Ford 7.3 Godzilla

[Runs2rch]

Think I’m going with power stops. Not sure when I will have time. But probably after the first of the year.

Why?

 

[lbhsbz]

Think I’m going with power stops. Not sure when I will have time. But probably after the first of the year.

mistake...there is nothing special about those, aside from the fact that they are cheap (for a reason). And please, don't put slotted and crossdrilled on your truck. They are not a good idea.

Reviews on brake parts are not to be trusted, unless the reviewer has pulled off sub 5000 mile parts and is reviewing the new parts that went on. Just about any brake job will improve performance over the worn out barely operational stuff one is removing after 40K miles....and people write reviews while they're all excited a day or 2 after the installation. Well....no shit...of course they work better. Much like a new set of the same tires ride and perform better than your 10 year old worn out ones.

The Dyno does not lie...and that's where I get my data.

Find a set of coated rotors that are about $10 more than the cheapest ones you can find and you'll be good to go. Get pads from me....if after a couple months you're unhappy with them, I'll give you your money back and you can throw them in the trash and get powerstops.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

mistake...there is nothing special about those, aside from the fact that they are cheap (for a reason). And please, don't put slotted and crossdrilled on your truck. They are not a good idea.

Reviews on brake parts are not to be trusted, unless the reviewer has pulled off sub 5000 mile parts and is reviewing the new parts that went on. Just about any brake job will improve performance over the worn out barely operational stuff one is removing after 40K miles....and people write reviews while they're all excited a day or 2 after the installation. Well....no shit...of course they work better. Much like a new set of the same tires ride and perform better than your 10 year old worn out ones.

The Dyno does not lie...and that's where I get my data.

Find a set of coated rotors that are about $10 more than the cheapest ones you can find and you'll be good to go. Get pads from me....if after a couple months you're unhappy with them, I'll give you your money back and you can throw them in the trash and get powerstops.

This. All of this.

Cross drilled and/or slotted rotors aren’t needed on any street vehicle anyway.

 

[CLdrinker]

Why would I need rotors?

 

[CLdrinker]

Why?

Brake dust is Ridiculous.

 

[CLdrinker]

It's time for new meats on my 2020 XLT FX4 7.3L Godzilla.

What is the general consensus here on what size I can upgrade to with stock suspension?

Thank you!

295/65/20 works well on the stock wheels

 

[lbhsbz]

Why would I need rotors?

Generally the power stop fanbois buy their “kits”…I forgot yore truck was basically new.

 

[CLdrinker]

Generally the power stop fanbois buy their “kits”…I forgot yore truck was basically new.

Not a fan boy. I usually just got grab Napa’s medium to high quality pads and call it a day.

Never had a problem with them.
Technically there is nothing wrong with what’s on there. But I’m a picky little bitch and when I see cars with brake dust I think pile of shit.

I don’t want my truck looking like a pile of shit lol.

Since your pads are the holy grail what’s the going rate for those?

 

[lbhsbz]

$60 for the fronts, $50 for the rears shipped

 

[CLdrinker]

$60 for the fronts, $50 for the rears shipped

Cool I will get them from you when I have time to install them. Gonna be a while end of year is crazy for me.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Cool I will get them from you when I have time to install them. Gonna be a while end of year is crazy for me.

scuff the firepath of the rotors down a bit with a sanding block when you change it from a pile of shit to a real truck.

 

[CLdrinker]

scuff the firepath of the rotors down a bit with a sanding block when you change it from a pile of shit to a real truck.

Looked all over for an f150 brake package swap.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Looked all over for an f150 brake package swap.

Wouldn’t have any brake dust if you could figure that one out

 

[Flying_Lavey]

$60 for the fronts, $50 for the rears shipped

I MIGHT need to get some from you for my company truck. We just had our mechanic put new GM pads and rotors on it and I have never seen so much brake dust on a truck wheel in such a short period of time in my life. Within a couple of days the 20" chrome wheels are gunmetal grey and squeak to high heaven.

