OK.....I am having trouble with this decision and need some input.

I am considering putting up my 2003 Excursion with 7.3 for trade in exchange for a crew cab dually. Problem is I have seen a few nice duallys but they have the 6.0. Have a couple of my buddies telling me that I would be out of my mind to trade my 7.3 for a 6.0. I don't know a whole lot about the 6.0 and I am particularly concerned about it's longevity. Everyone knows that the 7.3 will run forever if maintained but what about the 6.0?? I am putting this thread on the 7.3 forum and also the 6.0 forum to get both sides of the story. Any thoughts, concerns, recommendations, etc. would be very much appreciated!! Just so you know exactly what I would be trading, here is a little info. on my EX:

2003 Excursion Eddie Bauer 7.3 PSD 4WD
174,500 miles
6637 intake mod
4" SS exhaust from turbo back
Just had all fluids replaced including flush tranny and replace filter
Just had the Warn premium hub conversion done
Brand new water pump
new front pinion seal
new brakes all the way around approx. 10K miles ago
alignment approx. 10K miles ago
front pads replaced under warranty 3 weeks ago; (squealing)
Has rear entertainment system
Alarm with remote start
2nd row captains seats
interior in very good condition except for some stains in carpet here and there
Exterior in very good condition except for some minor scratches and a couple of very small "dings" or "dimples"
There is probably more that I am missing but you get the picture.

Thanks again for your input!

Tom

 

Late production 6.0, heck yeah I'd trade.

Early production, not so much.

Concerns would be, obviously, the EGR and cooler which can be problematic. But 6.0's can still be picked up cheaper than they should because of the reputation, they're quiet, they have good power stock, they have a better automatic transmission, and they have creature comforts you just can't get in a 7.3.

 

The 03s are the ONLY ones not seeing ERG cooler failures. The later models had some small upgrades but they will definately need a new EGR cooler long before the 03. My 03 has 200k on it with not one single problem - other than the ones I caused myself.

 

Yeah..........that's why I was talking about EGR cooler concerns with the late production pickups.

 

No. I would not. I would find a 7.3 dually.

 

I dont see that in your post.

 

Ok, one more time for the slow kids:

What I meant to say was, I wouldn't consider an early 6.0, too many well documented problems with them.

I would consider a late production 6.0, who's main problem is EGR coolers, but come with a lot of creature comforts like coil over front axles that just aren't available in the 7.3's.

Clear enough?

 

Yes, it is now. See how much more clearly you can express yourself when you put the right words in the right order?
Bless your heart.

 

Sorry, I momentarily forgot about how insecure you 6.0 owners are about your pickups. Won't let it happen again.

 

Actually I have a 7.3, a 6.0 and recently had a 6.4.
Not partial to any of them over the other.
But you tried!

 

I am literally having the 6.0 discussion on text right now. I have a buddy that has a 12 valve cummins and his truck has been a POS for most of the last 5 years or so and he is shopping around and asked me about the 6.0's. I said, you can get them cheaper, and if you do an EGR delete and a set of ARP head studs, it is a beast. They have good power stock and a great tranny. If you chip it (programmer) and do an exhaust, the thing is a beast.

 

If you get "mild" tunes that dont produce more than 28 or so psi of boost, the head studs are not needed. EGR delete and get a coolant filter and use only red ELC coolant and its bullet proof. A custom tune writer can make some nice HP for you without making too much boost.

 

I wouldn't

Read and I mean READ all you can about the 6.oh no. Lots of info on the web.

 

Ask Toreador_Diesel. He recently picked up a 6.0 and is getting rid of his 7.3...

 

Cool!

I encouraged my son to buy a 6.0, I think they are an awesome engine as his has proven to be. I'd buy one over a 7.3 if I were shopping. So there's no reason to be all butt hurt, K?