Big dumb red truck.

[TJDave]

Last month I bought a 2001 7.3 F250 XLT CC 4x4 from some very good friends of mine. I've been wanting a newer diesel tow rig for awhile. They have had it since new and took good care of it. It has a new transmission, water pump, and bunch of other work done to it. There's just one big problem...it's way too tall. Some of you might recognize it.




I've ordered all the parts I need to bring it back down to earth, plus a few things I didn't need. I hated the grill and tail lights. So, a modified 05-07 grill went on and stock tail lights.

[TJDave]

The power door locks didn't work. They would click, but not lock or unlock remotely. I read on the webz about a cheap fix using tin foil. What the heck, I'll try it before ordering new actuators.

Pry the actuator apart to get the little motor out. This pic was taken after re-installing the motor. Zip tied back together. They are not made to come apart.


The motor taken out of the actuator. Marked so I put it back together right. Bend the tiny tabs to get it apart. I don't think these were made to come apart either!


This is the little plate inside the motor I wrapped with a small piece of foil.


Put it all back together and......Wow! All the locks work again. Free!

[TJDave]

Next was getting rid of the huge, wide, and bald Toyos. I looked at some new bigger diameter wheels that all the newer trucks are running 18-20". Holy crap they're expensive, so are the tires that fit them. Scratch that idea. Bad enough I had to buy new tires. I went with some 315/75/16 Toyos on the old school wheels. I may get different wheels later, maybe.


A good friend/diesel mechanic/president said I should get rid of the AEM intake and filter. He said to get the Baldwin 6637 filter kit from Riffraff Diesel Performance. So, I did.




That's where I am today, plus a pile of suspension parts to go on. Hopefully next weekend.

[SPR]

Neat information Dave. I'll use the tinfoil trick. Good call on replacing those ugly tail lamps.... I like the factory look for most truck brands.

[TJDave]

Thanks Steve. Can't wait to get it lowered down.

I forgot, The AC only worked when it wanted to. Ice cold, then all of a sudden it would start blowing warm air. After sitting, it would blow cold again for awhile, then back to warm air. The previous owner said it probably needed a new AC compressor. Nope!
More web searching found this air gap fix. I removed 2 washers to fix the gap, and it has been cold AC ever since. I love this kind of stuff.
Check it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-nMDFvSjFk

[SPR]

You Tube can be great.

[Lud]

Good going on the Riff Raff 6637 intake kit. I have the same in my truck. In the future you can replace the filter with either the Napa 6637 filter or the Baldwin Filter or Wix whose part numbers I forgot. Google it.

I love the 05-07 front clips on the 7.3 Superduty trucks. You tube is definitely your friend on all the little stuff.

[TJDave]

Almost done. Would of been done, but I was sent the wrong rear u-bolts. I should of opened the box when it arrived. I ordered rear stock u-bolts, so I could remove the lift block, and they are longer than what is on there now.
2" front springs replaced the 6.5" springs, along with new 2" lift shocks, stock pitman arm, stock trackbar mount, bumpstops, anti swaybar links, new adjustable track bar, etc. It rides much better, and steers better.
Almost a normal tow pig...as soon as I get its butt lowered.

[Grumpy]

Actually looks pretty good like that.

[TJDave]

Actually looks pretty good like that.

Pictures are deceiving. Looks like a cat in heat!
Correct u bolts aquired locally, and long bolts already shipped back for credit.

[TJDave]

This truck is living up to the thread title name.
So, what was going to be a simple rear lift block removal and new u-bolts turned into a OMG and WTF session.
We discovered 3 broken leaves on the existing springs. I ran around for hours on the hunt for rear springs. I scored a set from a 2004 F350 w/only 50k miles. That's the good news. Getting the old springs out was a royal PITA. Bolts and bushings on the rear hanger shackles were fused together. Heat and penetrating oil only produced broken impact sockets.
Many sawzall and grinder blades later, the springs are out.
Now waiting for new shackles and bolts to arrive so I can put the stupid thing back together.

[SPR]

Crazy, I hope you didn't have to do all that cutting while laying on your back and eating sparks.

[Grumpy]

[TJDave]

Done.
2" leveling springs up front, 2004 F350 springs and blocks out back.

I like the way it sits now.

[Roman]

Now ya just need the '03 TYC headlights from Rockauto.

[TJDave]

Now ya just need the '03 TYC headlights from Rockauto.

Yes. Those have been in my shopping cart for awhile.
Need another check in before I hit check out.

[TJDave]

Nothing new here: 04 Chevy towed to shop by 01 Ford.

Now ya just need the '03 TYC headlights from Rockauto.

Yes. Those have been in my shopping cart for awhile.
Need another check in before I hit check out.

And that's done

[Roman]

And they look great in person!

[Lurch]

I saw your truck sitting there with the Trailer. Thought it was yours but it had been a long day.

[TJDave]

More redness installed today. New Leer canopy.

[kindtones]

Wow! Great work on your truck!