My first diesel... a serious step to the 7.3L

[Eric in IL]

A couple of weeks ago I purchased an 89 Super duty 7.3L diesel, 5-speed, dully with a 12' dump bed. I've already gone over the fuel system and replaced a rusted out line, bad fuel pump and changed the injectors for good measure. I hope to get my fuel economy up as 10mpg is not sustainable... this my previous "truck" was a 94 honda civic which gets 42 mpg, though its hauling capacity is somewhat limited. I'm off to make a posting with rear axle change questions!

 

[DaveBen]

Eric. You can get better mileage, but you will NEVER get close to 42 mpg. Since you have a dually with a 12' dump bed, you will be doing good to get 15 mpg.

Dave

 

[6.0PSD777]

Eric. You can get better mileage, but you will NEVER get close to 42 mpg. Since you have a dually with a 12' dump bed, you will be doing good to get 15 mpg.

Dave

x2 - A Civic weighs like 1500lbs, that truck probably weighs close to 9000lbs

 

[atk]

Welcome to SDD....

 

[6.0PSD777]

Welcome to SDD.com too

 

[Eric in IL]

Thanks for the welcomes and return to reality (DaveBen). I have no expectations of getting 42 mpg. I'm hopeing for 18mpg. I'm really looking for knowledge on switching out rear ends. Do Dana rear ends interchange with Ford rear ends?

 

[DaveBen]

Yes they should interchange, if you aren't switching generations, like from the '80s to the 2000s. It maybe easier and cheaper to switch the gears in the rear end.

Dave

 

[atvrider93]

youre gonna be real hard pressed to get 15 on a non turbo idi 7.3
Welcome!

 

[DaveBen]

As I recall, 15 or 16 was as good fuel economy as I ever got with my "93 IDI 7.3 non turbo engine.

 

[02SilverStroke]

Welcome aboard!!!!