Posted: 8/1/2011 8:27:40 AM EDT
I didn’t want to do a BOV introduction thread until I had the vehicle “in hand”, but I posted a thread seeking tire recommendations and there are a few questions about the truck itself. The new-to-me truck should be getting on a transport shortly.
I have been searching for a suitable BOV for some time now. I was very close to grabbing a nice CUCV with shelter. I also spent some time on crew cab diesels and took a hard look at a gasser suburban. A lot of head scratching, coupled with nudging from the folks here…ops, bierre, boomer, etc. pushed me to a beefy diesel combo. A couple months ago I borrowed a 2x4 diesel excursion for a boating trip. After seeing the vehicle perform with a full load of people, gear – and pulling my 23’ Dorado, I was sold on the platform. I have been reading about the differences and problems between the 6.0 and the 7.3 and with every page, I ran further and further away from the 6.0. Finding a good specimen w/ the 7.3 has been a PIA. The ones I have looked at and drove all had issues – beat to hell, huge lifts or huge price tags. I was just trying to find a basic truck that I could modify. Then, of course, I found the above subject in Arizona. The owner has already tackled most of the whistles and bells I could ever want…. Specs and Pics (owner's and posted with permission): Alpine IVA-W200 Multi Media Touchscreen System (controls DVD, CD, HD Radio, Nav, iPod, Sirius, Backup Camera) Alpine 5634 6 Disc CD/MP3 changer Alpine 872 Navigation System Large Drop Down Screen - DVD’s show on this and the front screen in the dash Rainbow speakers (components in front, coaxial in rear) Sirius Sat Radio HD Radio 2 Big Competition Quality Zapco Amplifiers with Wires and Cables 2 Alumapro 10" subwoofers in custom box (where the spare used to be) Custom Front Prerunner Bumper 3 Big Hella Lights, 2 Small Hella Lights, 2 Small PIAA Lights Road Armor rear bumper Swing out Spare Tire Carrier Swing out Triple Jerry Can Carrier 3 jerry cans (2 diesel, 1 water) Ford idle controller Turbo timer – shuts engine off when EGT drops below 300 degrees Full Magnaflow exhaust AFE intake Oversize tranny cooler Rock Ram hydraulic steering assist Lift kit, deaver springs – approx 4 inches of lift Custom heavy duty traction bars 6 bilstein shocks w/ skidplates Amp Research power steps (automatically deploy when you open a door) Custom welded steel rock sliders 3 isspro gauges and mount – EGT, Tranny Oil Temp, Turbo Boost Super chips tuner CB & big antenna Extreme Outback Air Compressor with 4 Gallon Tank Coil Air Hose, Tips, Trigger Inflator with Gauge Wilderness rack Camping labs awning on the rack – 7’ x 7’ Black steel wheels 40” MT/R tires Glassworks Unlimited fiberglass fenders w/ white paint Wheel spacers on front 4.56 Gears Black 60 inch hi lift jack Hi lift jack base Hi lift jack lift hooks Hi lift handle saver Spare crankshaft position sensor GEM Superduty turbo timer Titan Gun Safe 2 fire extinguishers – 1 small in front, 1 large in rear Solar battery charger 300 watt Tripp Lite Power Invertor Shovel / axe / mount Centramatic Wheel Balancers locking gas cap iPod hookup for Alpine System Red Rhino Lyner on lower portion of truck Battery terminals at front and back of truck + special jumper cables that connect to them Window tint Offroad level/tilt gauge Warn Manual Hubs Torin Big Red Jack - 12 ton Stainless brake hoses 1 new spare serp belt Slotted Brake Rotors Additional extra wide angle rear view mirrors EGR Bypass Husky Rear Floor Mat Dynamat installed under the carpet Rear mudflaps - custom welded mount (not shown in pics) Rear Sway Bar kit Prodigy electric trailer brake controller 07 style headlights Black tail light guards ARB rear air locker Back up camera Nations TAD-190 High Output Alternator AGR Heavy Duty Power Steering Pump New Transmission late last year – still under warranty 2 new Die-Hard Platinum Batteries with warranty New waterpump 2 months ago Complete new Rear End in February 2010 
Suffice to say, I am excited about the new addition. I still need suitable tires and thanks to those whom have shared their thoughts. Regards, Keib |
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Holy moly! Quite a beast, there! I am in love. Still a BIG fan of the Excursion...wish I could have found one in good shape when I was looking for my last 4x4.... Just curious but why did the former owner sell? Seems like he invested a great deal of time, energy and $...or, maybe a better question...what did he graduate to?!?! |
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Holy moly! Quite a beast, there! I am in love. Still a BIG fan of the Excursion...wish I could have found one in good shape when I was looking for my last 4x4.... Just curious but why did the former owner sell? Seems like he invested a great deal of time, energy and $...or, maybe a better question...what did he graduate to?!?! I believe the present owner is in and out of trucks every 2-3 years. Original owner performed many of the upgrades. My seller lurks on ar15.com, but isn't a member....yet. To answer your question - not positive, but if the truck performs, I intend for my 3 year old to drive this thing to high school. 
