7.3 Tremor best outdoorsman rig?

[Jussadoode]

So I don’t see this discussion come up a lot however if you were building the “ultimate” truck for someone who spends their life hunting/fishing/offroad; how would you option it? I’ve been trying to decide and this is what I’ve come up with.

XLT Trim- All the additional comforts of the higher trims only add weight and reduce reliability. Halogens are easy to replace, they produce heat reducing ice buildup in the cold and Baja designs kits exist for a reason.

Tremor Package- I plan on a Carli pin top so the lift isn't the star here. What does shine is the fact that the tremor includes the sterling 11.6 rear axle, 4.30 gears, front lockers and TTA. The other goodies like running boards, valence, and vents are nice but easy to add to a non tremor.

Engine- 7.3 gas. I don’t want this to be a debate between gas and diesel. We all know the 6.7 is ungodly powerful. But the 7.3 is a lot more simple. No turbos or EGR to randomly leave you stranded or in limp mode with a fresh kill in the bed. Also as mentioned above the gas and diesel tremors are essentially the same truck (10 speeds, sterling axles, linkage, frame, ect.). If this truck was built to withstand the abuse of a 1200 lb-ft TQ HO 6.7 then they are completely overbuilt for the less torquey 7.3 only adding to the reliability factor. Not to mention the advantages of a front end weighing 800lbs less in snow/mud.

Add ons- factory winch, GFC Topper (no RTT), Baja fogs and likable lightbar kit, Carli pintop, 37” Falken RTs, fold up sleeping platform in bed.

Now I feel like I have to mention, if I had asked what truck to pick to tow around the country and be a highway cruiser it would without a doubt be a higher trim CCLB with the 6.7 HO. There’s a purpose for everything and I’m talking about a specific use here. The only towing would be a goose trailer, sled trailer, or atvs.

I think Ram was onto something with the power wagon offering. It’s a light 3/4ton Offroad beast but the heavy Cummins would make its suspension impossible. A setup like this would essentially be fords power wagon but with higher payload, more power, better suspension, and overbuilt.

 

[MSparks909]

I ordered my truck with that same philosophy in mind. Only differences are I went boujee on the trim but my truck pulls double duty as an outdoorsman truck and as my luxury daily driver. So I have a Platinum trim but with vinyl floors, much easier to clean out than carpet. Throw waders in the back seat, blind bags, etc. Then a quick wipe down/vacuum and the truck is clean again. The 7.3 is noticeably lighter up front than my old 6.7 truck was off road. Way less likely to bog the front end on the powerlines on my hunting club. My 7.3 is stealthy quiet with the factory exhaust, which is nice when spotlighting or sneaking into the hunting club at 5AM. Went with the Warn winch too which I think is a must have option if you spend any time solo exploring in the outdoors.

 

[HeavyAssault]

All the additional comforts of the higher trims only add weight and reduce reliability.

Let's see your math. I doubt it's anything so significant to make any real world differences.

No turbos or EGR to randomly leave you stranded or in limp mode with a fresh kill in the bed.

Please......show me all the 6.7L trucks you pass everyday that are broke down on the side of the road. It happens...yes....NOT as often as one would think.

To answer your question :
> 7.3L rigged truck would be nice. It would save some weight, could make life a little simpler. Gassers do have issues as well. I was really hoping the Godzilla motor would be built like a tank.
> Trim level is on the owner...buy what you want. Given Ford has removed all the "standard" features from the King Ranch and lower trims one needs to REALLY think about what to trim to buy.
> Add-ons make the truck to fit the owner. Seems like a taller truck with bigger tires adds mucho weight. Might need a little more TQ. Maybe a trade off of add-ons to save weight ....maybe 35's instead of the peer pressure 37's.

I do wish Ford made/used interior parts/panels that had a BIT more rugged material. I hate the fact that you can rub into the door panels marks with very little effort. I've seen the vinyl floor Ford used. Some trucks have a great looking floor, some look horrible with the fitment. I'd love to spend some decent money on an aftermarket application with a tad thicker material with improved sound deading.

