Best year model SD 7.3L?

[hheynow]

My buddy has my exact '97 F-350 PSD 4WD reg cab but he wants to trade up to a SD 7.3L. He wants to know which year model ('99-'02) has the best record. I told him '02 because it seems that during the last year model [of any vehicle's production] all the bugs have been worked out.

With your suggestions please tell me why that year model is better.

 

[jvencius]

My buddy has my exact '97 F-350 PSD 4WD reg cab but he wants to trade up to a SD 7.3L. He wants to know which year model ('99-'02) has the best record. I told him '02 because it seems that during the last year model [of any vehicle's production] all the bugs have been worked out.

With your suggestions please tell me why that year model is better.

I'd take a look at a 2000 since that's the last year, IIRC, that came stock with forged connecting rods. If the truck isn't going to stay stock, you can put more power safely through forged rods vs. the PMRs that, again IIRC, started being phased in the in the 2001 MY.

 

[Wingdog]

7.3's were still out in 03'. They just started phasing in the 6.0's that year.

 

[bartman]

2000 for the reasons that JV mentioned.

 

[BIG JOE]

2000 for the reasons that JV mentioned.

What JV & BM said.

Thats the reason(s) I'm holding on to my 2K. Good Strong Motor.

 

[01platinum]

Sure I'm gonna regret this ,but what is IIRC ?

 

[Big K]

Sure I'm gonna regret this ,but what is IIRC ?

If I Remember/Recall Correctly

 

[JLDickmon]

I concurr... a double-ought was THE year for the 7.3

 

[BigDaveZJ]

Do the forged rods even become issue on most trucks? If you're only doing the big 3 power adders (chip, intake, exhaust) is it really THAT big of a deal? If you're going for BIG power I can see it, but for most trucks it doesn't seem to be an issue.

 

[jvencius]

Do the forged rods even become issue on most trucks? If you're only doing the big 3 power adders (chip, intake, exhaust) is it really THAT big of a deal? If you're going for BIG power I can see it, but for most trucks it doesn't seem to be an issue.

Maybe it's not a problem for most folks, but if you're looking at a 7.3 (even the newest of which are 5+ years old now), why not look back another year or two and get a PSD that can handle the power that all but the very-most-depraved HP nuts will throw at it?