[Bart_3500]

I owned a 98 Cummins powered Dodge for 6-7 years. It was okay except I put a TON of money into it in order to get it to pull. It did "okay" until June when I bought a 39 foot toy hauler. That proved that it couldn't cut it. I had about $15-20K invested in upgrades. While driving down a country road I saw a nice (beyond nice) 02 F-350 crew cab with a 7.3 psd under the hood. It'd be perfect if it was a 6 speed manual but oh well.
Anyway, the point of this thread is to ask, without breaking the bank AGAIN, what should I do to this stock rig to pull around 20+K # 5th wheel? I know I need gauge(s). To me the Pyrometer is the only thing that is a "have to have". The dash has a trans temp gauge, but is it worth a spit? It seems to stay just about center all the time under all load conditions. My autometer would move around depending on load and terrain. I don't know if the boost gauge is worth the money other than being able to watch something move.
I took the water injection off and plan on installing it on the PSD. I also took off the aftermarket fuel pump (FASS) and will install it on the PSD.
The trans is my main concern. I hear from everyone that the trans is the weak point. The trans shop I've been dealing with for years says that the stock converter is a three disk unit normally. The problem is that the case will ballon under pressure. A friend of mine said he went through two 7.3s in his commerial service truck (grossly overloaded) without a trans problem. Who do I believe?????????????????????????????
I've also heard that I need a chip (here we go again). I "think" the STC is the one to get from what I read about guys selling their Juice attitudes to get the STC. Also a 4" exhaust and air filter (intake) is necessary for it to breathe.
On a side note, I pulled the empty 5th wheel about 15 miles each way. It didn't like overdrive at speeds of around 50-55 mph, third wasn't a problem. I didn't get it any faster because of the speed limit. It did pull like a 20 Clyde's Dales up to that speed.
My rig will mainly be a tow rig for the new 5th wheel with a '66 Bronco off roader inside or an eleven foot camper with Bronco on steel car trailer out behind. It only has 57K miles now with very limited towing in the past.
Please give me your experienced educations about your 7.3s.
Thanks, I feel better being back to Ford
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