Fiver TV - 2002 F-350 Lariat 7.3L Diesel Dually

[kjmedwards]

Hi,

I have been told by my mechanic (who I trust a great deal) that the 7.3L Diesel in the 1999-2003 F-350 is just about the best Diesel you could get and the trucks are incredible (he has a 1999 that he swears by). I have found a 2002 Dually, crew-cab with this 7.3L in it and am close to pulling the trigger.
We will be pulling a 41 FT fiver(still looking) but have been told that this truck is a beast and we should be in really good shape regardless of what we select.

I wanted to open myself up to the wisdom (and perhaps scorn) of the forum by asking what you all think? I am thick skinned, let me have it.

Thanks!@

Kevin

[hawkman541]

There are some very good points made here. Yes, the 7.3 Powerstoke is a great diesel and will last a long time. Yes, the injectors are expensive and I wouldn't change them. Have them done. Yes, the 4R100 is a possible weak link, but you ever wonder why it has hung around for so long. Its a Great tranny. My next 4R100 will be one of those bullet proof one. Yes, the 2-3 shift is hard, but I just let off the pedal a little when its about to shift.

Yes, mine is chipped, (DP Tuner), cold air, mapp fooler, big exhaust, tranny cooler, Deep sump tranny, dual oil filters (Amsoil), all the gauges, and the funniest thing is it runs like a monster with that 16,700 pound fiver on the back.

The major thing you can't change are the brakes. The truck will pull the 41' fiver all day long, but it won't stop coming down a 8% grade. I had to hunt down and get a F450. I found a 2002 F450 7.3L Powerstroke, and completed all the same mods on it. I was paid more for my F350 than it cost me for the F450. The F350 had 187,000 miles when it was sold, and the F450 had 90k when purchased.

Buy the F350, do some mods, and enjoy it. Keep the weight down on the fiver. Good luck

[jerem0621]

Hello OP,

Great question an it is one that is very subjective with the answer. The 7.3 PowerStroke is a great diesel... there is no doubt about that. However, it still has its issues that must be dealt with and that you should be aware of. Injectors can still run $1000.00 or more, Thinks like the HPOP are relatively expensive, there are two batteries.. Standard diesel stuff.

Now, what you need to be aware of is the 4R100 transmission is the weak link in these (our ) trucks. This transmission is quite literally a late 1980's slightly refined technology. The 4R100 is very similar to E4OD with the main differences coming from the electronics. They are reliable in their stock form but can suffer from stiff 2-3 (as in shake the dash hard) shifts. This may mean that you need a rebuild. It may also mean that you have some broke/weak springs in your valve body. I have a V10 F350 and I suffer from the hard 2-3 shift. I am getting ready to rebuild my valve body to see if this resolves the issue. But I am prepared to rebuild the transmission as well.

If the diesel has been modified or "chipped" you can expect a new transmission shortly.

This Diesel does have turbo lag. There is a bit of time it takes for the turbo to spool up. If you have driven gassers or you are use to a newer diesel you will notice the turbo lag, especially from a standing start.

The newer diesels (the 6.0 and the 6.7) use different technologies to pretty much eliminate turbo lag.

With this in mind the 7.3 is an awesome motor, proven, reliable, and relatively powerful. If everything checks out, I would not hesitate to own one, let me put it that way.


Thanks!

Jeremiah

[twins89]

We have the same truck but a 2000. We love it. You do look like HUGE coming down the road but we wouldn't change a thing. We bought the truck from our friends who had it since new. The truck had 90K on it. Paid quite a bit for it but it is THE best diesel made. Keep it nice and it will last a long time. Our fiver is 35 feet. I wouldn't want anything longer because you get into "not fitting" into places. Good luck with your decisions but as far as the truck goes. YES!

[hmknightnc]

Your mechanic is right. That is a rock solid engine and truck. Not as powerful as today's more modern diesels but it will definitely get the job done. With respect to FW that truck doesn't have quite the carrying capacity of today's trucks either but my guess would be stay around 16k# loaded FW and you'll be in good shape.

[larry_barnhart]

41 ft that is a lot of trailer and that model.
chevman