 

[Zeke27G]

295/65/20 works well on the stock wheels

Appreciate the reply. My stock tire/rim size is 275/70/R18

 

[CLdrinker]

Appreciate the reply. My stock tire/rim size is 275/70/R18

See if you can get a 295/70/18.

Or switch to a wider wheel and run 35x12.50x18

Or Tremor take offs

 

[lbhsbz]

I MIGHT need to get some from you for my company truck. We just had our mechanic put new GM pads and rotors on it and I have never seen so much brake dust on a truck wheel in such a short period of time in my life. Within a couple of days the 20" chrome wheels are gunmetal grey and squeak to high heaven.

Keep in mind, on most 3/4 ton and larger, nobody really makes anything except a semi met (that’s worth a shit) and you are going to get some dust with a semi met.

Cheap pads can’t handle what trucks throw at them very well and dust a lot, or some of the lower level pads…many of which use the same friction material across the product line. (Same material on a Honda Civic pad as on a F350 pad…which doesn’t work well).

Also keep in mind that new 3/4-1 tons are fucking heavy, so that, along with any ADAS bullshit (lane assistance, self driving modes, traction control, etc) are using the brakes probably more than the driver normally would. None of this helps with brake dust or wear.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Keep in mind, on most 3/4 ton and larger, nobody really makes anything except a semi met (that’s worth a shit) and you are going to get some dust with a semi met.

Cheap pads can’t handle what trucks throw at them very well and dust a lot, or some of the lower level pads…many of which use the same friction material across the product line. (Same material on a Honda Civic pad as on a F350 pad…which doesn’t work well).

Luckily this is a 1/2 ton. But it's kinda weird that of all the GM brakes my family and I have had over the years, I don't recall any of them making dust like this. It's BEYOND bad.

 

[Zeke27G]

See if you can get a 295/70/18.

Or switch to a wider wheel and run 35x12.50x18

Or Tremor take offs

Gonna go the 295/70R18 route, unless a 285 would help save some fuel economy?

These will be used for mostly city/highway driving, with some occasional towing and off road use.

The more research I do, I keep ending up at the Cooper Discover AT3 XLT.

Anyone feedback is much appreciated!

 

[CLdrinker]

Gonna go the 295/70R18 route, unless a 285 would help save some fuel economy?

These will be used for mostly city/highway driving, with some occasional towing and off road use.

The more research I do, I keep ending up at the Cooper Discover AT3 XLT.

Anyone feedback is much appreciated!

It won’t make enough difference in fuel economy to matter.

Nothing wrong with cooper.
Just be sure to look at Toyo, Nitto and Falken.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

It won’t make enough difference in fuel economy to matter.

Nothing wrong with cooper.
Just be sure to look at Toyo, Nitto and Falken.

BTW, the Cooper light truck tires are all made in the US and owned by Goodyear. Toyo/Nitto are japanese companies and possibly made here (several manufacturing locations around the world) as well as Flaken (owned by Sumitomo).

 

[CLdrinker]

Well almost lost my truck and trailer off the hillside.
We were heading down the mountain from our hunt. Another snow storm was rolling in and we would likely get stuck up there so we had to get down.
A guy before us lost his trailer and truck but got his truck out with his winch.

My truck slid across the road within 2’ of the edge. Just as the truck got traction the trailer did the same taking the back of the truck with it.

Scared me to death. But we made it.

Oh and i punched my tag.

 

[hallett21]

Well almost lost my truck and trailer off the hillside.
We were heading down the mountain from our hunt. Another snow storm was rolling in and we would likely get stuck up there so we had to get down.
A guy before us lost his trailer and truck but got his truck out with his winch.

My truck slid across the road within 2’ of the edge. Just as the truck got traction the trailer did the same taking the back of the truck with it.

Scared me to death. But we made it.

Oh and i punched my tag.

View attachment 1172027

Everyone ok at least?

 

[CLdrinker]

Everyone ok at least?

From what I hear the guy is ok

My underwear are not

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Well almost lost my truck and trailer off the hillside.
We were heading down the mountain from our hunt. Another snow storm was rolling in and we would likely get stuck up there so we had to get down.
A guy before us lost his trailer and truck but got his truck out with his winch.

