Hey all, I am new to the super duty world, have always owned 150's and the Bronco. But I've been looking to upgrading due to occasional towing heavier loads. Anyway, fast forward, I have found a killer deal on an 08 with the 6.4 and 6sp manual(dude is done trying to figure out his problem). I'm curious as to what would be involved to swap the problematic 6.4 to a 7.3(assuming I can get my hands on one at a decent price). I want to keep the 6sp and no emissions won't be a problem where I live. Everyone I work with has scared me off of the 6.4 but this one has such a great price that I could afford to swap. Just curious what I'm up against so I can try and formulate a price.
p.s. I'm not opposed to swapping to the cummins, but again I'm new to the diesel world. all info is greatly appreciated

UPDATE: So this truck was sold before I could make the 2 hour drive to look at it, but I'm still very interested in info pertaining to motor swaps on the 2008 250. If I find a truck that I like, what would be involved to swap out from the 6.4 diesel or possibility of 5.4 gas to either the 7.3 or cummins 12 valve. I know the cummins would probably be an easier job, but still searching for info. Would I be able to keep a 6sp from the 08 with the other motors? Is it the same transmission for the 5.4 or 6.4 to start with? Will I be able to mate motors up to the transmission, or if not does anyone make an adapter?
I would also like to know are there any tricks to the 6.4? such as bullet-proofing came out for the 6.0.
Also what would be involved in swapping the 08 dash into one of the earlier models.

 

bump, anybody? any info?

 

You'll need a new transmission, or an adaptor. The 7.3L and the Cummins won't bolt directly to the trans that is with the 6.4L.

 

The 5.4 and 6.4 use the same basic transmission but the clutches are different so Tue 5.4 tranny will not hold the diesel torque for long.

When you say heavy loads how much are you talking?

I would he looking for a 5.4 or 6.8 is you want a reasonably priced truck that will handle just about anything you can throw at it. There are a lot of added expenses with doing a swap. You would really need a whole truck so if you are going that route why not just buy a 99-03 7.3 and be done with it. You could always do a 08-10 front end if you like them more

 

As for the 6.4, yes, you can do some mods to help bulletproof it.

Delete the EGR system.
Be careful about where you get your fuel.
Use fuel additive.
Use Motorcraft oil and fuel filters only.
Drain the fuel/water seperator at least once a month.
Change the oil when you're suppose to.

 

Also be aware that if your state has emissions inspections you are most likely legally restricted from installing an older model engine into a newer model vehicle.

 

why not just get one with a V-10.

 

As for emissions...not so much, I'm in TN. As for a front end swap on an older 7.3 I'm definitely not against that, just around here, kids are buying up the old 7.3 doing a lift kit & tuning them to make the black smoke roll( again, emissions...not so much, lol). Which has driven the price of the 7.3 insane. One with 250k is close to the same price as an 08 with 100k. It's mainly the interior of the newer trucks that i really like. I chose an 08 because of the interior change & last year of the straight drive. As for the v10...not a problem but would rather get better fuel economy as it will basically swap weeks as my dd, i wouldn't rule it out but let's be real...after the upcoming election, gas WILL be $5/gallon. But i wouldn't rule it out if there is anything to help it out a little. & as for weight...i pull a trailer to haul 4 wheelers. I'd love to able to haul 4 @ a time & i occasionally haul a car to here to renew & sale. So the v10 would work just fine & maybe the 5.4 but it is rare to find 08 extended cab 4x4 with 6sp in 5.4.

 

What's a straight drive?

 

I'm curious about the straight drive as well. Also if mpg us an issue you won't find it very good in any of the 3 motor choices. Any of them will definitely pull what you need to without an issue.

 

I can vouch for the difficulty of finding a manual transmission behind the V10, in an XLT .
I looked for 3 years before I finally found one.
The V10 mileage is not that different than the diesel , when you figure the price of the fuel, and the related maintenance involved with diesel.

Ill take my 6 quarts and one filter oil change any day, and the price of diesel here is still close to 3.00 a gallon , gas is 2 bucks .

 

keep that v-10 til it dies..I had a 2008 V-10 with 60K miles when I traded it in for a 2010 6.4 with 82K on it, biggest mistake I ever made.

 

I was in the same boat as well when it came to finding a manual transmission(that wasn't a white fleet vehicle). It took me about a year and a half to find what I wanted, but it was worth it to be completely satisfied once I had it.

 

Why would you want to downgrade to a 7.3? Yikes...

 

Uhh... What? What evidence do you have to support this claim?