 

[Explorerinil]

I think you’re on the right track with an XLT 7.3 tremor. I built an AEV ram 3500 cummins truck in 16. I ran 37’s with 4:30 gears and traveled hunting and fishing… allot. I also pulled my boat across Canada loaded with gear. When the tremor package came out, I bought a 21, left it stock. I went everywhere I did in my ram on 37’s. Personally I now prefer the stock 35’s. Lower rolling resistance, a spare tire in the stock location, less weight, etc. now I know you can get a 37 to fit in the stock spare tire location on the new trucks. Try it stock, this truck is extremely capable.

 

[TX03RUBI]

Sounds like my truck lol instead of Pintops I’m running Carli hardware and springs with Fox 2.5 DSCs though. The Pin Tops were a little too firm for my usage. The Fox 2.5s are a little pricier, but worth it IMO.

 

[TX03RUBI]

I ordered my truck with that same philosophy in mind. Only differences are I went boujee on the trim but my truck pulls double duty as an outdoorsman truck and as my luxury daily driver. So I have a Platinum trim but with vinyl floors, much easier to clean out than carpet. Throw waders in the back seat, blind bags, etc. Then a quick wipe down/vacuum and the truck is clean again. The 7.3 is noticeably lighter up front than my old 6.7 truck was off road. Way less likely to bog the front end on the powerlines on my hunting club. My 7.3 is stealthy quiet with the factory exhaust, which is nice when spotlighting or sneaking into the hunting club at 5AM. Went with the Warn winch too which I think is a must have option if you spend any time solo exploring in the outdoors.

Carpet delete is the only way to go. I’m only running a Lariat, but I won’t order another truck without carpet delete regardless if it’s boujee or stripped down. I also ordered the 7.3 to hunt out of. I do (or did anyways) a lot of varmint hunting out of a high rack, and my deleted and straight piped 6.7 just wasn’t the truck to take. The 7.3 is a lot nicer in that department for sure. Kids changed my usage though, and rarely have time for all night or 24 hour Varmint contest anymore though. So installed a camper, and now it’s something we can all enjoy. High rack is out of the question anymore though.

 

[Jussadoode]

I think you’re on the right track with an XLT 7.3 tremor. I built an AEV ram 3500 cummins truck in 16. I ran 37’s with 4:30 gears and traveled hunting and fishing… allot. I also pulled my boat across Canada loaded with gear. When the tremor package came out, I bought a 21, left it stock. I went everywhere I did in my ram on 37’s. Personally I now prefer the stock 35’s. Lower rolling resistance, a spare tire in the stock location, less weight, etc. now I know you can get a 37 to fit in the stock spare tire location on the new trucks. Try it stock, this truck is extremely capable.View attachment 178431

Slick ride brotha!

 

[TRAMPER]

When I did order my truck with almost the exact same useage intent in mind here is what I did.

XLT Sport/ Premium packages.
7.3L Godzilla
Wheel well liners front and rear
Upfitter switches
410A dual alternator/ dual battery
Bedliners
Seat center console
CARPET DELETE!!


That’s it. Window sticker was just a notch over $70k.

Like you I wanted gas for the weight savings over the front axle and let’s be honest you can do a LOT of things with the $12k savings.

Since mine is for camping/ fishing not hunting I went with a truck camper but if I was (still) a hardcore big game hunter I’d do a pop up cap/ camper so I could have a freezer in the back to keep an Elk or Moose cold.

I had a GFC on a previous truck and it would have worked well, my main travel buddy had an OVRLND camper and his would work extremely well.

I had HD Rams in the past that I used for moose hunts and ran a Fiberglass cap that offered plenty of storage and carrying space for moose (killed a few). But the downside was no place to sleep so we used hotels. I would definitely prefer to have a pop up to sleep in with all the storage space below.

