I'm just "considering" an upgrade to a 2012 6.7L after the new year. I love my 7.3L but the 1999 body is just getting tired and the stay awake steering is getting old.

What are the big differences assuming crew cab to crew cab?

I get 18 mpg. The 6.7's appear to get almost 20mpg?
Been reading about the power, the 6.7 sounds like a real puller.

Anyone else been in my situation and made the swap?

 

I never drove the 7.3 but had friends with them. The 6.7 mpg's will settle between 15-17 in town and 19-20 on the highway unloaded. It does have tremendous pull starting at 1,500 rpm's so much so that I swear I'm driving a sports car if I lay on the gas. The rear seats on these are also pretty comfy when compared to the older ones. The truck is very civil and easy to drive, this by far has been my best truck purchase IMO. I also got 10k less than list and some "discounts" beyond that. They are dealing right now just find a dealer with an excess of trucks like I did and don't forget to post the results or no one will believe you.

 

I didn't go from a 7.3 to my 6.7. There were a few trucks in between. I loved my 7.3 and wish like heck I was in a financial position to buy it from my employer when he traded it for my 6.0L, but I wasn't. My 7.3 never gave me any trouble and ran like a beast...literally. It had tons of smoke, made decent torque and was reliable. It wasn't the prettiest thing on the block or the nicest riding truck, but it always got the job done.

The 6.7 is a everything my 7.3 was and MORE in terms of power, handling and ride. The quality of ride is night and day...the 6.7 rides so much nicer. Reliability remains to be seen. I had 155k on my 7.3 when they traded it in. I have 44k on my 6.7. I love my 6.7 and encourage you to test drive one.

 

Difference.

Bigger brakes. You won't be having to turn or replace disk and pads as often

Turning Radius, Ford changed the front end suspension in 2005, The 2012 long bed will turn as sharp as your 2000 short bed. Just a better turning radius.

Amenities. The newer the truck the more features they include. The trailer mirrors are far better than what you had. Power fold and power extend. Heated & Cooled seats in the Lariat and above models. Bluetooth, usb integration with the radio system. Rear window defrost. Lot more cubby and pockets to store stuff in. Better drink holders. More power outlets and broader selection of power, ( cigarette lighter, usb, 110v)

Power train, 400hp vs 235hp. 6 speed tranny vs 4 speed. ELD differential vs limited slip. Much Much quieter, Better fuel mileage.

Disadvantages,
the 7.3L came with 16" tires on most trucks, The news ones will probably have 18" or 20" so the cost of replacement tires is higher.

 

I go visit my mom, she has a 02 F250 with the 7.3, and a cadillac STS
we take my truck because hands down its more comfortable and much more pleasureable to drive over both her rigs INCLUDING the caddi.

 

I think the biggest difference is the general feel, going from 2002 to 2012 everything feels different.

I suspect that you will enjoy it very much.

Note that the 6.7 needs a little more pampering than the 7.3 trucks though.

 

You cant beat the 7.3

 

The 7.3's blow up making the power the 6.7's do stock.....

 

Or do you mean "all around"?



I would bet money on a 7.3 costing less per mile to keep on the road, thats for sure.

 

I still have my 7.3 and I always will because of sentimental reasons and the fact that it's just great.

That being said, my 6.7 is my favorite truck ever in the history of the universe. You can't name a single truck I would trade it for. Lightning, Denali, Ivan Stewart's Baja rig, a new Peterbilt, none of them would make me happier than this 6.7.

 

I have both. A 2000 7.3 with 300,000 kms and a 2011 with 75,000 kms.

The 6.7 is a better truck all around. There is no comparison.

--
Gordon

 

Power, towing capacity, braking, ride quality and interior comfort are great on the new truck. A bit hard on the pocketbook though.

 

I had a 2000 7.3 and did upgrade I really liked my 7.3 ,all I can say if your not ready don't test drive it yet ,once I drove it I had to have it, would have traded the kids in on it!, and I'm very pleased with it mine gets about same mpg as the 7.3 did but almost twice the power,has a lot more bells and whistles also not sure if that's a good thing yet but does make it very comfy to drive!

 

Friend has a 1999 7.3 w/ 354,000mi and a 2011 6.7 w/ 68,000 - both F-350's. I have ridden in and driven both. The 99's chassis is starting to get a bit tired but the 7.3 is still running strong. The 2011 is a great truck that has been mostly trouble free for him so far. Quiet, powerful, comfortable(The seats to me are big improvement IMO), and great control. The 6r140 is a great transmission especially when towing. Even with 3.31 gears, towing at near max capacity is almost too easy.

The 6.7 has proven to be a great motor so far. He's even ordered an identical 2013 to trade the 2011 on before the end of they year (tax purposes).

 

I've had both, plus an interim 2008. All crew cabs; the 7.3 was a dually and my first truck. Loved it, and definitely a beast (but a friendly one). The '08 was a short bed single rear wheels, and I liked it but only kept it to 29,000 miles. Current (2012) is also single rear wheels but a long bed and the best of the bunch.
I think you will find the 6.7 to be much more civilized in terms of NVH and emissions (no flames please), and somewhat better in terms of fuel usage. I expect maintenance to be more expensive and repair especially so, but have not had any problems with any of the trucks.