See my answers BELOW

*****What are some of the best mods for 7.3 longevity?
Intake? S&B? DIY? S&B has a good reputation. DIY: You can go with a 6637
exhaust.. 4"/5" Do I need to worry about back pressure? no kitty no muff I went with MBRP 4" Turbo back with their flow through muffler. I like it.
Turbo Upgrades? Nothing too extreme. Just want a solid turbo set up I won't blow easily There are compressor wheel upgrades you can do for more boost/less surge (See @Corey@CNCFAB)
Tranny rebuild or accumulator kit? If the tranny is acting up, then I'd consider a rebuild. If you will be towing, consider upgrading the tranny cooler to a 6.0L cooler (they come in 26 or 31 row configurations). I did the 31-row. Keeps the tranny much cooler
Intercooler? 6.0? Aftermarket? This one I'm not sure on. I haven't had trouble keeping EGTs in range with my stock IC.
HPOP? Would it be necessary? For me, "IF it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it."
Fuel Pump? Would it be necessary? Same as HPOP.

Not sure where I stand on putting injectors in it. Newer injectors don't hurt anything, but if it's running well, let 'em ride until you need to.

***None of this is mommy or daddy's money. I work in contracting for the medical construction industry so don't give me that daddy's money ******* Good for you!! This is very admirable in a younger person! Go for it!!

 

If all you want is reliability, just change the oil like ya should and sleep well.

 

If you're talking about Longevity,,, the engine is really one of the most long-lived diesels out there!

Basically Ford put a 500K engine in a 200K body with a 100K trans :wink[3]: (Not really,,, but it's the rust that takes most of them out and you should do all you can to help the trans ~ ie. Cooler, VB, TC)

Here are some common, minor, things you need to keep an eye on;

Failure Prevention Thread - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

That thread is great, I needed that thank you!

 

Yup^^^

The 4r 100 has a bad reputation, but it's the tiny cooler that the bean counters at Ford installed is to blame. Heat kills the cheap factory single disk converter, and those guts take out the trans clutches.

 

I am a veteran 6.0 owner, but new to the 7.3L. I think I would do the higher row count 6.0 trans cooler and for the intake, Ford makes what is called the AIS severe duty intake (you mentioned rock mining) these intakes are designed to be run in very dirty locations.

again I am originally a 6.0 owner, but I have learned that MOTORCRAFT fuel and air and oil filters are technically the best for their diesels... I don't know if the AIS intake would be super restrictive or not but through reading the last few days seems like a good investment.

Sounds like your off to a great start though... as with any diesels...

1. let m warm up
2. drive m like you stole them
3. let m cool down

 

Not only is the AIS superior over the stock filter for being non-restrictive, but as good as or better than most aftermarket filters. I really like it because of it appearance too! (you don't look like you've "cobbled-up" some Mickey Mouse filter under the hood

 

So you'd recommend the AIS over the S&B or the DIY intake? I honestly haven't looked into the AIS I'm checking it out right now. I like how it still has the stock look for the housing, also I like the fact that its a motorcraft product.

 

longevity? keep it as stock as possible.....seriously.

 

What about high pressure oil crossover or fuel rail crossover? Or are those kind of a gimmick?

 

Complete gimmicks.
Dont waste your time.

 

Oil bypass?

 

Nah^^^^^^^^

 

AIS is a great filter kit. Replacement elements aren't cheap though.

Filter on a stick I.E. 6637 are ment to be for Gensets and air compressors.

 

Anyways, you can do some more research to see if these are things you would like to install. Also maybe an oil bypass, external trans filter, and coolant filter.

 

Says the Pot to the kettle.

Rather rude to say they are Gimmicks without understanding how these systems work. Especially when NoRalph has been wrenching on these trucks much longer than me or many others. He knows these products work.

Helmholz harmonic resonance, that's what the HPx is for. That link will typically quiet your engine by about 4dB.

Op was asking about "reliabilty". The HPX or fuel line kits are NOT power adders. Contrary to popular belief.

 

I appreciate you all keeping it civil.

 

While this thread is getting some attention can someone inform me on air lifts? Ranch hand bumper is going on this week, blocks aren't an option. And a suspension lift is a little pricy

 

Do you mean helper air bags, or air suspension. Kelderman is high dollar stuff for air ride.

 

Ok, rather than "gimmicks" how about I dont think they are worth the time or money. I have no issue with idle on my stock 7.3, so why is that?
Non the less, these products will smooth idle some and quiet the injectors some at best. Is that worth it? Not to me. Of course I dont have an idle issue. Perhaps tuners will have an effect on that (I think very much so). And perhaps oil type/viscosity plays a roll. :wink: I wont debate any further, its opinion against another opinion but glad it worked out for ralph.

 

It's proven fact for HPOP longevity. And injector life.

I'm not talking about any actual issues either. These are not a bandaid to cover up an underlying issue. It simply helps keep the system pressures balanced better.

 

How about the fuel pick up mod. And harpoon mod?

 

Hutch mod definitely.
Harpoon is just nice to truly top off your tank