Since I mainly just fly fish now I don’t need space for nearly as much as I used to.

Tremor is an excellent platform and I’d tell you to skip the fancy suspension at least for a while. I’m running 37’s on factory underpinnings with no issue even with quite a bit of offroad travel.

I think you could easily build your dream rig with a mostly stock vehicle. Mine has 15k miles on it already and all of them are on trips/ vacations around the US.

 

[Jussadoode]

Let's see your math. I doubt it's anything so significant to make any real world differences.



Please......show me all the 6.7L trucks you pass everyday that are broke down on the side of the road. It happens...yes....NOT as often as one would think.

To answer your question :
> 7.3L rigged truck would be nice. It would save some weight, could make life a little simpler. Gassers do have issues as well. I was really hoping the Godzilla motor would be built like a tank.
> Trim level is on the owner...buy what you want. Given Ford has removed all the "standard" features from the King Ranch and lower trims one needs to REALLY think about what to trim to buy.
> Add-ons make the truck to fit the owner. Seems like a taller truck with bigger tires adds mucho weight. Might need a little more TQ. Maybe a trade off of add-ons to save weight ....maybe 35's instead of the peer pressure 37's.

I do wish Ford made/used interior parts/panels that had a BIT more rugged material. I hate the fact that you can rub into the door panels marks with very little effort. I've seen the vinyl floor Ford used. Some trucks have a great looking floor, some look horrible with the fitment. I'd love to spend some decent money on an aftermarket application with a tad thicker material with improved sound deading.

Interesting thoughts.

You’re right I don’t see or claim to see 6.7s or any diesel for that matter broke down everyday. It’s nonsense to think it’s common for any new trucks nowadays. But when you add stuff like turbo and egr it adds unpredictability, for that same reason people go 5.0 Instead eco boost. Sure a big gasser can develop a whole world of issues but the typical cam/lifter issues tend to develop slower. That lifter tick will still comfortably get you home with your prized moose and once the meats in the freezer you can bring the truck to ford. You go in limp mode 30 miles into the backcountry it could ruin a once in a lifetime hunt.

“Peer pressure” 37s may not be a necessity however the weight is 15-20lbs per tire most dudes can cut that extra 60-80lbs from their waist lol. And a full Carli kit can actually reduce weight while not adding much height to a tremor. What you do get is 2 more inches of clearance at the axle with no rub from the tires.

I based the trim/weight off of member posted door stickers. With a quick search you can easily see differences of around 1500lbs.

 

[Jussadoode]

Carpet delete is the only way to go. I’m only running a Lariat, but I won’t order another truck without carpet delete regardless if it’s boujee or stripped down. I also ordered the 7.3 to hunt out of. I do (or did anyways) a lot of varmint hunting out of a high rack, and my deleted and straight piped 6.7 just wasn’t the truck to take. The 7.3 is a lot nicer in that department for sure. Kids changed my usage though, and rarely have time for all night or 24 hour Varmint contest anymore though. So installed a camper, and now it’s something we can all enjoy. High rack is out of the question anymore though.

My old rig had the delete and I loved it! I will say after going back to carpet; that added insulation makes a difference on the feet

 

[Jussadoode]

View attachment 178444
When I did order my truck with almost the exact same useage intent in mind here is what I did.

XLT Sport/ Premium packages.
7.3L Godzilla
Wheel well liners front and rear
Upfitter switches
410A dual alternator/ dual battery
Bedliners
Seat center console
CARPET DELETE!!


That’s it. Window sticker was just a notch over $70k.

Like you I wanted gas for the weight savings over the front axle and let’s be honest you can do a LOT of things with the $12k savings.

Since mine is for camping/ fishing not hunting I went with a truck camper but if I was (still) a hardcore big game hunter I’d do a pop up cap/ camper so I could have a freezer in the back to keep an Elk or Moose cold.

