kellem
Shenandoah valley,VA
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Joined: 05/07/2007
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All I needed was a simple but powerful tow vehicle that only gets driven 5K per year.
Got the F250 7.3 10spd....very impressed so far.
I'm still learning the new tech coming from a 2004 Ram 2500 bare bones truck.
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MFL
Midwest
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Joined: 11/28/2012
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kellem wrote:All I needed was a simple but powerful tow vehicle that only gets driven 5K per year.
Got the F250 7.3 10spd....very impressed so far.
I'm still learning the new tech coming from a 2004 Ram 2500 bare bones truck.
Used to be just a matter of setting the radio presets and done!![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Jerry
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spud1957
NB
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Joined: 01/08/2014
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theoldwizard1 wrote:TECMike wrote:Is there much difference in towing milage, and around town/highway mileage with the new F-250 7.3 gas engine with rear gear options?
Considering 3.55 or 4.30 axles ratios. Any input is helpful.
The only transmission available is the new 10R140.
The 4.30 would be great for pulling stumps or towing over 10,000 lbs, but the fuel economy would not be very good. It depends if they can program the transmission to start in 3rd or even 4th with a light load (driver only).
Personally, I would go with the 3.73 and electronic locking differential.
3:73s are only available in the F350.
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TECMike
Texas
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Joined: 01/03/2010
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My hearing aids pick up the road and engine noise of our 7.3 diesel more these days. Hearing inside the cab to my bride of 57 years is more difficult. Some might say it is an advantage!
It is my understanding the 7.3 diesel engine (International 444T) was designed for International school buses and garbage trucks in the 80s. Perhaps that explains why kids used to come out with their school books when I pass down a street!
Considering this, it sure would be nice to have a quiet cab with upgrades that help with safer driving and towing, like lane change alerts, backup cameras and 360 degree cameras. Not to mention heated seats for my old bones!
The larger gas tank, if an option, would be something to consider.
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blt2ski
Kirkland, Wa
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Joined: 03/15/2001
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The original non turbo 7.3 was designed as such in 80s. The T444E, a replacement for the I6 DT360, to compete with the C5.9 for longevity etc. Which it did. The idi7.3 had a lifespan of 100k miles, as it was designed also to compete price wise with the gadmotors GM and For had. When international decided to scrap building using gas motors. There is only like 3 parts that are the same between to two 73 diesel variants.
The 6.9 and first 7.3 shared more common parts. Both initially were gas blocks. Put a different crank, heads, intake, you have the diesel version vs gas.
Marty
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
2014 Chevy 1500 Dual cab 4x4
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer
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specta
utah
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Joined: 06/18/2001
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theoldwizard1 wrote:
Personally, I would go with the 3.73 and electronic locking differential.
Me too.
Kenny
2011 Chevy 2500 HD 6.0L 4wd
1976 Ford F-250 6.4L 4wd
1995 Lance 945 Onan QG 2500 LP
Regular cab. The best looking trucks.
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Crespro
SoCal
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Joined: 07/23/2004
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I have the 7.3 with the 4.30. I am very happy with that combination.
Because I tow a fifth wheel, I have the long bed with the 48 gallon gas tank. It is a good combination.
I bought the 4x2 for two reasons. DW likes the ride with the IFS -- very important. Plus, with the 4x2 and the 7.3, we have about 1,200# more available payload than the f-250 with the diesel. While the 6.7 diesel is a great engine, the 7.3 with the 4.30 is a better option for us. About 2,000 rpm at 65 mph. You would not want to be lower in rpm because you are then lower on the HP and torque charts.
Crespro 2021 Grand Design 310GK-R, 2020 F250LB, 7.3L, 4.30, Reese 27K
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TECMike
Texas
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Joined: 01/03/2010
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My 2002 SRW F-250 is a 4X2 also and has the twin I-beam suspension. Very tough and comfortable ride. However, I believe for safety, my next truck, if I buy one, will be a four wheel drive.
Friends of mine, who own them, tell me if you ever need 4WD one time to get you out of a jam, it will have paid for itself.
We love our old Ford 7.3 Powerstroke! Loud, but simple, dependable old truck. Cast iron block and cast iron heads, six head bolts per cylinder, external oil cooler and its injection system sourced from Caterpillar, from what I read.
But the amenities, comfort, and safety features of the new trucks sure are appealing. And the new Ford 7.3 gas engine seems to be built for toughness, simplicity and longevity, according to Ford's brochures.
I hope it is a great success for Ford.
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steve-n-vicki
arkansas
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Joined: 01/18/2006
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I have 20,000 miles on my F350 single rear wheel 8 foot bed super crew, 373 gears, 7.3 gas engine
Empty taking it easy I can get 16 Mpg Highway, combined mileage between 14 and 15 towing my camper I average around 9.8, any questions just ask I will answer
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Hannibal
Tampa Bay Area
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Joined: 04/12/2002
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After owning various trucks gas and diesel with ratios from 3.07 to 4.56, I wanted my current truck with 3.55. With the 10spd trans, I have eight gears for towing and a tall 10th for empty highway. Just my preference.
2020 F250 STX CC SB 7.3L 10spd 3.55 4x4
2010 F250 XLT CC SB 5.4L 5spdTS 3.73
ex '95 Cummins,'98 12v Cummins,'01.5 Cummins,'03 Cummins; '05 Hemi
2017 Jayco 28RLS TT 32.5'
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