Forum Discussion

LanceRKeys's avatar
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Nov 28, 2017

Got a new to me tow vehicle

I have been looking for a new tow vehicle for a while now, but I am kind of picky and don't want just any truck. The other day while checking craigslist, I came across a truck that checked all of my boxes (except color). The price was right and I jumped on it and made the purchase. I bought a 2001 F250 crew cab with the 7.3L powerstroke, 6speed manual transmission, manual locking hubs and a transfer case shifter in the floor. Not too many crew cab standards floating around. This should keep me from constantly worrying about the transmission when pulling, and I'm going to guess that the 7.3 pulls a little better than my 5.3l chevy. I have a trip coming up in two weeks, guess I will find out.
Tow Vehicles
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Nov 28, 2017
    Isn't that the notorious 'Twin Beam' front suspension? The bushing eater? I had one, a 7.3. Kept it about a year and got rid of it.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Nov 28, 2017
    Congrats on finding a nice and rare truck. It should be a pure joy towing and slinging gears in that baby.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2017
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    Isn't that the notorious 'Twin Beam' front suspension? The bushing eater? I had one, a 7.3. Kept it about a year and got rid of it.


    Should be SFA. My dad has a 7.3 that's about that age and I'm almost certain it's SFA on leafs. Takes half a parking lot to turn the sucker around.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Nov 28, 2017
    IdaD wrote:
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    Isn't that the notorious 'Twin Beam' front suspension? The bushing eater? I had one, a 7.3. Kept it about a year and got rid of it.


    Should be SFA. My dad has a 7.3 that's about that age and I'm almost certain it's SFA on leafs. Takes half a parking lot to turn the sucker around.


    I don't know when the SFA came in but my '96 had the double beam bushing eater. My 97 350 crew cab long bed is solid Dana 60 up front. Mine takes 2 football fields and the stadium parking lot to turn it. Don't bother me, just get outta my way....:)
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Nov 28, 2017
    Never been overly fond of the early manuals. The 'Ford has a better idea' hydraulic actuated clutch is a pizzer. It's not adjustable unless you machine an adjustable push rod and even then, the slave will leak down when it gets older and cause clashing gears. Had one of those too. 4 speed with a creeper in a 6.9 Barnyard Buick.
  • kw_00's avatar
    kw_00
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2017
    Well Congrats! You will enjoy the 7.3 and yes it will serve you well. Enjoy your new truck!
  • 1stgenfarmboy's avatar
    1stgenfarmboy
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2017
    My SIL had one with an auto, at 245k he put a high pressure oil pump in it and at 340k he put a trans in it, it was a very good truck.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Nov 28, 2017
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    Never been overly fond of the early manuals. The 'Ford has a better idea' hydraulic actuated clutch is a pizzer. It's not adjustable unless you machine an adjustable push rod and even then, the slave will leak down when it gets older and cause clashing gears. Had one of those too. 4 speed with a creeper in a 6.9 Barnyard Buick.


    Well they didn’t make any “late” manuals, so guess you’re safe now....lol.

    Fwiw, my pizzer hyd actuated clutch cylinders have over 100kmiles on them and are adjustable. They make adjustable hydros for pickups.

    If you’re trying to talk up any 4 speed auto trans in comparison to a 6 speed manual, other than for ease of operation , your argument seems a bit off.

    7.3 manual super dootys are the first unicorn before the 5.9 manual CR Cummins. Great truck.
    Op, did good finding one of them.
  • George_H's avatar
    George_H
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2017
    my 01 F350 4X4 is solid front axle, I equate turning radius to an aircraft carrier. I've been towing 13k+ 5er for the last 11 years and covered 13 Western states (including multiple crossings of the Rockies). Not the fastest pulling hills but great truck.

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