Hey. I’m swapping out my EPA-riddled 2019 with 15k on it for a early 20k model. Might find a 7.3 but likely a 6.0!!

what areas in particular should I be concerned about on a rig with under 75k on it ?? I will be upgrading a few areas like trans cooler (if needed) and tweaking HP with aftermarket intake exhaust and make sure the turbo is pristine... FYI I’m a apprentice mechanic compared to most of you 🤓. Thanks

 

Have you driven a 20 year old Ford... lately?

After driving around in the 2019, going back to loud noises and leaf springs is a bit like going back to the old girlfriend / boyfriend / spouse.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it is easy to forget all the reasons for breaking up the first time around. Until getting back in that cab again. Then yup, still the same as in the past.

So assuming you've driven an old Ford lately, and still like the ride, and are not just getting rid of the 2019 simply due to the presence of emissions equipment, but rather, due to it's actual failure, not due to any projected fear... then

Why would you go to 6.0L? And not just any 6.0L, but the least reliable, most problematic model year of the 6.0L, which is the introductory 2003.25-2004 era?

If you want to step backward in time, I would suggest a 7.3L, and allocate a few extra minutes per trip, compared to the relative rocket under the hood of the 2019 that you are swapping out of.

Can't say I blame you for making the trade... late model used truck prices are at or above the original MSRP in some communities.

 

Did something similar myself. Went from a '13 F150 Ecoboost to a 6.0. I had previously owned a 6.0 before and learned everything required to maintain one, just had caught the Ecoboost bug. ended up realizing I preferred the heavier duty chassis for what I do and didn't like the risk or cost of the newer 6.7s. Also not a fan of all the gizmos on the new trucks that are just going to be maintenance headaches down the road. The older Superdutys are much simpler.

If you go 6.0, I would shoot for a 05-07. You get the better front suspension, best version of the 6.0 motor, same bullet-proof 5R110 tranny. Even better is a mid-06 to 07 with the commonized heads (yellow dipstick). The 6.0 forum is a great resource for leaning about these engines. They can be made very reliable and are generally much cheaper due to the reputation.

 

I love the old, leaf sprung super dutys. Generally speaking the 7.3s are overpriced though. Unless you're just a diesel guy and there's nothing wrong with that. We all like what we like. I'd consider a 6.8. They can be found for much cheaper than a good, clean 7.3. Just a thought

 

Your EPA-riddled 2019 is superior to any early 2000's model out there, in every way. Power, longevity, everything. And if you don't like the EPA stuff, wait til your warranty is expired and delete it if you don't have inspections.

That said, good luck finding a rig of that era with under 75k on them - it will be a truck that has sat a LOT, or idled a LOT. If it has sat a lot you're going to need to replace almost every rubber component on the truck due to dry rot. If it has idled a lot it will have the equivalent of a couple hundred thousand miles by now. You might be looking at doing a fresh rebuild.

If you get a 7.3 you're likely going to have a decent motor out of the box. If you get a 6.0 there's a good chance it has had at least some work done, so if it's running good you should be okay. If it isn't running good you might as well yank it and get it rebuilt.

I will say that, having had a 2003 and an early 2004 6.0, I don't think they were all that troublesome as long as you stayed on top of the maintenance and did a few preventative measures. My '03 was all stock except the blue spring kit, and the truck literally rotted apart around it. My '04 wasn't cared for before I got it, and I ended up sinking a LOT of money into it to make it a good truck.

 

I'll sell ya my 04! Only has 145k miles.

 

Yes I have driven a 2001 f350 on a few occasions and that rig needs some work. I pull a 30 ft TT fir short trips to the coast but want a zero emissions reliable rig for possible longer trips. Upgrading suspension is a possibility. No ‘04 it seems. I will focus on mid’05-06 if possible. The 7.3’s are hard to find so no idea what to pay. Down the road we go! 😁

 

This pretty well illustrates my point about clean 7.3s being overpriced.

 

I’m in California and yep inspections are crazy. I realize I’m taking a big step back with respect to the above-mentioned factors but I got burned out looking for a diesel truck from a private party so got new one. I do like the power but can’t continue with the regen maintenance. If I am crawling underneath etc...I’m investing in a 20+ year free flowing diesel drive train that will pull our trailer anywhere hopefully. Back where I left off... thank you for the feedback.

 

Definately not the best year for the 7.3 -> PMR's. 2000 is the unicorn - last year for forged rods & 1st year for the upgraded turbo.

 

I wasnt recommending he buy it. Just showing that people think they're gold

 

I've had several friends go down this road. They sold their 7.3L Superduty and bought a 6.7L Superduty. Kept it for a year or two, then realize the maintenance and/or upkeep is really expensive and can really cause havoc while on the road. They sold their 6.7L and are back in a 7.3L Superduty.

 

Where in CA are you? The guy who bought my old 05 is in the Fresno area and it selling it. I had gone thru and done just about all of the upgrades needed when I owned it. CCSB F250 4x4. Same dark blue as your current truck. 140k miles and he's asking $19.5k (I would think it's negotiable).

For reference I picked up my current truck in late '19 right before COVID with 100k miles for $15k. 1-owner, super clean, all stock. In the current market stupidity the truck would probably go for over $20k.

 

Yep. At this point, I think the rep of the 7.3 is more due to nostalgia than anything else. In actuality, they're noisy, hard to start in the winter, take like 3 gallons of oil, and take a lot of work to make decent power with. My stock 6.0 pulls better than my tuned 7.3 did.