Hello All,

I am new to the forum and currently sadly shopping to replace my 7.3l. Don't worry its not like it died on its own, that would never happen, It was taken out by a couple of trees. Long story not gonna get into it.

I am looking for what anyone's opinions would be on the newer motors ford has produced. I hear horror stories about the 5.4's,6.0's, and 6.4's. Not hearing too much on the 6.7's or the 6.8's. I just want something that is as close to as reliable as my 7.3 was. Unfortunately Im not having any luck finding a 7.3 crew cab 4wd.

Any advice on what years of the newer motors ford has produced and the problems they've had I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Those are 2 reliable choices if you want a diesel and can afford a 6.7 I'd suggest that you go 2012 and up. The early 11's had a valve issue that usually ends in motor replacement. It was corrected in late 11 but better safe than sorry. If you go 6.8 they are powerful but thirsty I'm very happy with my v10 05 and up had the 3valve heads and the torqueshift trans which is an awesome unit. You may also want to look at the 6.2 gas in the 2011's and up they are proving to be a great choice too.

 

Thank you Mike.

 

Mike, I am currently looking at a 2008 f350 crew cab lariat 4wd with a 6.8. It has 158k on it. Would you say this motor is similar in life expectancy as the 7.3? I mean I know 158k on the 7.3 was just breaking it in but like i said I am trying to find something similar to that for reliability.

 

Also is there any year of the 5.4 or 6.0 that dont have issues.

 

i see a lotta folks knocking the 5.4 but thats not my experience at all.
my 02 f350 had almost 300k (when i traded up to my current 11f250 6.2) and it ran like a top. no smoke, drips, knocks nothing.
i had a 2000 f 350 5.4 i sold around 250k that ran great. it used a little oil but no oil spots in drive and had plenty of power.

i also have a 99 7.3 so I'm not just a gas defender

 

Any issue except the cam phaser issue on the 3V 5.4L also applies to the 6.8L V-10.

As for the cam phaser, find FordTechMakuloco om YouTube and his revised procedure for replacing the phaser. It isn't difficult.

 

Thank you all for the input. I'm starting to lean in the direction of a 6.2 or 6.7. They seem to be the only ones since the 7.3 to date that haven't had any major issues. I know there are alot of variables to this next question but how many miles on a 6.7 or 6.8 is too many to buy used? When my 7.3 got smashed it had 275k on it and running strong. Does anyone think that the 6.7,6.8, or 6.2 could make it that far? Most of the trucks I am seeing for sale are already well over 100k, just not sure of their longevity.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16672907

 

There is a guy on here with 375k miles on his 6.2 gas truck.

 

Wow, I guess that puts the 6.2 right at the top of the list. Thank you.

 

Without knowing how you intend to use it, nobody can really recommend anything on the gas versus diesel issue. The diesel will almost always get better mileage and have more power but the maintenance costs tend to be more costly. If you are used to the power of a diesel, you may be disappointed somewhat with a gasser depending on what gearing you get. I had a 99 V10 3.73 and it was a slug next to my 06 V10 4.10. I can't justify getting a diesel for my usage, I'm still on the fence if my next one with have 3.73's or 4.30's but it will most certainly be the 6.2.

 

It is going to be an every day driver, but I also need to haul bed loads of fire wood, Lumber. I fortunately don't need to haul the back hoe, dump trailer, or toy box any longer as they are now gone. As everyone knows by now I am buyist towards the 7.3, but it was the only diesel Ive ever owned and loved every minute of it.

 

I am currently researching a few trucks that are available, Not really finding any 6.2 in my price range.

2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat Crew Cab 4WD, 158k, 6.8 - $19,999
2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4x4 Lariat Crew Cab, 155k, 5.4 - $18,200

opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Correction, I think i found one.

2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Crew Cab 4WD, 143k, 6.2 - $18,495

Any Thoughts?