I had a GFC on a previous truck and it would have worked well, my main travel buddy had an OVRLND camper and his would work extremely well.

I had HD Rams in the past that I used for moose hunts and ran a Fiberglass cap that offered plenty of storage and carrying space for moose (killed a few). But the downside was no place to sleep so we used hotels. I would definitely prefer to have a pop up to sleep in with all the storage space below.

Since I mainly just fly fish now I don’t need space for nearly as much as I used to.

Tremor is an excellent platform and I’d tell you to skip the fancy suspension at least for a while. I’m running 37’s on factory underpinnings with no issue even with quite a bit of offroad travel.

I think you could easily build your dream rig with a mostly stock vehicle. Mine has 15k miles on it already and all of them are on trips/ vacations around the US.

Man what a sick setup! I’m sure it’s killer for what you do aswell. And you’re right the cost savings is something I never mentioned. A tremor xlt can be had for 63,000. A lot can come from the $17000 step up to a lariat 6.7. Hell that’s a suspension, tires, GFC, and some lights.

 

[Tex_Hunter]

Pretty much what I went for with my current truck. I skipped the Tremor package as I was planning to run a full Carli suspension on it from the start, personal opinion is that the drive modes are a bit gimmicky and the limited slip is a simple low torque bias clutch unit, so I put the $4000 savings towards other functional mods and bought a Tremor valence separately. If I decide I want a front traction aid I will get a torsen/gear based unit like TrueTrac or maybe step up to a selectable locker (havent needed it so far). I settled on a 2021 Lariat 7.3 FX4 with the "Lariat Value" package, upfitter switches and tailgate step as basically the only extra options added. I prefer leather as it's my daily driver and the "value" package adds heated/ventilated seats which I really like as well as power adjustable seats and pedals with memory (use that a lot since I am 6'2" and my wife is 5'0" and also drives the truck a lot). I think those options are all standard on a base Lariat now, but they also force a bunch of other things too which I dont really want/need.

Your point about the halogens is valid, but the factory light output (at least on the 2020-2022's) is borderline a safety issue, maybe the 2023+ halogens are better? You can add as much of the Baja Designs catalogue as you want to but you arent going to be able run that on the highway (at least not legally). So I upgraded my bulbs to a set of Morimoto LED's and added a pair of Baja Designs SAE/Pro lights in my OEM fog pockets. The SAE light fills in a lot of the dark spots in the factory low beam pattern quite nicely so I pretty much leave them on all the time. The Pro combo/driving that I just added is a really nice addition for more light output, but realistically even that is too bright/throws way to much light to use on public roads unless there is zero traffic nearby.

I also wanted the 7.3 for the simplicity, I dont tow frequently, more than adequate power output, and lighter weight over the front axle offroad along with a whole host of other reasons that meant it was the best option for my uses, I think some of the concerns over reliability/maintenance costs on the diesel are a bit overhyped/overplayed, but I never considered the diesel to begin with.

I'm currently running just the suspension and lighting upgrades and slightly oversized tires on my OEM 20" wheels (had some stuff pop up beginning of this year that put some of the additional mods on hold), but future plans over the next year include
- Transfer Flow 58gal tank
- Talon skid plates
- Winch: I snagged a Warn Zeon 12-S with a 40% off discount code someone posted last month that will go in probably the Gorman Tech mount in my OEM bumper
- Rock sliders or just higher clearance side steps: I've been eyeballing the Rocky Road slider/steps recently, price is reasonable/ comparable to other options I've considered, some people on here have questioned the strength as a "true" rock slider, but I dont need a full on hardcore setup where I could lay the truck over on them or drop the truck off a ledge onto a boulder and I like that they go wheel to wheel with a functional step surface, may just try and find a pair of Tremor/Raptor steps locally though
- 305/70r18 or 315/70r18 tires on aftermarket wheels, I ran 37's for a while back when I had the suspension done, may still go back to those, but thinking of going a little simpler with something that allows me to keep a fullsize spare under the OEM hitch
- More lights

Long term I want to add a go-fast camper (or comparable) to completely round out the "do it all/ go anywhere" setup.