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Awesome truck. Lots of good upgrades.
Not to hijack your thread, but unless I missed it, the PO hasn't yet upgraded the crappy, failure prone front wheel unit bearings to a proper, serviceable, spindle and tapered roller bearing design. My '01 7.3 F250 with measly 33" tires and a 400lb Ranch Hand front bumper ate thru unit bearings at a rate of about 1 every 20k miles. Since this is the SF, you want serviceable, easy to find bearings and seals.Nevemind the spindle/tapered roller bearing design is about a million times stronger 
You are running 40" tires with a big bumper, I'd ask the PO how often he's gone thru unit bearings. At nearly $300 a pop, they add up quick. Dynatrac makes a kit that is about $2k. I bought a kit from Spyntec for about $1500 if I recall correctly (I'm trying to forget  ) The kit includes massive 35 spline stub shafts, all conversion parts, and new MileMarker HD hubs.
Here's a few photos to give you an idea whats involved Before 
old unit bearing and wimpy stub shaft 
new 35 spline stub shaft 
new spindle 
bearings/seals 
Almost done 
Done 
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That is a VERY nice rig. congrats on an excellent find!
I am a big fan of the 7.3 myself, I am the original owner of a '97 F-350XLT 4x4 crew cab long bed that I have been fiddling with since new. I use it primarily for towing heavy loads, it just turned 93k 
Turning those tires I would make sure that tranny cooler is the biggest one you can get, and make sure it bypasses the radiator loop., and look into a Mag Hytec deep sump trans pan. I am a big believer in Hydrotex Hy-Torque fluid for the trans, but that or any good synthetic when you swap the pan on. That truck has a 4R100 automatic in it. IMHO, the best website for the Ford diesels is Ford Diesel Power.com, lots of good people on there and the drama is pretty limited. Go over there and me and my pals will help ya spend your money... 
Lets see, an intake from TYMAR a Holset turbo, a 4 inch downpipe, a DP tuner F6 chip, some stage one injectors from Farmers Diesel, a T1000 HPOP from Terminator,modified IDM, Fun fun fun....
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Quoted: lol...didn't even look. I've got just enough time behind the wheel of a Ford 3/4 ton diesel pickup to know that I like them better if the boss pays me to drive them. I have also posted here many times that diesel does not match my personal vehicle needs at this time in my life...these posts have earned me a reputation of hating diesel. So if you are shopping ebay for a diesel you can be quite confident that PA22-400 will not be bidding against you. Just doing my part to help keep prices down for you guys that are looking for a diesel Quoted: I helped you by not bidding against you I like the retractable steps. One question. Why did the rear end need to be replaced? Well PA, if you saw it on ebay & passed, I give you my thanks. If so, you probably knew you'd see it in SF someday! ETA I hope it serves you well. The rear end needing replacement has me  |
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Quoted: Quoted: ETA I hope it serves you well. The rear end needing replacement has me Quoted: I helped you by not bidding against you I like the retractable steps. One question. Why did the rear end need to be replaced? Well PA, if you saw it on ebay & passed, I give you my thanks. If so, you probably knew you'd see it in SF someday! Well he does have a air locker and lower gears in there. the owner used it off road. and that tends to break things. get all twisted up. send air to the locker, then untwist yourself, the wheel that was spinning up in the air touches those hard rocks and suddenly stops and it breaks. do this a hundred times and you need a new rear. I managed to break a Detroit locker in my dana 35 so anything is possible. |
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OverScoped, that is true. I was thinking that because of all that lift the axle had been tipped to relieve U-joint geometry. Tipping the axle can deny proper lubrication to the pinion gear, thus generating more heat on that gear. I was concerned that the gears were being cooked on the highway. |
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*Pretty sure* I recognize this truck from Expedition Portal. P/O had posted in a few threads there, as well as putting it up for sale.
