2001 F350

[sdgwynn]

My F350 has the 7.3 diesel. I have 120K on it at this time. What is the life of these trucks pulling fifth wheel rigs?

[bsmeaton]

I ended up loosing the transmission way before the engine had any issues. Tansmission $4K cheap. Ours went at 55,000 miles but that may be the exception rather than the rule.

[ronstan]

The transmission will probably go before the engine. I just traded in a 2001 with 93000 miles. It still ran good.

[jim n deb]

I was told when they build the 6 liter that the engine and transmission were build to go 250,000 miles. the friends that I had that had the 7.3 all put transmissons in them at around 100,000 miles. Most of them were pulling horse tralier with living quarters and two or three horses.

[Waynem]

Most of us, not me as I learned a long time ago, never think about changing the transmission fluid. When I say change, I mean flush by a good transmission place. Pull the pan, drain all the fluid, check the clutches, change the filter, and visual inspection. Then, replace with new fluid. I do it every 25000 miles after learning the hard way. Since I bought the present 2005 used, with 64000 miles on it, and did not know the history, at 75000 about a month ago I did what I say I did. I also check the transmission dip stick for proper level. I Noticed an improvement in shifting after the flush. My personal opinion is that with proper maintenance the transmission should last as long, if not longer than the engine. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[bsmeaton]

I hope this one lasts 250,000 Jim! The Service Manager says this Torqueshift is about twice as expensive as the 2001.

Wayne - very good - do exactly what the nice transmission shop tells you. BTW, did they mention they are only changing 20% of the fluid if they don't pump the torque converter.

[Cyrus]

I have 61,000 on my 2005 and have done the 30K mile services I include the transmission. The transmission shifts like new after the service, you can tell the difference even when not towing. I guess in the long run the cost of service is cheaper then a big bill if/when you have to replace the transmission?

[Waynem]

For the torque converter, have them drill a hole in it to drain the fluid. Then thread the hole and plug it with a threaded metal plug. Cost a lot less the next time you have it drained. All they have to do is back out the plug and wait.

By the way, there are methods of flushing systems that do not requrire the removal of the transmission pan. However, if that methoed is used you do not have the benefit of changing the filter or inspecting the clutches. Not an advised method unless you vehicle does not have a filter. (Honda for example)

[Craig A]

Mine has 174000 and I still pull on weekends. Have religiously had the transmission power flushed at least every 40,000 miles. Change the engine oil every 3,500-5,000 with rotella 15w40. Still runs and tows great. I plan on 400,000 to 500,000 out of it with hopefully only 1 transmission rebuild. First mechanical failure hit me last week while on the way to Valdosta, GA. The alternator went out. Got it replaced with a rebuilt 140A for $300. Love the truck.
Probably will buy my son's 05 F150 XL with a 4.2 six cylinder before too long to keep some of the miles off of mine.

[HughM]

My 97 7.3 F350 had 78,400 miles on it when the alternator went out and 86,800 on it when the transmission went out. Of that 86,000 miles probably 40,000 was towing a 36 ft 5th wheel.
It doesn't do much good to change the transmission fluid and leave old fluid in the torque converter.
I'll agree with ronstan...the transmission will go before the engine.

[DonandJudy_12]

We have 240000 on a 1995 7.3- have replaced alternators, regulators, batteries after 5 years (normal maintenance)- Glow plugs caused by regulator failure- Ignition wiring harness- Water pump- Starter- Transmission at 110000- STILL ADD NO OIL BETWEEN CHANGES while towing up to 20000 miles a year and solo driving 10000 additional miles- I hope to keep "DUSTY" for another 5 years- Obviously, I am a very proud Ford owner-operator- Don