New member, looking for some direction

[RockKrawlerXJ]

Hey everyone! Been lurking around here for a while now and finally decided to post. I've always been a huge Ford guy and the only other thing I own is a Cherokee that is my trail rig. I'm no stranger to Mods and fabrication, but there are a lot of things about powerstrokes that I'm unsure of. I'm looking to buy a tow rig for my Cherokee and clearly the best choice is a Ford. I've been looking at the 99-03 7.3's. The truck will be a dd, tow rig, and occasional sled puller. Would the 7.3 be good for that? What are good Mods to get? I'm looking to be around 450rwhp and 900tq. I'm open to ideas and opinions so lay it on me. Thanks!!! Oh and it doesn't have to be a 99-03 7.3. If an older 7.3 or a 6.0 would be better let me know why please.

[RockKrawlerXJ]

Seriously? Nobody?

[SuperCrutyPS]

I think a 7.3L would be good....but I am biased. (See my sig below) I've had mine since '05 (it had 108K miles on it then, just turned 190K) It has been very reliable. It's my DD and pulls my wife's boat and our 5th wheel (not at the same time ) Not afraid to take it anywhere.

Mods: Intakes, 4" turbo-back exhausts, chips/programmers, gauges are usually the most popular. Each has many vendors to choose from.

As far as the response time goes. Sometimes things are a little slower around here on the weekends and also many people work. Don't think folks were ignoring you - I'm sure you'll get more responses. I'll keep an eye on this. If need be I can move it to the 7.3L forums. It might get more traction there. So...you might see in it in a different spot later.

BTW - Glad to have you!! There is a lot of good, helpful info here.

[dieselflash]

It's gonna take a set of aftermarket injectors,aftermarket turbo,and probably some transmission work to make a 450/900 combo you want. Your talking 1500 injectors,custom chip 300-600 bucks,1500 turbo,so on and so forth. I think you would be happy with a 7.3 with a standard chip,intake,exhaust combo. It would pull a jeep around like it wasnt there.

[RockKrawlerXJ]

Thanks for all the replies! I don't mind spending the money on Mods if its worth it. I just don't want make the truck unreliable. What is the limitation on injector size with a stock turbo? My buddy has a gtp38r I could get for around $700 if it would be worth it. And I'm looking for a 6speed so would I just need a good clutch and flywheel?

[Tuscany]

Personally I'd find a decent studded 6.0 or one that isn't studded and get it cheap and stud it myself as it's not hard to be almost 450 at the wheels with a good tune and exhaust.

[RockKrawlerXJ]

How hard is it to stud a 6.0? And what about the egr issues?

[Tuscany]

Delete it while studding it. I did mine in my driveway without any power tools link is in my signature below this post. You can do it. It just takes time and patience. It's not hard to do at all.

[RockKrawlerXJ]

Thanks for the help man! I am sure I can do the job, I've built several vehicles, just never messed with a powerstroke other than installing lift kits and making bumpers.

[Tuscany]

Its pretty straight forward and simple just takes time.