly high tech for most OE applications. But, pulling shock PN off one would give us that information.