My truck slid across the road within 2’ of the edge. Just as the truck got traction the trailer did the same taking the back of the truck with it.

Scared me to death. But we made it.

Oh and i punched my tag.

View attachment 1172027

Glad you made it out. That would have put a damper on the sale of the trailer.

 

[Ladsm]

I had an experience like that up in Mt. Baldy, road was ice, cars were sliding off the road, had a 4x4 Suburban and put the chains on the front and idled down in 1st gear and every time the front started sliding for the cliff I turned away and slowly accelerated as the chains would bite and slowly pull me back onto the road. Nail bighter having zero control.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I had an experience like that up in Mt. Baldy, road was ice, cars were sliding off the road, had a 4x4 Suburban and put the chains on the front and idled down in 1st gear and every time the front started sliding for the cliff I turned away and slowly accelerated as the chains would bite and slowly pull me back onto the road. Nail bighter having zero control.

Chains on all four wheels if it’s a 4x4 and you wouldn’t have this problem.

If chain clearance is an issue look at the Z cables (like SCC).

If you only put chains on drive wheels the steering won’t be there. If you only put chains on the steering you could possibly spin under braking.

I watch enough people going up or down the 18 in the winter storms and I’ve seen it all. Most wind up on the fence or the guardrail one way or another.

I carry cables for my Yukon for all four tires. Only needed to do it like twice but 4 corner chains and traction is there for both going / stopping and steering.

 

[Zeke27G]

Ended up going with Cooper Discover AT3 XLT 295/70R18's. Getting the slightest bit of rub when full lock steering, and was considering a 2.5" Ready Lift, but I really hate the idea of messing with stock suspension/chassis design. I remember a friends '97 Silverado with a Fabtech lift having some serious death wobble! Have any of you done a 2.5" lift? Pros? Cons? Also, the boat in the second photo, who can name it?!

 

[CLdrinker]

Ended up going with Cooper Discover AT3 XLT 295/70R18's. Getting the slightest bit of rub when full lock steering, and was considering a 2.5" Ready Lift, but I really hate the idea of messing with stock suspension/chassis design. I remember a friends '97 Silverado with a Fabtech lift having some serious death wobble! Have any of you done a 2.5" lift? Pros? Cons? Also, the boat in the second photo, who can name it?!


View attachment 1173048

View attachment 1173049

Looks good. Tremor Take off’s?

If you level it you must use caster bushings. Also you don’t have to go 2.5”.
I think I’m leaving mine stock. But if I do it will only be 1” or 1.5” The less you level the less castor issues.
Also if you do a smaller leveling kit you can get by without a new track bar

KRYPTONITE FORD SUPER DUTY F250/F350 STAGE 1 LEVELING KIT WITH BILSTEI

KRYPTONITE FORD SUPER DUTY F250/F350 STAGE 1 LEVELING KIT WITH BILSTEIN SHOCKS 2017-2024 Part# KRFD17STAGE1BIL Fits; 2017-2024 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty 4X4 CLICK HERE FOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Features Provides 1.5" of front lift Allows for up to a 35"x12.5" Tire on a 9" wide wheel w/...

kryptoniteproducts.com

 

[Runs2rch]

BTW, the Cooper light truck tires are all made in the US and owned by Goodyear. Toyo/Nitto are japanese companies and possibly made here (several manufacturing locations around the world) as well as Flaken (owned by Sumitomo).

Toyo/Nitto manufacture almost all of their truck tires in the USA.

I wish woke ass Goodyear didn't buy Cooper/Mickey Thompson.

 

[Zeke27G]

Looks good. Tremor Take off’s?

