Steelhog
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Joined 17 years ago
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Re: truck question
A solid truck with the 7.3 is wonderful rig. Just an FYI the 4R100 is not quite as tough as the 5R110 found in 6.0 and later trucks.The 7.3/4R100 combo has a relatively small trans cooler and heat will kill the trans in no time. A set of gauges including trans temp and EGT is a must. Installing the trans cooler from a 6.0 is a very popular option. The factory trans temp is slow to react so all it does is notify you it is time to rebuild the trans. That said the 7.3 is much easier and cheaper to work on and buying a top of the line rebuilt trans is cheaper than the repair bills on a 6.0 etc. Ask me how I know!.570Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lance TC "wing" construction?
Not too bad to undertake as a repair. Rather than try and replicate the staples I used a Kreg jig and pocket screws and waterproof glue. Two fun discoveries. 1) the drain petcock has virtually no slack and the hole which looks like it was done with a hammer and box cutter make it very tricky to get the spigot reclamped. 2) on the inside of the wings of my 845 some type of vinyl coated luan was used. Fortunately I was able to gently peel the delaminated luan off the plastic sheet/film.Took a Saturday and part of a Sunday to do both wings. One of the oscillating saw blade multi-tools helps a lot. Good luck.402Views0likes0CommentsRe: calling all ford owners
It really depends on whether you or the previous owner spent the extra dollars to bullet proof the 6.0. For four and a half years my 2004 6.0 was a hauling beast and loved it. Then kaboom the turbo got toated when the coked up EGR valve dumped **** into the turbo. $6,000 in repairs under warranty. 13 months later same thing and driven per Ford's recommendations. Fixed it, sold and bought a 2002 7.3. DW just didn't trust it and the $3,000 to do the EGR delete, ARP head studs etc.(you have to lift the cab off the chassis and that wasn't going to happen.) Yup the 7.3 is noisier, not as peppy and the transmission not as smooth but 90K later it hasn't missed a beat. With the right mods the 6.0 can be made dependable if you don't have a smog check state but who knows what has happened in the past. Now I just take my time, watch the EGT's and trans temp and know I'll get there. Whatever PSD you look at get a good gauge setup. Temperature is the enemy.549Views0likes0CommentsRe: Escape hatch cover
Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. Just after I posted here I sent a note to Lance and the next day their parts department responded with picture, price and availability (in stock). Very impressed with the customer service. I'm going to go ahead and buy a new one and then save the old one and see if I can create a spare.793Views0likes0CommentsEscape hatch cover
The crank up cover for the escape hatch on my 2001 Lance Lite 845 has started to crack and leak at the rivets. The inside of the metal frame measures 19" X 25 3/4". I cannot locate any manufacturer info and I am unsure how these buggers are sized. Any help in what dimensions I actually need to measure, a vendor and sizing will be greatly appreciated. The gaskets around a couple side windows and especially the front window are showing their age as well. Any suggestions on sources for replacement rubbers will be helpful as well. Thanks5.1KViews0likes7CommentsRe: Name of jack for getting un-stuck?
I just watched the video and he setup the jack correctly as best as I can tell but there were a couple no-no's. Number one is using a strap looped through a chain hook. Chain hooks are made for exactly that, chain, and that style of hook will cut a strap in a heartbeat. Two, he wrapped the other strap though a shackle and then hooked onto itself. Better to use a non-hooked strap, or slide the hook off to the side or if you only have a slip hook use tape or tension to secure the link between the shackle and the slip hook. Lastly, and always a good idea when winching, drape a heavy blanket, floormat, rug or the like over the lines under tension. If one of the lines should part it will help control the line whip which will lay you open like a knife or punch a hole in your radiator. Whenever possible keep straps out of the mud, keep them dry and out of the sun and avoid using a strap if worn or even slightly cut. Be careful of cheap chain and never, ever back up and jerk on a chain. Buy good chain. Grade 43 or better. Proof coil is good for locking a gate but not for lifting or winching.509Views0likes0CommentsRe: 7.3L to 6.7L comparison
dbhhcolor wrote: I am purchasing my first diesel pusher and wonder if mileage on the engine should be a significant factor. Should I overlook a rig with 65k miles and look more for a rig with 40k or less. Another factor is I am looking at 9-10 year old rigs. I am pretty comfortable with other considerations but wonder about the mileage. Lastly, I plan to purchase a Good Sam Extend Service Plan to cover my butt...is this a good decision? I haven't seen a diesel pusher yet with a "pickup truck" type engine. Typically you will find straight six heavy truck engines that can run 300,000 miles no problem. By looking in that age range most of the engines are pretty basic with mechanical injection and not much in the way of electronics. Biggest things with a diesel is a clean fuel system, fresh coolant and good oil. A Blackstone oil analysis is a good place to start when buying a used diesel.503Views0likes0CommentsRe: Ford transmission question.
The 4R100 transmissions do not react well to getting too hot but will run a long time IF you keep that in mind. #1 Install a good transmission temp gauge. While you are at it adding a boost and EGT gauge all in a pillar mount is not a bad idea. By the time the factory gauge starts to head for the red zone you have probably cooked your trans. Much over 200-220 is the "take your foot off the throttle" range. At 145K I know I'm on borrowed time but I watch the gauges, keep out of the red on trans and EGT and cross my fingers. On a related note if you ever push the OD Off button on the end of the gear selector and your gauges die and no throttle don't panic. I thought I'd killed my transmission. You just blew fuse #45 when the wires where the lever meets the column shorted out. Happened to me. Replaced fuse, got home and found a great write up on Dieselstop.com. and a couple hours and some insulation, problem solved. Always carry an extra CPS sensor, a spare fuel filter and a belt. If your do roast your trans it is a good time to replace the cooler with one from a 6.0.287Views0likes0Comments
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