Just picked up a 1999 F350 7.3L with 143k miles. It’s 2WD, but it’s in amazing shape, especially for Ohio. Got all the service records since new. I had a 5.9 Cummins briefly, but this is my first 7.3. What should I be on the lookout for?
Be careful… these trucks are a magnet for thieves.
Haze said:
Be careful… these trucks are a magnet for thieves.
Mine got stolen right out of a gated lot at work with just a screwdriver. Be careful.
Haze said:
Be careful… these trucks are a magnet for thieves.
Someone tried to steal my buddy’s Super Duty last week. He had an anti-theft device installed, so they failed.
Haze said:
Be careful… these trucks are a magnet for thieves.
Someone tried to steal my buddy’s Super Duty last week. He had an anti-theft device installed, so they failed.
What anti-theft device are you talking about?
@Sky
It’s called a Racelvo. It’s for Super Dutys, and supposedly no truck with one installed has ever been stolen.
Beck said:
@Sky
It’s called a Racelvo. It’s for Super Dutys, and supposedly no truck with one installed has ever been stolen.
Thanks! I kept getting random search results when I looked it up.
Haze said:
Be careful… these trucks are a magnet for thieves.
You should check out Jimmi Jammers for the door locks. They make it a lot harder for someone to break in.
Haze said:
Be careful… these trucks are a magnet for thieves.
I think theft is more common with the 6.0s, but I’ve seen a fair share of 7.3s taken too.
Keep a spare crank position sensor (CPS) in your glove box. It’ll save you a headache later.
Tavis said:
Keep a spare crank position sensor (CPS) in your glove box. It’ll save you a headache later.
Purple top sensors are the way to go!
Tavis said:
Keep a spare crank position sensor (CPS) in your glove box. It’ll save you a headache later.
Purple top sensors are the way to go!
Does that make a big difference?
Tavis said:
Keep a spare crank position sensor (CPS) in your glove box. It’ll save you a headache later.
And keep a cheap 10mm socket and wrench in case you need to swap it on the road.
Tavis said:
Keep a spare crank position sensor (CPS) in your glove box. It’ll save you a headache later.
I’ve had a spare in my glove box for years but never needed it after swapping the original out early on.
Here’s a list of things to do to keep your truck in great shape:
- Re-seal the oil cooler
- Replace valve cover gaskets
- Upgrade the low-pressure oil pump (LPOP)
- Check the dipstick plate for leaks or looseness
- Clean the exhaust back pressure sensor tube
Also, keep a spare CPS in the glovebox. If your truck won’t start and the RPM gauge doesn’t bounce, swap it out. A basic set of tools (8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm sockets) will cover most small fixes.
@Finch
Why upgrade the LPOP?
Emory said:
@Finch
Why upgrade the LPOP?
It helps maintain better oil pressure at low RPM, which is crucial for these engines.
Emory said:
@Finch
Why upgrade the LPOP?
It helps maintain better oil pressure at low RPM, which is crucial for these engines.
Makes sense for proper lubrication. Thanks for explaining.
Emory said:
@Finch
Why upgrade the LPOP?
Over time, the pump wears down, and oil pressure drops, especially at idle. Upgrading ensures smoother operation.
2WD means it’s probably never been beaten up off-road. If you ever want to convert to 4WD, parts from 99-03 donor trucks are pretty easy to find.