If you level it you must use caster bushings. Also you don’t have to go 2.5”.
I think I’m leaving mine stock. But if I do it will only be 1” or 1.5” The less you level the less castor issues.
Also if you do a smaller leveling kit you can get by without a new track bar

KRYPTONITE FORD SUPER DUTY F250/F350 STAGE 1 LEVELING KIT WITH BILSTEI

KRYPTONITE FORD SUPER DUTY F250/F350 STAGE 1 LEVELING KIT WITH BILSTEIN SHOCKS 2017-2024 Part# KRFD17STAGE1BIL Fits; 2017-2024 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty 4X4 CLICK HERE FOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Features Provides 1.5" of front lift Allows for up to a 35"x12.5" Tire on a 9" wide wheel w/...

kryptoniteproducts.com

Yes, my XLT came with some cheesy looking chrome rims, so I got those 18" Tremor take offs and had them powder coated satin black. Honestly, I really love the look of those rims, even more than any aftermarket wheel I've seen.

I'll check out that lift kit link you sent!

 

[CLdrinker]

Anyone have a set of Tremor take offs they are thinking of selling?

 

[CLdrinker]

Well that will knock the new right off.

How the fuck does that happen on the freeway. It had to thread the needle to get under the mirror and square enough to break the glass.

First quote $450

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Ended up going with Cooper Discover AT3 XLT 295/70R18's. Getting the slightest bit of rub when full lock steering, and was considering a 2.5" Ready Lift, but I really hate the idea of messing with stock suspension/chassis design. I remember a friends '97 Silverado with a Fabtech lift having some serious death wobble! Have any of you done a 2.5" lift? Pros? Cons? Also, the boat in the second photo, who can name it?!


View attachment 1173048

View attachment 1173049

I have an ICON 2.5 with Bilsteins. Ride is great, no death wobble. Also have steering stabilizer with a fox shock. 35" ridge grapplers with 17's (35x12.5x17)

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Well that will knock the new right off.

How the fuck does that happen on the freeway. It had to thread the needle to get under the mirror and square enough to break the glass.

First quote $450
View attachment 1182295

Honestly have never seen that happen to anyone. Sux bro!!

 

[CLdrinker]

Honestly have never seen that happen to anyone. Sux bro!!

Yeah I was just getting ready to line x the bed. There goes that. With the shed build coming up I don’t have money for truck stuff.

Oh well could have been worse I guess.

 

[TeamGreene]

Yeah I was just getting ready to line x the bed. There goes that. With the shed build coming up I don’t have money for truck stuff.

Oh well could have been worse I guess.

Try this guy 760auto glass he did my windshield in my f250 saved me a bunch of money. Did a great job, on time etc.....
760.620.7680

 

[CLdrinker]

Wonder if it’s really this easy. I have 400 points with Ford maybe I can apply those to a new window and do it myself.

 

[CLdrinker]

Well that wasn’t cheap but it was easy. Done in 5 minutes.

 

[CLdrinker]

Well had another miss-hap. Caught the gate duty the front bumper got it fixed for a great price.

Since I ordered the truck company policy changed and I have to go into the office every Wednesday so I commute one day a week. Im driving this gas hog way more than I planned on. Getting right at 14mpg at 75-80mph. Almost 10,000 miles and it runs great. Just don’t do a California stop or you will confuse the transmission of what gear to be in. And don’t punch let off and then punch it again or it will get really fucked up.

Other than I love it. Supposedly I’m picking up our new 5th wheel next week so it will get a true towing test.

 

[Rogers Hopeful]

Well had another miss-hap. Caught the gate duty the front bumper got it fixed for a great price.

Since I ordered the truck company policy changed and I have to go into the office every Wednesday so I commute one day a week. Im driving this gas hog way more than I planned on. Getting right at 14mpg at 75-80mph. Almost 10,000 miles and it runs great. Just don’t do a California stop or you will confuse the transmission of what gear to be in. And don’t punch let off and then punch it again or it will get really fucked up.

Other than I love it. Supposedly I’m picking up our new 5th wheel next week so it will get a true towing test. View attachment 1243506

What 5th wheel are you getting? We’ve been looking at one. Just trying to get a better deal on it

 

[CLdrinker]

What 5th wheel are you getting? We’ve been looking at one. Just trying to get a better deal on it

Genesis 28CRT I’m buying from
Blue Star RV their communication sucks but the price is worth the BS

Go talk to Justin at Pink Flamingo. He is awesome.

