What is the steepest grade you've climbed?

blownstang01 wrote:

adamis wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
One thing you can try if your 1999 PS is early 99.
I had one of those and after dealer drop clamp into turbo, I was on the market for new turbo wheel.
Early 99 had wicked wheel who all later 7.3 owners seek to avoid turbo surge.
Those wheels sold at very high prices, when newer wheels sold dirt cheap.
Since I DIY the project, I bought cheaper new wheel and my 7.3 got really new life with it, when never had surge problems .
That in case you still have original turbo, what with 25 boost might not be.

Funny you mention that. As I said, this truck was a bit of a mystery truck. The original owner had a partnership in a drag race car and was the engine builder for the team. He liked to tinker on the truck as well. He had a wicked wheel that he purchased but never got around to installing. It was sitting behind the seat so I had Peter install it during this service.

The original owner must have owned stock in Banks because most of his upgrades are Banks. So far, I've figured out the following "upgrades" he did.

1. Banks Turbo Housing
2. Banks Exhaust Brake
3. Banks Big Boost
4. Banks Torque Converter
5. Banks 3.5" Mandrel Bent Exhaust (Plan to Upgrade to 4")
6. 6.0 Tranny Cooler
7. Upgraded Alternator
8. Piller Gauge Pod
9. Gooseneck Hitch
10. Airbags
11. Torqlift Tie Downs
12. Torqlift Supertruss Hitch Receiver
13. Predator Chip (Replaced with TS 6 Position)
14. Amsoil 2 Stage Bypass Oil Filter System
15. Inline Tranny Oil Filter System
16. Wicked Wheel (Now Installed)
17. Brake Controller

There may be other things the previous owner did to the truck that I still don't know about yet.

My Changes:
1. S&B Air Intake System
2. TS 6 Position Chip (Replaced Older Predator System)

My to-do list includes...

1. 4" Exhaust Upgrade
2. Up-pipe Replacements (Currently Leaking)
3. Mishimoto Intercooler
4. Injectors
5. Lockers (2WD Truck but I want the capability in case I camp on Sand).
6. Hidden Winch System (extra security since I don't have 4WD)

Originally, I really wanted a 4WD 7.3 but having this truck and all the money already put into for towing, I am actually very happy I have 2WD. I have coil-overs up front for a better ride plus it isn't lifted giving more stability and height clearance. I've accepted that a truck with camper that is 25ft long is never going to be an off-road rock crawler and living on the West Coast, I will not be contending with snow and ice unless I'm traveling off season which is unlikely.

I plan to keep her until she's a true classic...

Keep that truck forever! I has a 2001, and it was by far the best truck I've ever owned. Sorry I sold it. Mine only had a 4" straight exhaust and a DP 6 position chip. I had an 80 hp "Tow" tune and it pulled insane. 12% grades with a loaded race trailer, easy. And I towed over 40,000 miles with that tune, a good tune made for what you're doing will not hurt it.