7.3 info - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

photog101 · 11-30-2007, 15:03

My son is in the market for a diesel and he tends to like FoMoCo products ... I have no preference myself, as I drive what I can afford and it works. We are relatively new to the small diesel truck industry, so be kind but before I retired, I did work with heavy-duty diesels in the '60's to the '80's.

He wants to be able to tow a 5th wheel toy hauler trailer, or be able to load on a truck camper for short weekend trips. He also would like to have good fuel economy as it will be his fun truck for trips. To get better fuel mileage, we have discussed a F-350 Supercab, single rear wheel drive, with a long bed. He also needs an automatic, so that his wife will be able to drive the unit.

Neither one of us really care for the 6.0 and to get him in to an entry level that he can afford, he needs a truck that will be several years old.

We are also curious about which automatic transmissions were available over the years behind the 7.3L.

Is the 7.3L the same engine as the DT466?

Is there a specific place that we can get more information on the 7.3L history and evolution, and which ones had specific quirks?

Thanx:
"Doc"

79pacecarmod · 12-01-2007, 06:19

The 7.3 not a dt466 its a v8. Pretty good motor love mine 160000 and counting.

**360ci** · 12-10-2007, 20:02

The DT466 is an I6 design and is used in medium duty trucks and school buses. The 7.3 V8 is one of the better diesels Ford has produced over the years. For reviews you can check out edmunds.com or autos.msn.com both good sites with real world thoughts. On the MSN website you can check the years for transmission options as well.

forddtken · 02-07-2008, 04:45

the 7.3 is a dt-444 engine and the 7.3 is probably one of the best powerstrokes ford ever had the transmission options were a 4r100 and a manaul transmission

wwb · 02-07-2008, 06:53

Check out the following forum.....

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source.

There's a "Super Duty" section and a "7.3" section, as well as many others.

As to the automatic trans.... the 7.3 seems to be bulletproof, but the automatic trans seems to be the most trouble-prone part of the drivetrain. Also, get the manual transfer case and hubs.... too many problems with the "shift-on-the-fly" push-button system with the electric motor transfer case shift & vacuum-operated front hubs.

Have your son teach the Boss to drive a stick.... everybody ought to know how to do it anyhow.

svtvibora · 02-13-2008, 18:02

I'm in search of the 7.3L and everything I read on the web is great. It seems to be the most sought after powerstroke in recent Ford trucks. Just my 2 cents and happy hunting!

metal man · 03-06-2008, 10:59

I only get 10 to 11 mpg on my 2000 ford 4x4 duel. crew cab 7.3 power stroke.. pulling my fith wheel. need to know if or how to gain more milage.. heard of much better mpg. on other people talking.. is that posible. Rory

**360ci** · 03-06-2008, 12:44

Rory, 10-11mpg while towing a fifth wheel isn't too bad. With a 5.9L V8 (gas) towing just 5500lbs my towing best is 9.4mpg! A friend of mine with a cummins QB SB 4x4 5.9L diesel with auto trans gets 13mpg average when he tows. FOr the difference in displacement and the fact that Ford trucks generally weigh more part for part 10-11mpg with your 7.3 doesn't seem to bad.

One thing however that could go either way is a performance chip. Most have a towing/performance setting that will up HP and TQ by a good 20%. Most also have another performance setting (non towing) that'll bump HP by nearly 40%! I haven't heard any real mileage stories where they say mileage does increase, just whats printed in the tabloids. Cheers.

fl-roadking · 03-07-2008, 11:48

i am selling a 7.3l diesel motor and tranny if you know someone interested....great motor and tranny4x4 2001..117,000 mile steve 727686 3800...trucke was crushed by a steel light pole..ouch...some other misc parts also