Explore 28CRT / 2815VT / 2815BCRT / 2815PCRT / 2815RCRT / 2815SCRT / 285CRT in 3D

Matterport 3D Showcase.

my.matterport.com

 

[Bigbore500r]

I MIGHT need to get some from you for my company truck. We just had our mechanic put new GM pads and rotors on it and I have never seen so much brake dust on a truck wheel in such a short period of time in my life. Within a couple of days the 20" chrome wheels are gunmetal grey and squeak to high heaven.

GM pads used to be the bomb.....I think they realized people were getting 150k miles out of them and switched them to junk now....lol

 

[CLdrinker]

Wanted to round out this thread with what the truck was purchased for.

Wife has been wanting a 5th wheel for a long time. We finally pulled the trigger a few months ago. Trailer is 32’ long and supposedly a bit over 10,000lbs empty. We made our first trip this weekend to Bonelli Bluffs. Truck went down the Cajon pass with minor brake inputs. Toward the bottom I had to take it out of tow haul and accelerate because the engine braking was slowing me down to much.

Coming home with typical camping load no dirt bikes or quads. Just bikes, loaded storage compartments with tools, Blackstone and other camping junk. Did have about 50gallons of water and 10 gallons of gas in the fuel station. Pretty safe assumption we were near 11,500lbs.

The first climb from the 215/15 merger to where it turns right and levels out was an easy 60mph climb. Didn’t pay much attention to gear and RPM it was so easy.

The big climb after the truck scales was noticeably more difficult truck
Kicked down to 5th and I was in it pretty good I think it was 3200-3500rpm. Then we got to the right hand curve going up the actual hill. Truck wanted to stay in 5th with my foot almost to the floor but we were loosing speed fast dropped down to 50mph. I had enough of that shit and dropped it down to 4th manually and it began accelerating. By the top we were at 65mph and 4500rpm. With about 1/4 throttle left.

This truck does not rev like normal gassers it wants to lug along. Going forward I will down shift sooner to maintain speed which should make it an easier pull.

Lifetime mpg was 12.2 when we left. Only dropped to 11.1 lifetime from the trip. We used just a bit less than half a tank so probably 18-20 gallons round trip.

The 7.3 is a very good option for sub 15k loads. More if you don’t climb many hills.

 

[Cdog]

Wanted to round out this thread with what the truck was purchased for.

Wife has been wanting a 5th wheel for a long time. We finally pulled the trigger a few months ago. Trailer is 32’ long and supposedly a bit over 10,000lbs empty. We made our first trip this weekend to Bonelli Bluffs. Truck went down the Cajon pass with minor brake inputs. Toward the bottom I had to take it out of tow haul and accelerate because the engine braking was slowing me down to much.

Coming home with typical camping load no dirt bikes or quads. Just bikes, loaded storage compartments with tools, Blackstone and other camping junk. Did have about 50gallons of water and 10 gallons of gas in the fuel station. Pretty safe assumption we were near 11,500lbs.

The first climb from the 215/15 merger to where it turns right and levels out was an easy 60mph climb. Didn’t pay much attention to gear and RPM it was so easy.

The big climb after the truck scales was noticeably more difficult truck
Kicked down to 5th and I was in it pretty good I think it was 3200-3500rpm. Then we got to the right hand curve going up the actual hill. Truck wanted to stay in 5th with my foot almost to the floor but we were loosing speed fast dropped down to 50mph. I had enough of that shit and dropped it down to 4th manually and it began accelerating. By the top we were at 65mph and 4500rpm. With about 1/4 throttle left.

This truck does not rev like normal gassers it wants to lug along. Going forward I will down shift sooner to maintain speed which should make it an easier pull.

Lifetime mpg was 12.2 when we left. Only dropped to 11.1 lifetime from the trip. We used just a bit less than half a tank so probably 18-20 gallons round trip.

The 7.3 is a very good option for sub 15k loads. More if you don’t climb many hills.

