I've been lurking around the forums lately and it something occured to me. Breaking down and getting stranded sucks! My rig runs great, and I take great care of it. I've been thinking about violating the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule of thumb, and doing some preemptive parts replacement. I work for a major U.S auto parts company, and therefore I get a pretty proper discount on parts. I've already replaced my CPS, and my IDM went out last year so that's already done. My question to the forum is; What parts should I replace? I've already considered GPs, GPRs, GP solenoid and injectors. Although it'd be nice to upgrade injectors and get a 6pos chip, but I want to keep my truck more reliable and will most likely stay with stock. Suggestions/comments?

 

If it starts the GP and the relays are fine. But they are fairly cheap and easy to do. What do you do with the pickup and what HP goals do you have?

 

For some reason I was under the impression that the GPRs deteriorate over time.

The rig of course get used for the usual utilities i.e; dump runs, moving furniture, picking up mulch/manure.

It is also my pride and joy. I am constantly working on refurbishment, and I've become somewhat of an enthusiast since making it my first diesel purchase. I've always owned lifted gassers, and have always been into off-roading. This rig will follow suit, but in due time. For now i'm restoring it to prime condition and making it run more efficiently stock before I get into upgrades (Lower EGTs, lower trans temp etc etc). I don't have any HP goals for now, and i'm not really in a hurry since I have my CBR600 to satisfy my speed addiction . I've got a short ram intake, and a 4" turbo back straight pipe exhaust in the mail.

I can say that ultimately, I will rebuild my turbo with a better wheel, housing etc and MAYBE get into the fuel system. I'm still learning and I'd rather have it reliable than have it faster.

 

The glow plug relay does go out over time, if it starts good I'm guessing its fine.

Intake, exhaust and a chip are your basic mods. Before you add a chip you need gauges though. From there if you want more power for just driving around a set of stage 1s are a good upgrade and can be run with the stock turbo

 

I think that keeping completely stock with a OBS PSD is overrated. There were things that Ford did to this detune this motor for reasons unknown. The biggest bank for the buck that I got (while still stock), both for fuel mileage and power was:
- replacing the downpipe
- Replacing the exhaust
- Replacing the air filter
Those are things that you can do without getting yourself in trouble in California.

Talking with you, you drive mild. You are not worried about power. You have a Cali model. You live in Cali, so are governed in the mod's you can do... And you have a Cali Model PCM and early split shot injectors(CA model?).

But everyone can benefit from better mileage. Price of Diesel is hiked up higher than gas everywhere here.

 

I have an intake, and turbo back exhaust in the mail. I already have a boost gauge and pyrometer gauge. In Cali 97' and older diesels do not have to pass emissions, and in my line of work I come in contact with a lot of performance shops who all say 7.3L is the best diesel to have in Cali because you can do what you want with it. When I make better money i'll take it to the next level and start doing some more invasive mods.