 

[ShockGobble]

OP, for the record the Tremor doesn’t have a selectable front locker. It’s a limited slip. Much better than an open diff but it’s not a true locker. You could get a non tremor and use your savings to get an actual locker if you wanted to.

 

[BettyWhite]

So I don’t see this discussion come up a lot however if you were building the “ultimate” truck for someone who spends their life hunting/fishing/offroad; how would you option it? I’ve been trying to decide and this is what I’ve come up with.

XLT Trim- All the additional comforts of the higher trims only add weight and reduce reliability. Halogens are easy to replace, they produce heat reducing ice buildup in the cold and Baja designs kits exist for a reason.

Tremor Package- I plan on a Carli pin top so the lift isn't the star here. What does shine is the fact that the tremor includes the sterling 11.6 rear axle, 4.30 gears, front lockers and TTA. The other goodies like running boards, valence, and vents are nice but easy to add to a non tremor.

Engine- 7.3 gas. I don’t want this to be a debate between gas and diesel. We all know the 6.7 is ungodly powerful. But the 7.3 is a lot more simple. No turbos or EGR to randomly leave you stranded or in limp mode with a fresh kill in the bed. Also as mentioned above the gas and diesel tremors are essentially the same truck (10 speeds, sterling axles, linkage, frame, ect.). If this truck was built to withstand the abuse of a 1200 lb-ft TQ HO 6.7 then they are completely overbuilt for the less torquey 7.3 only adding to the reliability factor. Not to mention the advantages of a front end weighing 800lbs less in snow/mud.

Add ons- factory winch, GFC Topper (no RTT), Baja fogs and likable lightbar kit, Carli pintop, 37” Falken RTs, fold up sleeping platform in bed.

Now I feel like I have to mention, if I had asked what truck to pick to tow around the country and be a highway cruiser it would without a doubt be a higher trim CCLB with the 6.7 HO. There’s a purpose for everything and I’m talking about a specific use here. The only towing would be a goose trailer, sled trailer, or atvs.

I think Ram was onto something with the power wagon offering. It’s a light 3/4ton Offroad beast but the heavy Cummins would make its suspension impossible. A setup like this would essentially be fords power wagon but with higher payload, more power, better suspension, and overbuilt.

I would just recommend lariat trim for leather seats as they are easier to clean than cloth imo

 

[Jussadoode]

Pretty much what I went for with my current truck. I skipped the Tremor package as I was planning to run a full Carli suspension on it from the start, personal opinion is that the drive modes are a bit gimmicky and the limited slip is a simple low torque bias clutch unit, so I put the $4000 savings towards other functional mods and bought a Tremor valence separately. If I decide I want a front traction aid I will get a torsen/gear based unit like TrueTrac or maybe step up to a selectable locker (havent needed it so far). I settled on a 2021 Lariat 7.3 FX4 with the "Lariat Value" package, upfitter switches and tailgate step as basically the only extra options added. I prefer leather as it's my daily driver and the "value" package adds heated/ventilated seats which I really like as well as power adjustable seats and pedals with memory (use that a lot since I am 6'2" and my wife is 5'0" and also drives the truck a lot). I think those options are all standard on a base Lariat now, but they also force a bunch of other things too which I dont really want/need.

Your point about the halogens is valid, but the factory light output (at least on the 2020-2022's) is borderline a safety issue, maybe the 2023+ halogens are better? You can add as much of the Baja Designs catalogue as you want to but you arent going to be able run that on the highway (at least not legally). So I upgraded my bulbs to a set of Morimoto LED's and added a pair of Baja Designs SAE/Pro lights in my OEM fog pockets. The SAE light fills in a lot of the dark spots in the factory low beam pattern quite nicely so I pretty much leave them on all the time. The Pro combo/driving that I just added is a really nice addition for more light output, but realistically even that is too bright/throws way to much light to use on public roads unless there is zero traffic nearby.

