New powerstroke owner needs maintenance and repair advice!

[rick.josef]

I recently purchased a 96 F350 7.3 diesel dump with plow. has 108,000 miles. It was functional but severely lacking in maintenance and needing repair. Radiator support was completely rusted out along with both fenders. I spent $1500 in parts and labor replacing those. Now before i do the body work I would like to get the operating up to par. The water pump has an occasional drip at the shaft and the rear main seal is leaking leaving rainbows in my driveway. The clamps connecting the exhaust manifolds and the up-pipes is rusted out and unfixable and starting to pass smoke and soot from these unions.
So my question is this...Figuring I replace the waterpump and add Lucas to the engine oil (hoping to delay the inevitable rear seal replacement), then can muster a welding job to seal the exhaust leaks at the manifolds,,, WHAT COMES NEXT? The engine is seemingly running rougher as the exhaust leaks get worse which noticably drains MPG's. Iv just gotten an oil change for $100 (WOW a bit pricey!!!) and I was told I want to replace the upper Engine oil soon as well. ANYTHING ELSE i SHOULD FOCUS ON TO MAKE THIS THING RUN FOREVER???????????????? Thanks for advice!!!!

[k.thed]

...I was told I want to replace the upper Engine oil soon as well.

'Upper Engine Oil'? What the heck?

[kramarj]

Originally Posted by k.thed

'Upper Engine Oil'? What the heck?

Guessing in the hpop reservoir?

[Fordman247365]

First off, I doubt the rear main is leaking, there is a drain from the valley above right next to the inspection cover.
Second, no need to weld any of the pre-turbo exhaust. All parts can be bought new and are fairly inexpensive.
Third, some poeple change the reservoir oil, some dont. It wont kill the motor if you dont, it all comes from the bottom, but if you do change it, you can get an extra 2 quarts or so of dirty oil out.
Fourth, Dont use "oil additives" on a 7.3, just use good oil. Shell, Delvac....etc.
Fifth, $100 for an oil change????? I hope you got synthetic, otherwise you got raped

[Sarsaparilla]

Welcome to the org!