Can't deny I was VERY interested in it - things haven't been super great with the business this year after getting hurt, so I couldn't swing it reasonably / responsibly. One of the few other trucks I like as well as my Suburban - I am really interested in a Penzgauer, though. Good for you - hope it really serves you well for many years to come. |
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*Pretty sure* I recognize this truck from Expedition Portal. P/O had posted in a few threads there, as well as putting it up for sale. Can't deny I was VERY interested in it - things haven't been super great with the business this year after getting hurt, so I couldn't swing it reasonably / responsibly. One of the few other trucks I like as well as my Suburban - I am really interested in a Penzgauer, though. Good for you - hope it really serves you well for many years to come. There was a running thread on expedition portal. Previous owner also shared some insight in the thread - pretty helpful to my homework. Anyway - the Pinzgauer looks handy. |
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*Pretty sure* I recognize this truck from Expedition Portal. P/O had posted in a few threads there, as well as putting it up for sale. Can't deny I was VERY interested in it - things haven't been super great with the business this year after getting hurt, so I couldn't swing it reasonably / responsibly. One of the few other trucks I like as well as my Suburban - I am really interested in a Penzgauer, though. Good for you - hope it really serves you well for many years to come. There was a running thread on expedition portal. Previous owner also shared some insight in the thread - pretty helpful to my homework. Anyway - the Pinzgauer looks handy. Absolutely - the truck has had a lot of work, you have the 7.3, and I truly hope you're happy with it for a long time to come. Per the Penz; my trailer project is even being delayed at least until Spring - no idea when I'd even be close to moving onto another toy like the Penzgauer for some time yet. But it's good to have things to work towards. My apologies for the derailing of your thread - get out and enjoy your truck. |
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ETA I hope it serves you well. The rear end needing replacement has me Quoted:
I helped you by not bidding against you
I like the retractable steps. One question. Why did the rear end need to be replaced? Well PA, if you saw it on ebay & passed, I give you my thanks.
If so, you probably knew you'd see it in SF someday!
Well he does have a air locker and lower gears in there. the owner used it off road. and that tends to break things. get all twisted up. send air to the locker, then untwist yourself, the wheel that was spinning up in the air touches those hard rocks and suddenly stops and it breaks. do this a hundred times and you need a new rear. I managed to break a Detroit locker in my dana 35 so anything is possible. LOL, that is kind of like saying that the sun rose in the East this morning, so anything is possible. A locked Dana 35 self destructing is almost to be expected. The Excursion, however, uses a rather sizeable Sterling 10.5" rear axle which you don't usually hear about too many problems with. |
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Holy moly! Quite a beast, there! I am in love. Still a BIG fan of the Excursion...wish I could have found one in good shape when I was looking for my last 4x4.... Just curious but why did the former owner sell? Seems like he invested a great deal of time, energy and $...or, maybe a better question...what did he graduate to?!?! I believe the present owner is in and out of trucks every 2-3 years. Original owner performed many of the upgrades. My seller lurks on ar15.com, but isn't a member....yet. To answer your question - not positive, but if the truck performs, I intend for my 3 year old to drive this thing to high school. Driving AND going to High School. Smartest 3 year old ive EVER heard of.
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Quoted:
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Holy moly! Quite a beast, there! I am in love. Still a BIG fan of the Excursion...wish I could have found one in good shape when I was looking for my last 4x4.... Just curious but why did the former owner sell? Seems like he invested a great deal of time, energy and $...or, maybe a better question...what did he graduate to?!?! I believe the present owner is in and out of trucks every 2-3 years. Original owner performed many of the upgrades. My seller lurks on ar15.com, but isn't a member....yet. To answer your question - not positive, but if the truck performs, I intend for my 3 year old to drive this thing to high school. Driving AND going to High School. Smartest 3 year old ive EVER heard of. He's actually a capable little ranch hand. Smart?...well...uhh... And Yes - I gave the little hippy a haircut! 
