Which Truck?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Which Truck?
I have a very nice 97 F350 Dually that has just turned 100,000 miles. I bought the truck from the original owner about three years ago who is a retired Ford engineer. The truck has been maintained meticulous and is in great condition. I pull a 11,000 lb 5th wheel camper with it and it does a good job. Only thing I have done is installed a DP chip. My problem is I looked at a 2011 the other day. I couldn't believe how much nicer it was as far as creature comforts and wonderfully laid out cabin and so much more comfortable than mine. I have heard all the bad stories about the 6.0. and I will not even consider one of those. But I have also heard how much better and more powerful the 6.7 is with gobs more torque. If I were to start looking for a later model used F350 with the 6.7 , what years are better or worst? Also, what options/equipment should I stay away from? My 97 has auto trans, air, power steering, power windows, tilt, and cruise, dual tanks and that's about it. The previous owner installed heavy duty rear air shocks with onboard compressor. Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Let me put it this way, if something breaks on a 7.3 it may take a couple hundred dollars to fix, if something breaks on a 6.7 it may take a few thousand dollars to fix.
They are a great engine don't get me wrong, but when it comes to reliability, its very hard to beat a 7.3. Plus who wants that big ole truck payment and insurance payment? Creature comforts nice too, and its got lots of power out of the box, but in my opinion you could take part of what you would spend on a 6.7 and put it towards your 7.3 and end up with a very nice truck that will do what ever you want, and work all day long.
Just my 2 cents, but I think you will find a lot of guys here are bias. lol.
They are a great engine don't get me wrong, but when it comes to reliability, its very hard to beat a 7.3. Plus who wants that big ole truck payment and insurance payment? Creature comforts nice too, and its got lots of power out of the box, but in my opinion you could take part of what you would spend on a 6.7 and put it towards your 7.3 and end up with a very nice truck that will do what ever you want, and work all day long.
Just my 2 cents, but I think you will find a lot of guys here are bias. lol.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
Likes: 77
From: Plankinton, SD
I have nothing against the 6.7, but I was in the machine shop I go to all the time last week and saw a 6.7 head with 3 cracked exhaust valves, and 1 broken exhaust valve. My machinist showed me the broken valve, and its made of at least 2 different materials. The stem is steel, a magnet attaches to it fine. The head is not, the magnet does not stick. The 2 pieces are evidently spun welded together. The cracks are in the head of the valve. The intakes are all steel.
7.3's are about as reliable as can be, but little things can and do creep up on them being almost 20 years old in these trucks. It's up to you.
7.3's are about as reliable as can be, but little things can and do creep up on them being almost 20 years old in these trucks. It's up to you.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
Was the truck in the machine shop a 2011? They seemed to have a lot of valve issues. The new 6.7's are nice. For me though they just don't tickle my fancy. The only suggestion I can make is get the esp. Something as small as a radiator leak will most likely pay for it( if you don't believe me check the 6.7 forum). It doesn't matter what forum you go to they will all be biased to the truck they have. Read the threads and make your decision.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
In the end you just have to evaluate your bank account and decide. For me, I would rather put a couple grand into my interior and upgrade the seats and such than put lots of brands into that newer truck. Sounds like you have an exceptional obs that will serve well for many years. Might be that the grass can't get too much greener...
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
Likes: 77
From: Plankinton, SD
Was the truck in the machine shop a 2011? They seemed to have a lot of valve issues. The new 6.7's are nice. For me though they just don't tickle my fancy. The only suggestion I can make is get the esp. Something as small as a radiator leak will most likely pay for it( if you don't believe me check the 6.7 forum). It doesn't matter what forum you go to they will all be biased to the truck they have. Read the threads and make your decision.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
That's a good reason to stay away from the 2011's. There is a lot of them that have dropped valves.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Thanks Guys. It seems ever one of you are thinking alike. The chances of finding another used truck that has had the care and love of this one is close to zero. I know what you mean about the big ole payments. When I bought this truck I was in a position where I could pay cash for it, which I did. I am no longer in that position and would have to take out a loan for at least part of the money this time if I were to buy a lot newer or possibility new truck. I think I will look into a set of Recardo seats and a really nice Stereo that I will never learn how to operate. {I can barely work the factory radio. Don't understand why you need to be a genus to understand one. I looked at some at Radio Shack and could not believe all of the *****, slides, and levers. This is my first diesel and I'm still learning , I also put a lot of faith in you guys and it seems that all of you would keep the 7.3, so, that's what I'm going to do.
