Project 7.3

[Bduck]

Bob, injectors are in the future and could be very near. As much as I've been wanting a newer truck (used, won't buy new), I don't need a mortgage payment and loving the life I have without a vehicle payment. The newer ford diesels have had costly issues with repairs & some replacement motors. Cost of injectors for my truck can be $1200+ depending the performance grade type and or replaced by dealer amounting to $5000+. My labor since I know how to do it might involve a special tool if any for a far less expense. Their newer ford diesel is getting better now but the 7.3 (1992-03) is made by International has been a proven motor. I've owned mine for 23yrs now. My other 2 vehicles are gas operated with injectors. My goal is to get another 10yrs out of my truck.

[dubob]

Bob, injectors are in the future and could be very near. As much as I've been wanting a newer truck (used, won't buy new), I don't need a mortgage payment and loving the life I have without a vehicle payment. The newer ford diesels have had costly issues with repairs & some replacement motors. Cost of injectors for my truck can be $1200+ depending the performance grade type and or replaced by dealer amounting to $5000+. My labor since I know how to do it might involve a special tool if any for a far less expense. Their newer ford diesel is getting better now but the 7.3 (1992-03) is made by International has been a proven motor. I've owned mine for 23yrs now. My other 2 vehicles are gas operated with injectors. My goal is to get another 10yrs out of my truck.

Roger,

One last tip.  When it comes time to replace your injectors, do it with factory rebuilt/certified injectors.  After I had mine repaired, I was told this by a friend that shopped auctions, rehabbed the purchases, and sold them to dealerships.  OEM injectors for that Chevy were about $800 X 8.  The factory rebuilt injectors at that time were $120 X 8.  $6400 vs $960.  Your money; your choice.  

[Bduck]

Bob, injectors are in the future and could be very near. As much as I've been wanting a newer truck (used, won't buy new), I don't need a mortgage payment and loving the life I have without a vehicle payment. The newer ford diesels have had costly issues with repairs & some replacement motors. Cost of injectors for my truck can be $1200+ depending the performance grade type and or replaced by dealer amounting to $5000+. My labor since I know how to do it might involve a special tool if any for a far less expense. Their newer ford diesel is getting better now but the 7.3 (1992-03) is made by International has been a proven motor. I've owned mine for 23yrs now. My other 2 vehicles are gas operated with injectors. My goal is to get another 10yrs out of my truck.

Roger,

One last tip.  When it comes time to replace your injectors, do it with factory rebuilt/certified injectors.  After I had mine repaired, I was told this by a friend that shopped auctions, rehabbed the purchases, and sold them to dealerships.  OEM injectors for that Chevy were about $800 X 8.  The factory rebuilt injectors at that time were $120 X 8.  $6400 vs $960.  Your money; your choice.  

That is a good tip, Bob, we both are on the same track. My research has taken me to factory origins or to a reputable business that deals in rebuilt injectors, I have been making certain purchases from one business. When it comes to the sensors surrounding the 7.3 motor its best to stay with OEM, same would be for any motor. Sold on eBay are a lot of repackaged to look like OEM sensors. I won't purchase any type of performance product from eBay. 

[Bduck]

I was watching a movie one evening, since it was the holidays, I just happen to have my laptop. For a longtime always wanted to install a new front bumper on my truck but everything was on the expensive side of $2G+. I don't do a whole lot of looking at eBay but this time I did, found a bumper that caught my eye. Showed it to my wife & to my surprise she said go for it. It was well within the budget of temptation at about $850. Triggered pulled and within 4days delivery made. Opened box and found it was well packed, a 3-section bumper with each piece wrapped individually with a heavy bubble wrap & packed in a separate thick mill plastic bag. Next, I spent a good day bolting together the 3-piece bumper. At the seams where the 2 wings attached to the main section, I put a bead of sealant to keep out moisture & dirt from migrating in. Over the outside of the seam a bracket was supplied to bolt over the seam to hide seam. After installing bracket, took more sealant around both side edges of bracket. 


      
         [i]Old                New, behind license is a rectangular     Bumper came with[/i]
                              slot for a winch                                            5 lights

The old bumper was an easy removal with 6 bolts accessible from front. Had it removed in 2 minutes. The original OEM tow hooks had to be removed, easy peasy. New install brackets came with bumper.  

[wiperhunter2]

That's a nice bumper Roger, did you have to run new wires for the lights?

[Bduck]

Yes, ran my own wires. The wing lights are tapped into the high beams, the lightbar is on a separate switch from the 2 front mounted lights.