With my Genesis loaded with race car set 15k lbs. & 37’s I did that drive on the way to Willow Springs.

I was in the 3rd lane passing trucks in 7th gear maintaining 65+ with more on tap.

That’s way the diesel gets you.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Wanted to round out this thread with what the truck was purchased for.

Wife has been wanting a 5th wheel for a long time. We finally pulled the trigger a few months ago. Trailer is 32’ long and supposedly a bit over 10,000lbs empty. We made our first trip this weekend to Bonelli Bluffs. Truck went down the Cajon pass with minor brake inputs. Toward the bottom I had to take it out of tow haul and accelerate because the engine braking was slowing me down to much.

Coming home with typical camping load no dirt bikes or quads. Just bikes, loaded storage compartments with tools, Blackstone and other camping junk. Did have about 50gallons of water and 10 gallons of gas in the fuel station. Pretty safe assumption we were near 11,500lbs.

The first climb from the 215/15 merger to where it turns right and levels out was an easy 60mph climb. Didn’t pay much attention to gear and RPM it was so easy.

The big climb after the truck scales was noticeably more difficult truck
Kicked down to 5th and I was in it pretty good I think it was 3200-3500rpm. Then we got to the right hand curve going up the actual hill. Truck wanted to stay in 5th with my foot almost to the floor but we were loosing speed fast dropped down to 50mph. I had enough of that shit and dropped it down to 4th manually and it began accelerating. By the top we were at 65mph and 4500rpm. With about 1/4 throttle left.

This truck does not rev like normal gassers it wants to lug along. Going forward I will down shift sooner to maintain speed which should make it an easier pull.

Lifetime mpg was 12.2 when we left. Only dropped to 11.1 lifetime from the trip. We used just a bit less than half a tank so probably 18-20 gallons round trip.

The 7.3 is a very good option for sub 15k loads. More if you don’t climb many hills.

Living in the western states and having to climb grades at altitude everywhere definitely gives most of us a different (jaded) perspective on truck buying and what is needed to tow.

When I go back to the Midwest there are more gassers in the campgrounds than diesels- and the majority of them are small blocks.

How do you like the Ford 7.3/ fiver compared to your Ram 6.4 Bumper Pull? Is it a night and day difference?

 

[lbhsbz]

GM pads used to be the bomb.....I think they realized people were getting 150k miles out of them and switched them to junk now....lol

The formula had to change as the use of copper in brake friction material was phased out over the last 10 or so years....nothing that was in use back then is legal to use today.

 

[Fabhouse]

I have noting but good things to say about the 7.3 gas/10spd combo. It was really impressive for towing.
I sold mine after 5k miles because the chassis/suspension was absolute garbage. I want to mention this was a "covid truck" and that may have been part of it, but, this was my 6th SuperDuty F250, from 2003-current. It was by far the worst. Death wobble, terrible ride, loose steering-all were addressed with stabilizers, shocks, springs, etc....nothing made it better. I hope others have a better experience-
(This was a Tremor package truck, which I have been told is basically a F350. I hope not. I would not tow anything with that dogshit spring package)

 

[Your ad here]

I have noting but good things to say about the 7.3 gas/10spd combo. It was really impressive for towing.
I sold mine after 5k miles because the chassis/suspension was absolute garbage. I want to mention this was a "covid truck" and that may have been part of it, but, this was my 6th SuperDuty F250, from 2003-current. It was by far the worst. Death wobble, terrible ride, loose steering-all were addressed with stabilizers, shocks, springs, etc....nothing made it better. I hope others have a better experience-
(This was a Tremor package truck, which I have been told is basically a F350. I hope not. I would not tow anything with that dogshit spring package)

The tires that come on the tremor package is what causes the death shake. The slightest cupping on the steer tires causes them to send the steering to go nuts.

 

[Your ad here]

With my Genesis loaded with race car set 15k lbs. & 37’s I did that drive on the way to Willow Springs.

I was in the 3rd lane passing trucks in 7th gear maintaining 65+ with more on tap.

That’s way the diesel gets you.

Diesel also shows its value in bad weather.