Reliability 7.3 vs 6.2
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 478
On the 7.3, I just found out today. My friend's 2020 7.3 lost the motor at 85k miles. Loud ticking suspected valve train failure. doesn't make me feel very good.
The only guy I know with one had his fail.
We still don't have a good idea of the actual failure rate though
The only guy I know with one had his fail.
We still don't have a good idea of the actual failure rate though
Now I also own four 7.3L. A 2021 with a failed engine at 30k miles now on its second engine closing in on 60k miles, and three 2024 models with not even 25k miles yet.
Did I just get lucky with the many trouble free 6.2L? Did I just get unlucky with the one failed 7.3L? All I can say is there are no regular reports of anything catastrophic causing complete engine failure for the 6.2L. Even the very rare valve spring breaking just causes a misfire and can be simply replaced.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,341
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
Every engine ever made has had some failures...even the Chevy LS and Ford's 300-I6. The fact that you can cruise these forums and barely hear a peep about failing 6.2's or 7.3's should tell you all you need to know.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
The 7.3 is easier to self maintain. The metals are better, the design is simpler. I really like mine.
The killer for me is the 16 spark plugs. If you don't mind the hassles of that, go get a good deal on a good used truck.
The killer for me is the 16 spark plugs. If you don't mind the hassles of that, go get a good deal on a good used truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 1,117
I'd say both are relatively reliable but the performance difference isn't small if you care about that; probably more to do with the 10R140's extra 4 gears than the 45 hp/55 ft. lb. difference but either way the 7.3/10R140 combo is the best towing gas truck I've ever owned. .
Dave
Dave
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 478
The 2011-2016 engine bay is tight for the 6.2L but the 2017 and newer engine bay has enough room to access all 16 plugs without removing anything extra. I checked immediately when I purchased mine because I have/had four of the 2011-2016 generation. Cant really complain though, have only done plugs five times so far over more than 800k miles of my 6.2L trucks.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 478
I'd say both are relatively reliable but the performance difference isn't small if you care about that; probably more to do with the 10R140's extra 4 gears than the 45 hp/55 ft. lb. difference but either way the 7.3/10R140 combo is the best towing gas truck I've ever owned. .
Dave
Dave
I also have a 7.3/6spd and its on par with the 6.8/6spd. The little bit of extra power isnt noticeable from behind the wheel at least, maybe on the dyno but my 2024 F650 with the 7.3L doesnt move any quicker then my 2017 F650 with the 6.8L.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 478
They had that fixed pretty early 2008 or 2009.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,939
Likes: 2,652
From: The Great State of Texas
6.2 = Anvil equivalent reliability (Never seen an engine catastrophic failure thread in the 6.2 forum)
7.3 = Questionable reliability but simpler design for what it's worth. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
6 speed transmission = Anvil equivalent reliability
10 speed transmission = Questionable reliability. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
7.3 = Questionable reliability but simpler design for what it's worth. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
6 speed transmission = Anvil equivalent reliability
10 speed transmission = Questionable reliability. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 443
6.2 = Anvil equivalent reliability (Never seen an engine catastrophic failure thread in the 6.2 forum)
7.3 = Questionable reliability but simpler design for what it's worth. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
6 speed transmission = Anvil equivalent reliability
10 speed transmission = Questionable reliability. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
7.3 = Questionable reliability but simpler design for what it's worth. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
6 speed transmission = Anvil equivalent reliability
10 speed transmission = Questionable reliability. 23-24 may have improved but too early to tell
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
I don't need a truck to pull 10-15 thousand pounds.
But half tons have become SUVs with a box.
I long thought I'd order a f150 supercab long box with hdpp. But that ship has sailed.(don't make them anymore) Still watching for that unicorn on the used market.
So long box with space, and enough payload to haul two snowmobiles or a small camper.
Maybe a travel trailer or a dirtbike trailer in the future.
My truck is a second vehicle so another crew long is fine size wise getting around town.
In the province of British Columbia there's no luxury tax on the one tons, but on 3/4 tons and smaller vehicles there is. So the one ton makes the most sense. And there's lots of ex rental one tons. 25k-35k miles. Currently 21-22 with the 6.2. the 23s with 7.3 will be coming along soon. Lots are xlts so it will be the 7.3.
The majority of the 6.2 6speeds out there are well used. Not really interested.
I'm pretty sure if you wanted China to build a cheap anvil. It would either be soft like a 7.3/hemi camshaft or be brittle like overcooked bacon.
But half tons have become SUVs with a box.
I long thought I'd order a f150 supercab long box with hdpp. But that ship has sailed.(don't make them anymore) Still watching for that unicorn on the used market.
So long box with space, and enough payload to haul two snowmobiles or a small camper.
Maybe a travel trailer or a dirtbike trailer in the future.
My truck is a second vehicle so another crew long is fine size wise getting around town.
In the province of British Columbia there's no luxury tax on the one tons, but on 3/4 tons and smaller vehicles there is. So the one ton makes the most sense. And there's lots of ex rental one tons. 25k-35k miles. Currently 21-22 with the 6.2. the 23s with 7.3 will be coming along soon. Lots are xlts so it will be the 7.3.
The majority of the 6.2 6speeds out there are well used. Not really interested.
I'm pretty sure if you wanted China to build a cheap anvil. It would either be soft like a 7.3/hemi camshaft or be brittle like overcooked bacon.
