Common issues with 7.3 stroke

[durastroke]

Hi all,
Thinking about going with a 2002-03 F250 4x4 crew short.
I was wondering if someone could let me in on the common problems for these trucks.
Probably get one with close to 100K on it.

Been snooping around here for a while and see some CPS trouble. No problem, easy to carry a spare. Also a possible trend with some electrical.

I know a little about the… well… OK, I’ll just say it, duramax But nothing about the powerstroke.
I have an awesome truck, but might make a change.

I want to hear the bad stuff.
Transmission, cooling, front hubs, IP/injectors, electrical, A/C. Whatever is common.
Thanks all,
Jason

[99Smokin73Stroker]

I had a 99 and I never had an real big problems with it. I replaced a CPS of course. My door lock actuators decided to poop out on me as many of them do. I did have to replace my belt tensioner around 140-some thousand miles.....other than that it was routine maintenance.

[mschn99]

i would say water pumps at 100k if the ford additive had not been used is relatively common, hubs do fail.....brakes tend to pulsate (warped rotors) if people use the brakes hard...and the torque converter in the trans is defiantely the weak link in the truck...

All that said, i am definately nit picking these trucks. The biggest problem overall is the CAC tubes...the orange ones in the valley....leaking oil beacause the loosen up over time. Tighten them twice a year and clean the motor off every couple months and that wont be an issue. These trucks are very solid.....and while some problems are seen, you also need to remember that no matter what the brand, 60% of the people that seek forums out do so with a problem to begin with...trying to fix it. These are great trucks and dont let anything you read about problems tell you otherwise......

[durastroke]

Great, now I got more questions
Did a search on CRC tubes, you had me scratching my head for a bit, got it figured out though.
Do these trucks have floating rotors? Mine does, and that is a plus for me, real easy to remove. How about rear disc brakes?

Would it be safe to assume that there are aftermarket companies that make a good strong torque converter? When one goes bad, is there usually transmission damage also?
How tough are the trannys?

Loud and clear about forums and problems. That is the main purpose

The BIG issue with the duramax (there are many small ones) is the fuel injectors, and I am really pi$$ed with GM because they have been unwilling to come up with a real fix, and this has been a problem for five solid years.
I have no brand loyalty so I am very objective. Most of my trucks I have just ‘fallen’ into over the years. Doing some research first this time.

Thanks for the info, a lot of folks just give you the old ‘this truck is the best all others suck’ speech. Never understood that line of thought.

Thanks guys,
Jason

[durastroke]

Hey Adam,
What’s a good Dodge/Cummins forum? Going to snoop around there next.
Maybe ask some noob questions

[Slaughter]

I have the 02, and I have run the rig towing, most of the time, a 7k TT. I have no complaints. The truck is solid, and peach to drive, even with the 6sp manual. With the mods done to this point; zoodad,gauges, HPX, tymar, Walker BTM, AIH removed, 3.5" DP. I get 14.5 mpg towing and 17-19 mpg around town. I think there a good investment. Bought it used with 32K now has 68k and I hope this will be my last pick-up!!!

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Durastroke, we have other forums in the diesel club called Cumminsforum.com, as well as Duramaxforum.com. They're setup exactly the same as this site and run by the same Administrator, Lem with the help of other Admins.

As far as torque converters there are several companies that make TC and transmission upgrades for them. There's ATS, Suncoast, Banks and many others. Usually the TC is the weak link in a stock tranny, so unless you're going to build for huge power the TC and a maybe a valve body would do you just fine and hold a great amount of power....

Also my 99 had rear disc brakes and as far as I know Ford has stuck with 4 wheel disc so far. I know GM changed back to drums a few years back I believe?