f250 7.3l swap
 

First time poster here, i have on opportunity to buy a 97 f250 with a running 7.3l. It has axles from a 2001 f250 and an automatic tranny, plus 4x4. The truck is my friends and he is going to let me take it for 1,500. I know thats a steal but i can drive this truck home today so I know there are no problems. I know it would just be smarter to drive the 97 but i am going to be using the axels for my 2003 small block ranger, but that's a later project. anyways heres what im getting at. id like the 7.3 to be in my 2000 super duty that has the 5.4l in it right now. The 5.4 has just about 300,000 on it and it is just used and abused and tired. Is the 97 7.3 the same as the 99 and up 7.3?, can anybody who has done a swap like this give me an idea of what im getting into? I know i will need to swap,

-Fuel tank
-Radiator
- I am guessing my 5 speed will not bolt up to the 7.3?
- Leaf springs from 97 for added weight of 7.3?
-Wiring harness

What am i missing?

I know most people will tell me not to do this but his truck is a project truck now. I would like to make some real horse power on the 7.3 before I am done and that is why I am doing this< not to get better gas mileage and save money or anything like that.

Thanks A lot for any help and sorry for the long post.

I used to own a 95 F350 and 97 E350 - both with powerstrokes. :argh: Solid trucks, but an evil and costly engine to troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade. :ouch: Especially for a guy that doesn't have much $$$ to toss around.

That said, I would strongly recommend using a complete 00-03 PSD, trans, and harness to convert your truck. Making the older stuff work and/or piecemeal collecting the newer jewelry and doodads after the fact will be costly and time consuming.

IMO, compare the axles in the 97 with your 2000. It might have a Dana 60 worth swapping over.

Otherwise, keep the '97 together. OBS trucks with PSD and a D60 hold their value among the Ford-faithfuls. Pimp it out and sell it. Buy a 12v cummins wreck with the proceeds. Engine/trans in your SD, and the axles in the ranger.

My 2 cents.