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: ETA I hope it serves you well. The rear end needing replacement has me Quoted: I helped you by not bidding against you I like the retractable steps. One question. Why did the rear end need to be replaced? Well PA, if you saw it on ebay & passed, I give you my thanks. If so, you probably knew you'd see it in SF someday! Well he does have a air locker and lower gears in there. the owner used it off road. and that tends to break things. get all twisted up. send air to the locker, then untwist yourself, the wheel that was spinning up in the air touches those hard rocks and suddenly stops and it breaks. do this a hundred times and you need a new rear. I managed to break a Detroit locker in my dana 35 so anything is possible. LOL, that is kind of like saying that the sun rose in the East this morning, so anything is possible. A locked Dana 35 self destructing is almost to be expected. The Excursion, however, uses a rather sizeable Sterling 10.5" rear axle which you don't usually hear about too many problems with. im not gonna derail this mans thread, but, Ive been wheeling a long ass time and ya dont break detroit lockers very often. Dana 35's yes, but the locker itself, NO. yes i know the rear end in his is very strong, but in the specs it was replaced. makes you wonder why. |
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Quoted:
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Quoted:
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ETA I hope it serves you well. The rear end needing replacement has me Quoted:
I helped you by not bidding against you
I like the retractable steps. One question. Why did the rear end need to be replaced? Well PA, if you saw it on ebay & passed, I give you my thanks.
If so, you probably knew you'd see it in SF someday!
Well he does have a air locker and lower gears in there. the owner used it off road. and that tends to break things. get all twisted up. send air to the locker, then untwist yourself, the wheel that was spinning up in the air touches those hard rocks and suddenly stops and it breaks. do this a hundred times and you need a new rear. I managed to break a Detroit locker in my dana 35 so anything is possible. LOL, that is kind of like saying that the sun rose in the East this morning, so anything is possible. A locked Dana 35 self destructing is almost to be expected. The Excursion, however, uses a rather sizeable Sterling 10.5" rear axle which you don't usually hear about too many problems with. im not gonna derail this mans thread, but, Ive been wheeling a long ass time and ya dont break detroit lockers very often. Dana 35's yes, but the locker itself, NO. yes i know the rear end in his is very strong, but in the specs it was replaced. makes you wonder why. U can break anything if you do it right lol. Ive broken a 58K rear in a mack dump truck and I wasnt being a dick head. The rear just let go. A buddy of mine blew a rear in a 1 year old v6 S-10 2wd.. just driving down the highway. There can be a fault in the unit and ... thats that |
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Quoted:
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ETA I hope it serves you well. The rear end needing replacement has me Quoted:
I helped you by not bidding against you
I like the retractable steps. One question. Why did the rear end need to be replaced? Well PA, if you saw it on ebay & passed, I give you my thanks.
If so, you probably knew you'd see it in SF someday!
Well he does have a air locker and lower gears in there. the owner used it off road. and that tends to break things. get all twisted up. send air to the locker, then untwist yourself, the wheel that was spinning up in the air touches those hard rocks and suddenly stops and it breaks. do this a hundred times and you need a new rear. I managed to break a Detroit locker in my dana 35 so anything is possible. LOL, that is kind of like saying that the sun rose in the East this morning, so anything is possible. A locked Dana 35 self destructing is almost to be expected. The Excursion, however, uses a rather sizeable Sterling 10.5" rear axle which you don't usually hear about too many problems with. im not gonna derail this mans thread, but, Ive been wheeling a long ass time and ya dont break detroit lockers very often. Dana 35's yes, but the locker itself, NO. yes i know the rear end in his is very strong, but in the specs it was replaced. makes you wonder why. U can break anything if you do it right lol. Ive broken a 58K rear in a mack dump truck and I wasnt being a dick head. The rear just let go. A buddy of mine blew a rear in a 1 year old v6 S-10 2wd.. just driving down the highway. There can be a fault in the unit and ... thats that Look - its my understanding that the outfit that originally installed the lockers screwed the pooch, resulting in failure. He had a different shop do a complete rearend, gears, lockers, etc. Caveat emptor all, and I am content with my seller's representations. |
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Glad you found something to fit your needs. I kind of figure he will adjust what he bought to fit his specific wants and needs. While it would be nice to throw a winch up front I do kind of figure those front unit bearings already have a tough life right now and tossing more weight up front won't help em. Could be something to consider for the future. Just being able to have a portable winch in the back pull you backwards and out of trouble is something I am always thinking about. When my 4 wheeler ran it always went forwards. It was small enough I could put a rope on it and muscle it around myself if I had to do that. But that was with me playing. As much as I like how a winch looks up front I know for my needs the ability to winch out of a problem is probably all I really need, and since I don't do stuff without another vehicle most of the time I don't even have a winch right now. That reads like a heck of a vehicle you found yourself and I hope it does everything you want it to do. I could easily see dropping to 37 inch rubber on it though, for whatever reason I tend to consider that to be about my limit. But I would have to compare weights for what you have on their with rims and rubber and what 37s would weigh with rims and rubber. Unsprung weight is a heck of a thing and I could see where the 40s might not be much of a problem and well worth it. Thanks for the thread and pics, that is a heck of a list for that thing. Is the aftermarket stereo for helping others find you when you run out of fuel? 
