GA: New to diesel and Powerstrokes.....

[RJ's325ITS]

I just wanted to take a minute to say wasup, and let you all know that since yesterday I'm the proud owner of a 2001 F-250 extended cab.....

I had a 2000 4.6 supercrew that was nice but could not tow the race car so well.... so it took me over 1yr to sell it and another 6 months to find for a red truck with the manual transmission....

Yesterday I flew to Jackson MI and drove it back home to Atlanta (5hr drive), the truck did excellent, but I already have a list of things I want to work on.

Let's see what you all think:

1. Herculiner for the bed, front & rear bumper (DIY)
2. 4 or 5in free flow exhaust
3. Ride was bumpy and bouncy, so I think I need some new shocks (re-valve for a shifter bump & rebound)
4. window tint
5. some type of fog lights (lighting was poor)
6. paint wheels flat black (race car is black & red)
7. paint flat black the front grill
8. find out why I was smelling diesel in the cabin (I had to ride with the A/C on the whole way home)
9. removed fifth wheel hitch (don't need it)
10. Replace the front bench seat for buckets with the lowering center console

Let me know what you guys think and if some of that stuff is doable in a budget? and also tips and pointers are welcome!!!!

BTW: How do I decode the VIN#, I want to know what transmission I have, and also what differential (gears, with without positraction)

I thought I was going to be able to hear the turbo spool as I do on my turbo BMW but all I hear in the engine, will an intake let the turbo's spool be louder??

Thank You, and I glad to be here

[nccatfan]

First off, look in the eng valley... they're good at pooling leaks down there. Second, if it's a 6-speed you've got a ZF-6 trans. (ZF-5 if a 5-speed). Gearing should be stamped on a tag on a bolt on the diff. cover. 7.3's have rather basic turbo's too, find a free-flowing intake and straight-pipe the exhaust will find you more turbo whistle.

[mudrunninpig]

welcome to the org

[RJ's325ITS]

Originally Posted by nccatfan

First off, look in the eng valley... they're good at pooling leaks down there. Second, if it's a 6-speed you've got a ZF-6 trans. (ZF-5 if a 5-speed). Gearing should be stamped on a tag on a bolt on the diff. cover. 7.3's have rather basic turbo's too, find a free-flowing intake and straight-pipe the exhaust will find you more turbo whistle.

I'll check the fuel leak in the engine valley.

Transmission wise:
I shift knob says R-L-1-2-3-4-OD, I was just wondering today what the L is for ? Keep in mind guys this is my first manual TD truck.....

How will I know it came with an open or locking differential???

Originally Posted by mudrunninpig

welcome to the org

Thanks

[ABOBB]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org

[Nally7.3Powerstroke]

[nccatfan]

Originally Posted by RJ's325ITS

I'll check the fuel leak in the engine valley.

Transmission wise:
I shift knob says R-L-1-2-3-4-OD, I was just wondering today what the L is for ? Keep in mind guys this is my first manual TD truck.....

How will I know it came with an open or locking differential???




Thanks

You've got the ZF-6... same as mine. L = LOW... usually used when heavily loaded or towing. The only way I know of to check for locking diff.s is to jack up the rear with the trans in neutral. Spin one wheel, if the other side spins opposite it's an open diff. If the other side turns the same as the wheel you're turning - locking/posi diff. Does your trans "growl" when rolling at idle? I hear it's common. I'd like to hear if anyone has been able to make it stop doing that.

[RJ's325ITS]

Originally Posted by nccatfan

You've got the ZF-6... same as mine. L = LOW... usually used when heavily loaded or towing. The only way I know of to check for locking diff.s is to jack up the rear with the trans in neutral. Spin one wheel, if the other side spins opposite it's an open diff. If the other side turns the same as the wheel you're turning - locking/posi diff. Does your trans "growl" when rolling at idle? I hear it's common. I'd like to hear if anyone has been able to make it stop doing that.

Thanks for the tips, I kind of assume that the L was used for something like that, but I hate to assume in stuff like this that could cost me a lot.

No, my transmission is silent when in neutral at idle when rolling or standing still, but it does some kind of growl when I'm taking off like I'm not giving it enough gas (it could be that I'm stalling the engine at take off and I don't even know it); my other gears are fine.

[nccatfan]

Glad I could help, and welcome to the world of Ford Diesels!!

[westcoaststrokin]

to the ORG!!