Looking at buying a 92 7.3 IDI how well will it tow?

IDIBRONCO

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Well think your choice of trucks will be good as long as you stick with those guidelines. Especially the last four words. Even if you don't end up with the IDI, you don't have to leave the forum. We're really not that picky here.
 

Cubey

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dont let people tell you any diesel does not need a muffler. a NA diesel needs a muffler just like a gas engine.

I exploded a cheap muffler wide open on a Mopar 360 after the carburetor flooded for some reason and gas got into the muffler. The engine barely had power while driving it to a muffler shop. The new muffler returned it to normal.
 

Eason

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I've towed an IH 856 (over 10,000) with my 1983 6.9 4 spd 3.55 rears and it towed it fine. Total weight about 20,000lbs. I didn't go over 50 mph. Keep in mind it will tow it fine, you just aren't going to get anywhere fast. I'm in eastern NC and it's flat!!! Going up Fancy Gap you will probably be in the truck lane.
 

Macrobb

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N/A performance is... OK. Totally possible to haul 8k, but not fast up hills. Add a turbo and crank the fuel to match, and you'll pull that 8k trailer 65 up a 6% grade.
 

Pork_Chop50

He looks kinda hairy and slobbery to me....
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If you're after a manual 4 door one ton that works well I would advise against anything with the 5.8 or 6.8 v10 with 3 valves per cylinder. The 5.8 is a bit disappointing in terms of power and I haven't seen the 3 valve Fords hold up long term. But the 5.4 with a manual and the right gears surprisingly does well.
 

FordIDIot

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damn sounds like you made a bomb out of it.

my truck has a chamblered muffler. i cant hear the engine or turbo. as soon as i fix this oil leak i can get oil off of everything so i can get a straight thru muffler installed. thought about straight pipe but California doesnt consider a turbo a muffler

I exploded a cheap muffler wide open on a Mopar 360 after the carburetor flooded for some reason and gas got into the muffler. The engine barely had power while driving it to a muffler shop. The new muffler returned it to normal.
 

catbird7

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Realizing I haven't driven one of these for as long as some folks on here. I've been driving an IDI since 2004 and formed the following opinion, many trucks will outrun an IH IDI (with or without a turbo), however there's far fewer capable of outlasting them. They're a simple yet very durable design offering cost effective repair & maintenance + decent fuel mileage. Following the advice and recommendations found on this website, dollar for dollar they're difficult to beat.
 

BrianX128

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I've got a straight six with a 4sp and 3.73 gears 4x4 and a 5 speed with 3.08 gears 4x4. The idi is for sure an upgrade in towing but it's all about the gearing. I can't get anywhere fast in any of them even my 5 speed idi with 4.10 gears but.....

People underestimate the old straight sixes. A 4 speed with no temptation of overdrive to shift into and 4.10 gears if you have a t18 is pretty stout and an idi isn't exactly gonna be totally out classing that. First gear on the t18 with 410s might actually give you better takeoff ability.
 

FordIDIot

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ya ups trucks used the 300... also a f350 could be ordered with a 300, 351, 460, 444 no 302 option

I've got a straight six with a 4sp and 3.73 gears 4x4 and a 5 speed with 3.08 gears 4x4. The idi is for sure an upgrade in towing but it's all about the gearing. I can't get anywhere fast in any of them even my 5 speed idi with 4.10 gears but.....

People underestimate the old straight sixes. A 4 speed with no temptation of overdrive to shift into and 4.10 gears if you have a t18 is pretty stout and an idi isn't exactly gonna be totally out classing that. First gear on the t18 with 410s might actually give you better takeoff ability.
 

Thewespaul

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I fixed a wheel bearing that exploded on one of our chippers on the side of the highway, pulled it back to the shop once I was done. The chipper is 8600lbs dry and I did 65 up a decent grade no problem, just had to drop into 4th and keep the rpms up.
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These trucks na can pull pretty well especially a healthy engine. My truck has some upgrades but also has over 250k miles. If you know how to pull a load and row your gears a NA idi does pretty damn good. If you need more power used turbo kits are cheap.
 

Sidewinded_idi

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I fixed a wheel bearing that exploded on one of our chippers on the side of the highway, pulled it back to the shop once I was done. The chipper is 8600lbs dry and I did 65 up a decent grade no problem, just had to drop into 4th and keep the rpms up.
You must be registered for see images attach


These trucks na can pull pretty well especially a healthy engine. My truck has some upgrades but also has over 250k miles. If you know how to pull a load and row your gears a NA idi does pretty damn good. If you need more power used turbo kits are cheap.
That trucks a beauty!
 

nostrokes

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My 91 auto, turbo and 4.10:1 gears gets up and moves fairly decent with a loaded trailer behind. Doesn't get the greatest MPG, 15 empty is all I can muster, but that's the trade off for good towing ability. Like everyone says a few upgrades and you'll love it, and they are dependable.
 

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