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Glad you found something to fit your needs. I kind of figure he will adjust what he bought to fit his specific wants and needs. While it would be nice to throw a winch up front I do kind of figure those front unit bearings already have a tough life right now and tossing more weight up front won't help em. Could be something to consider for the future. Just being able to have a portable winch in the back pull you backwards and out of trouble is something I am always thinking about. When my 4 wheeler ran it always went forwards. It was small enough I could put a rope on it and muscle it around myself if I had to do that. But that was with me playing. As much as I like how a winch looks up front I know for my needs the ability to winch out of a problem is probably all I really need, and since I don't do stuff without another vehicle most of the time I don't even have a winch right now. That reads like a heck of a vehicle you found yourself and I hope it does everything you want it to do. I could easily see dropping to 37 inch rubber on it though, for whatever reason I tend to consider that to be about my limit. But I would have to compare weights for what you have on their with rims and rubber and what 37s would weigh with rims and rubber. Unsprung weight is a heck of a thing and I could see where the 40s might not be much of a problem and well worth it. Thanks for the thread and pics, that is a heck of a list for that thing. Is the aftermarket stereo for helping others find you when you run out of fuel? I take possession tomorrow. The subject was the closest I could find to what I wanted, but no man's project is ever perfect for another. I'll likely change the front in time, but I'd like to see what I have first. Even with all the upgrades to the truck, this thing could turn into a money pit in a hurry. It will get most of its excersise on my ranch and I always have beefy recovery vehicles...a couple are pictured above. In any event, I don't intend to beat the hell out of this truck, do serious wheelin', etc. I have a beater single cab for the fun stuff. This truck will be relegated to boating, tailgating, family trips, nat'l parks, etc. Run out of fuel? Even at 10 mpg (and I think she gets 14), I'll have a 600 mile range with the cans. The sound system is just for my theme music. I looked at 37"'s, but they look (ironically) small with the cut fenders. Thanks for your thoughts. I'm sure I'll be back with some questions once I have a better feel for the truck. |
| might want to check but you might have the cool(upgraded) wheel bearings since he was listing it with warn hubs. Careful with those tires as the tread pattern dont exist any more if you sidewall one. They are a great tire though. I just looked again at the pics I think the unit bearings have been replaced with serviceable units already. And 4.56 gears with the 7.3 is plenty of gear for all but the most extreme towing. BTW sweet ass truck. |
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might want to check but you might have the cool(upgraded) wheel bearings since he was listing it with warn hubs. Careful with those tires as the tread pattern dont exist any more if you sidewall one. They are a great tire though. I just looked again at the pics I think the unit bearings have been replaced with serviceable units already. And 4.56 gears with the 7.3 is plenty of gear for all but the most extreme towing. BTW sweet ass truck. The tires are spent. I ordered a set of geolanders in 40". Some day, I might actually receive them. No one seems to have them in stock. 
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Truck arrived safe and sound on Saturday.
Worked my way around the truck and all is as promised. It’s awesome. My oldest niece immediately dubbed it The Kraken. Odd but strangely suitable. The 40”s take a little adjustment, but the 4” lift keeps it manageable compared to the HIGH lifts out there. It has a tighter turning radius that my Dad’s king ranch with 33”s. Sound system is overkill for yours truly, but Johnny Cash sounds just fine. Alignment is great. No drift. Braking is crisp. It moves through the gears nicely. Tuner is set on “tow mode” and I see little reason to change it. Sub 2000 rpm at 65 mph. My driveway is still white. My wife still loves me. My 3 year doesn’t want to travel in anything else. My staff thinks I’m a lunatic. Great seller – Truck arrived with 40 gals of diesel and labels on all the goodies. Took it to the ranch on Sunday. Overcast, but here are some phone pics: 
And here are a couple nice trucks of members here: 
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Glad it turned out to be what you expected, and looks like you will have lots of fun with it. I am admittedly biased, but i think the 7.3 is the best diesel the blue oval ever had, and they would have never killed it if the smog nazis hadn't issued a death warrant for it.
