Ive been looking for a diesel for awhile now, and was planning on a cummins, my dad and grandpa both drive cummins, so I'm a lot more familiar with them, but I've found a 99 f-350 crew 4x4, it's a 7.3 auto has 219k, the miles kinda have me worried, how reliable are these 7.3's, truck would be a dd tow rig, what's the weak spots? Was told the truck had a commander box, is that a lock up controller? Is that a red flag? Truck is 8900, if I got truck I'd like to see 300-350whp is that reasonable out of a 7.3 on a budget? Sorry for all the newb ?s I've tried searching.

 

7.3 is no problem at that high of mileage. The weak spot is the auto trans which will need to be dealt with especially if you plan on 350hp. A tune,intake, exhaust will put you around 300. I dont know what the hell a commander box is

 

What things do I need to pay special attention to when test driving truck? I think I'd be happy with a tune intake and exhaust. As for tranny anything I can do to help it survive ?

 

a new torque converter and valve body would help but I would save up for a BTS if you are going to keep it for awhile. Watch for hard shifting because mine was doing that before it blew up. Check for blow by, oil, trans fluid, how it starts cold, check the 4x4 mechanism.

 

X2 I've heard of a few with upwards of a Million miles!

 

"Commander" is likely referring to an ATS Commander torque converter lock-up controller. I think they are also/now called "Co-Pilot" or something similar. I had one on a Cummins automatic, and I really, really liked it. I'd set it to lock up the converter at my ideal RPM, and it really kept a lot of heat out of the transmission. For any automatic, I'd say it is a good thing to have.

Also, I now have a 7.3 PSD that is about to turn 247k, and it still runs perfect. I'd say you found a keeper.