I currently own a 2001 F-150 SuperCrew, 5.4 lt, ~168k. I am in the market for a F-250 or F-350 (used, can't afford new). I'm being told get a 7.3 because the 6.0 and 6.4 are "junk". I'm having a hard time understanding why the 7.3, an obsolete platform, is still more preferable than the newer platforms. My biggest factor is MPG's, because it will be my daily driver and I commute ~ 30 miles one way. I will be pulling a 30ft travel trailer and help haul peanut trailers in the fall. I do need a crew cab for room for my 3 boys. Thank you in advance for your comments/suggestions.

 

OK first off the 6.0 and 6.4 are not Junk! The problem with them is the cost of repair. The 6.0 is more sensitive, but after a one time investment in the needed upgrades of the week links it is very reliable and dependible. The 7.3 is a very dependible motor, and is just as likely to have the same type of failures as the newer motors. The majority of problems lie in the Emissions systems added after the 7.3, but also in high pressure fuel pumps, and oil pump failures that send shrapnel throughout the rest of the system.

Anyway, if money is an issue for you and you cant do an new vechicle with warranty, I would urge you to look at the gas options... good luck!

 

Oh ya, I drive 40 miles each way to work and with 35" tires and stock gears in the rear's and no tune. 6.4 PSD, i get 16 mpg average mixed city/rural

 

I wouldnt be scared of the 6.0's or the 6.4's. The important thing to remeber is that the newer diesels need maintence and lots of it, and if you have to pay some one its very costly.

As far as the 7.3 being superior, well everyone has there opinions on that and its not a debate I want to start. I will say that this is my second 6.0, I am very pleased, my 04 was a problem child and was bought back.

Run an OASIS report on ANY truck you get cause believe it or not there are 7.3's that have there fair share of issues as well. I am not familiar with the 6.4's but there are many folks on here that have them, love them, and have lots of miles on them. I would say look in the range of the 05-07 6.0's, most issues were gone by then, if a 6.4 is what you want look t a Job 2 08 and up.

If you dont need a diesel try finding a V-10, and dont look for any 8k truck to be good on fuel. Yes the 6.7's are better than the previous diesels but you said you couldnt afford a new truck.

The 6.0's will generally do better on fuel than a 6.4. Some things to keep in mind are 15 qt. oil changes, there are 2 fuel filters (not on the 7.3), the mod bug will cost you big time. I personally think the 05-07 SD had the best look to them, but the interiors on the 08-up are real nice.

If you do decide to get a V-10, I would say stick with the 05-10 model as you will get a 3 valve and a torque shift tranny if you go auto.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Sarge

 

The biggest issue here is emissions. The 6.0 and all newer diesels are loaded down with new technologies to reduce emissions, and the result is weak points on the engine. There is a lot to be said for the 6.0 over the 6.4 because of the lesser emissions equipment. And a lot to be said for the 7.3 over the 6.0 for the same reason. The 7.3 was just a great engine, no EGR, and good fuel mileage. The last of its kind, and we won't ever see it again. So if you can find one with reasonably low mileage, jump on it. But make no mistake, owning a diesel is expensive. Any of them in a Ford.

The V-10 would be less expensive to maintain/repair than a diesel. But the V-10 is a heavy drinker. That 60 miles/day would be an argument in favor of a 7.3, or even a 6.0 if you can find a good one.

 

Why not look at a 3v 5.4L engine? Coupled with the 5R110W transmission, I think the combination will surprise you.

 

Wow. Thanks for all the input.

My thought process in moving to a diesel is mainly longevity. My thoughts were I could move up from a gas F-150 to a diesel F-250/350 and not give up any MPG (and possibly gaining a little) all the while increasing my towing/hauling capacity and gaining longevity. I say all that when my 150 has ~168k and the only thing I've had to do is replace the coil packs. So maybe I'm overreaching here. Nothing wrong with my 150. It can pull the camper no problem and can get the peanut trailers hauled in (all though not near as well as a 3/4ton / 1ton). I probably such just drive my 150 until it can't go anymore or I find a helluva deal on a diesel or 60k falls into my lap that I can get a 6.7.

In what little looking I have done, used 7.3's with ~150k are about as much as a 6.0 with about the same mileage. I've got a buddy that just bought a 7.3 4x4 4 door dually with ~209k for @9,500. That seems an awful lot for a truck with over 200k on it.

 

I am asking more than that for my 99 F450 with almost 290k. But my is dumpbed with liftgate and some other improvements.

 

I've got a 2003 6.0L and my dad's got a 2000 7.3L. Based on what I've seen from both trucks over the last 5 years, I would recommend a 7.3 over the 6.0. I average about 15-18 (city-highway) MPG, where my dad gets about 18-20 (city-highway) MPG easily (or better depending on the chip settings). I've been told that if I want to chip my 6.0 that it is recommended that I replace the head bolts before i do so. The 7.3 doesn't require any replacement of the head bolts. Towing would have to go to the 7.3 as well, more power than the 6.0. Another issue I have heard of with the 6.0 is the rear main seal going out and I had to have it replaced on both of my 6.0's (luckily still under warranty). I believe that if you keep up on the scheduled maintenance on any vehicle that it could last you a very long time without major repairs. Hope this helps.

 

Longevity? Properly cared for, the gassers will go several hundred thousand miles. With modern lubricants, metrology, and manufacturing tolerances, the difference in life between gasser and diesel is nothing like it used to be....

If I were in your shoes, I would put another 100K on the existing truck and then look at a used F150 with V6 ecoboost!
GREAT mileage and an even better tow platform than what you have now. True, still not as rock solid as SD, but if you are doing OK with old F150, you would be doing VERY good with newer.