Get yourself onto the diesel forums, (I mentioned Ford Diesel Power.com more info less drama) and put together a list of spare parts to stash away, especially if the truck is a long-term (like 10+ year) investment for you. Some of the different 7.3 PCM's (powertrain control modules) are getting tougher to locate, getting the number off of yours and finding s good spare or rebuilt would be on my list. The same goes for the Injector Drive Module and a couple of other things. I strongly suggest only running motocraft fuel filters and motocraft or Fleetguard oil filters, unless you really want to step up and go for a reusable super oil filter...they ain't cheap but they do work. PM me if interested and I will dig up the website. After you have done an oil change get a Blackstone oil analysis done on it...This will give you a good idea of what is going on with the oil, Google them for a good explanation of the process. I do mine 2 times a year now. I only run Caterpillar premixed Extended life coolant in mine, and I put a coolant filter on it. Coolant is critical in the diesel because of the acidity issues, and the Cat stuff will go 1 million miles with no screwing around dealing with SCM additives. Take care of that beast and it'll last you a long, long time. |
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Glad it turned out to be what you expected, and looks like you will have lots of fun with it. I am admittedly biased, but i think the 7.3 is the best diesel the blue oval ever had, and they would have never killed it if the smog nazis hadn't issued a death warrant for it. Get yourself onto the diesel forums, (I mentioned Ford Diesel Power.com more info less drama) and put together a list of spare parts to stash away, especially if the truck is a long-term (like 10+ year) investment for you. Some of the different 7.3 PCM's (powertrain control modules) are getting tougher to locate, getting the number off of yours and finding s good spare or rebuilt would be on my list. The same goes for the Injector Drive Module and a couple of other things. I strongly suggest only running motocraft fuel filters and motocraft or Fleetguard oil filters, unless you really want to step up and go for a reusable super oil filter...they ain't cheap but they do work. PM me if interested and I will dig up the website. After you have done an oil change get a Blackstone oil analysis done on it...This will give you a good idea of what is going on with the oil, Google them for a good explanation of the process. I do mine 2 times a year now. I only run Caterpillar premixed Extended life coolant in mine, and I put a coolant filter on it. Coolant is critical in the diesel because of the acidity issues, and the Cat stuff will go 1 million miles with no screwing around dealing with SCM additives. Take care of that beast and it'll last you a long, long time. Great info - I appreciate it! |
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Great info - I appreciate it! You are entirely welcome.I am glad to be of help. As I think of stuff I will try to share it with you. Getting old makes my brain run differently, LOL. If you shop around, you can save some $ by purchasing the fuel filters and oil filters by the case. The internet diesel aftermarket sells them in case lots. Since we are both on here we know that makes more sense than buy one at a time, LOL. Sometimes, at Sams or Costco I see Chevron Delo 400 15w-40 oil (good juice for your truck) available by the drum if you have the means to store it. There are other oils that are okay, too..not trying to start a war over oil here. Just a personal preference deal. Northern tool sells several different products to move a full oil drum around. Again, a substantial savings over buying the one-gallon jugs, although I have a few of them around here and take a couple with me on trips, etc. I cannot remember if the truck has a pyrometer or not, if it does please look around and see where the temp probe is. If it is in the exhaust downpipe on the turbo outlet that is called the "cold side", and you should avoid letting it get above about 900* If it is in the exhaust manifold near the collector, right before the pipe goes up to the turbo this is call the hot side, and 1175-1200 constant and 1250* for very brief spurts will help the turbo last longer and keep the pistons from melting. Remember, aluminum begins to melt at those temps...:D You will find that the turbodiesel reacts in the opposite manner to your gasser under load. In a gas truck, if the heat goes up you lift and slow down. In the turbodiesl, if towing,especially uphill, you drive with one eye on that pyrometer. If the temps get into the hot range, downshifting and throttling up will bring the heat down...just the opposite of what you'd think. The reason? When you downshift you bring the RPM's up. The 7.3 has a sweet spot at around 2700, where it begins making peak torque. When you downshift and add throttle, the turbo begins producing more manifold pressure, moving more air through the system, and burning the fuel more efficiently, which will bring the EGT's down, sometimes as much as 100-150*, which is alot. When you see a diesel dumping black smoke, that is unburned fuel and unburned fuel creates heat. Lotsa fun, a new experience, but worth it. I am not an expert on this stuff, but will be happy to share what I do know with you anytime. If you have a question I cannot answer I can guarantee you that I know people who can answer it. PM me if something pops up and i will shoot you an email address we can converse through. |