1999–2003 FORD SUPER DUTY F-250 AND F-350 7.3L POWER STROKE

Along with the new Super Duty badge, the heavy-duty Fords also came with a new body style and more power. The Navistar T444E was souped-up a bit and received an air-to-air intercooler in 1999, among other things.

Initially, all versions of the T444E received the same power output. However, by 2001, the diesel “wars” were in full effect, and Ford had increased power output of the manual-transmission trucks to 275 hp, while the automatics received only 250 hp. Engine power had exceeded transmission reliability. So, anyone looking to pull a significant increase in power from these auto-equipped trucks should be looking at a transmission upgrade as well.

Ultimately, the 7.3L Power Stroke failed to meet increasingly strict federal emissions standards, and it was retired after the 2003 model year and replaced with the notoriously problematic 6.0L Power Stroke.

The 4x4 F-250’s twin-traction beam suspension was replaced. All 1999-to-2003 Super Duty 4x4 chassis feature simple and durable solid axles and leaf springs front and rear, making them the perfect candidates for work or play. The unit bearings in the front end can be problematic in some large-tire applications, but there are several aftermarket companies that offer traditional spindles, wheel bearings and hubs as an upgrade. Lift kits of every size are available, because this was once an extremely popular truck to lift. In some areas, you were more likely to see a lifted Super Duty than a stock one.

ENGINE: NAVISTAR T444E 7.3L V-8

ASPIRATION: DIRECT-INJECTED, INTERCOOLED SINGLE TURBO

OUTPUT:1999–2000: 235 HP @2,600 RPM, 500 LB-FT @1,600 RPM 2001–2003 (AUTOMATIC): 250 HP @2,700 RPM, 525 LB-FT @1,600 RPM 2001–2003 (MANUAL): 275 HP @2,700 RPM, 525 LB-FT @1,600 RPM