I also wanted the 7.3 for the simplicity, I dont tow frequently, more than adequate power output, and lighter weight over the front axle offroad along with a whole host of other reasons that meant it was the best option for my uses, I think some of the concerns over reliability/maintenance costs on the diesel are a bit overhyped/overplayed, but I never considered the diesel to begin with.

I'm currently running just the suspension and lighting upgrades and slightly oversized tires on my OEM 20" wheels (had some stuff pop up beginning of this year that put some of the additional mods on hold), but future plans over the next year include
- Transfer Flow 58gal tank
- Talon skid plates
- Winch: I snagged a Warn Zeon 12-S with a 40% off discount code someone posted last month that will go in probably the Gorman Tech mount in my OEM bumper
- Rock sliders or just higher clearance side steps: I've been eyeballing the Rocky Road slider/steps recently, price is reasonable/ comparable to other options I've considered, some people on here have questioned the strength as a "true" rock slider, but I dont need a full on hardcore setup where I could lay the truck over on them or drop the truck off a ledge onto a boulder and I like that they go wheel to wheel with a functional step surface, may just try and find a pair of Tremor/Raptor steps locally though
- 305/70r18 or 315/70r18 tires on aftermarket wheels, I ran 37's for a while back when I had the suspension done, may still go back to those, but thinking of going a little simpler with something that allows me to keep a fullsize spare under the OEM hitch
- More lights

Long term I want to add a go-fast camper (or comparable) to completely round out the "do it all/ go anywhere" setup.

Sounds like a solid setup and you’re 100% correct the factory lights are dogspit but the Baja fogs really help out

 

[Jussadoode]

OP, for the record the Tremor doesn’t have a selectable front locker. It’s a limited slip. Much better than an open diff but it’s not a true locker. You could get a non tremor and use your savings to get an actual locker if you wanted to.

True but what about the options required for the axles/4.30

 

[ShockGobble]

True but what about the options required for the axles/4.30

I guess you need to figure out and prioritize what is important to have for you. I just wanted to point out that there isn't a front locker and if you were going to re-do the suspension anyways you may not want to pay for the tremor add ons. But if you really want the axle, the limited slip and the different drive modes then the Tremor package is important. I got a Tremor even though I knew from day 1 I was going to install a Carli kit for the very reasons you've cited. I did go diesel though since my priorities are different than yours.

 

[Tex_Hunter]

True but what about the options required for the axles/4.30

You can select the 4.30 gears on a non-Tremor truck (if you select FX4 already, then it wont even cost extra to do so), but it will probably be hard to find one spec'd that way if you're just shopping dealer inventory.

Unless you are going with 37's and a heavy camper though it's not really needed and will come at the expense of highway mileage if you plan to do a lot of on-road miles with it.

People will argue personal opinions all day long on this topic, but if you actually look at objective data for the transmission ratios and how they translate to engine RPM and where the engine actually makes power (and where it runs the most efficiently when not under load), 4.30 gears are way lower than needed on these trucks except for in limited/fringe cases.

 

[Whaler27]

I would just recommend lariat trim for leather seats as they are easier to clean than cloth imo

I agree, except the 2025 lariats no longer get leather. Frustrating.

I miss the good old days when lariat was the top trim level and the rest of the options could be selected individually.

 

[BettyWhite]

I agree, except the 2025 lariats no longer get leather. Frustrating.

I miss the good old days when lariat was the top trim level and the rest of the options could be selected individually.

Wow I didn’t know that! Crazy no leather
I bet it’s due to poor sales on upper trim levels. You can option a lariat to basically a platinum the way it was and pay a lot less. So now you have to go king ranch at a minimum to get leather?