Hello,

I have recently been considering a new F550, likely in XLT trim, crew cab, 4WD, and 84” cab to axle spacing to accommodate an 11’ flatbed upfit. I currently own an older F550, in base trim, regular cab, 2WD, and likewise 84” cab to axle spacing. It is equipped with a service bed, and a slightly modified 7.3 turbodiesel.

The question I ask, is whether or not the 7.3 gas engine is adequate in such an application, with towing and payload in mind. I don’t need the most powerful engine on the market, but I would like capable power at the least. The 6.7 turbodiesel is a $10,495 option, and while I’m sure it pulls better, it would be more expensive, both to initially purchase, and maintain. It may get better fuel economy, but the higher price of diesel fuel likely negates that. However, the diesel engine option would likely give the truck a higher resale value, although that is not a large concern for myself.

I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could share their insight and experience with these two engine options in a 2020 or newer F550. If the 7.3 gas engine is a viable option for heavy duty use, I would likely go that route over the 6.7 turbodiesel.

Thank you all, and have a blessed day.

 

How much weight do you plan to tow regularly? Without knowing that, it would be hard to recommend one engine over another.

 

It would vary, but there may be times that I would come quite close to the advertised towing limit…

 

If you are going to be towing close to the limit periodically it becomes a question of comfort. If you want the drive to be more relaxed and not worry about speeding up before hills, maintaining momentum in the valleys, or applying throttle at the right times to maximize shift points then diesel is the way to go. If that stuff doesn't bother you then the 7.3 gas is going to be more palatable. I would imagine the 10spd coupled with the gas engine has made it less "tiring" to drive while towing compared to the old days. Terrain you are traveling can also play a factor. It's hard to beat forced induction at elevation.

 

Although I don't have experience with the C&C trucks , if you have survived with a 7.3 PSD for this long, I think you will be fine with the 7.3 gasser. My previous 2018 F250 work truck with the 6.2 & 6 speed outperformed my 2000 7.3.

 

With 4.88 gears the 7.3 should be golden

 

I would hope, and think so. Of course, it should be at least somewhat capable if Ford is willing to put it into production, and people are willing to buy them. Although, I have seen far more diesel powered 2023+ F550s than gas…

Regardless, the lower maintenance costs and generally easier keeping of a gas powered truck is a draw to me, so long as it isn’t too much of a compromise in capability.

Optioned the way I would prefer on Ford’s website, the XLT would be $75705, or for a few thousand more, the more comfortable Lariat priced at $78810. Plenty of upgrades in creature comforts and amenities with the Lariat for not much more, which errs me that route.

That’s another question, those of you who have a 2023+ Lariat Super Duty, do you feel it was money well spent over the XLT?

Edited to fix grammatical errors and add missing information.

 

If anyone has recommendations on dealerships in or near Kansas that are motivated on selling chassis cab trucks, I would appreciate that. I have spoken with two in Kansas, and while they were helpful for the most part, as soon as I told them that I wanted a chassis cab, they seemed dismissive and more or less ceased to answer any further questions. This confused me, especially since I received the same treatment twice from two separate dealerships.

 

The 10 speed is another big help for the 7.3 gas over the 6 speed. Biggest problem maybe finding a F550 gas

When we originally went to order our '23 F350 SRW truck, we intended on ordering an XLT, but once we added all the options and realized the prince, decided to pay a little more and get the Lariat. Don't have to worry about stained cloth seats now and I don't like seat covers

 

You would be way up on HP and only a little off on torque. Once you account for the 10 speed gearing you will be ahead in the new one.

I would probably do the 7.3 over the 6.7 C&C because there is no mechanical derate changes. Just put a programmer on the 7.3 and that is all.

I played with it and priced a Lariat around $75k with some options. No payload packages, I would really think before adding any more roughness to it.

 

Yes, regardless of engine choice it would be far and away more powerful and capable than my current truck. I’m sure the 10 speed transmission is a large part of that factor.

I don’t mind modifying a 7.3 diesel, but I have little to no interest in doing so with a modern engine.

I would actually prefer the payload packages, I don’t mind a rough ride and can’t imagine anything much worse than my current truck with 40 rear leaf springs on the rear axle… no matter the weight, it doesn’t sink down. And that is fine with me.

 

Yeah you don’t need to modify it at all actually. The c&c is programmed a little differently than the pickups. They probably still deliver max power when its actually needed under load.

gas vs diesel resell is about the same once they are well worn.

 

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Yes I have read they do that. I am willing to bet the transmission tuning is pretty sloppy too.

 

same story here. I had my XLT all spec'd out and for about 2k more I moved into a Lariat. I feel like Ford does it on purpose. Also, I don't really like the blackout package so being required to add it for the XLT premium package pissed me off. The Lariat fit the bill even though it technically has more options that I really wanted. I just wanted heated seats. But to get that on the XLT I had to add 10k in "packages" which brought the price to Lariat anyway. Figured I might as well take the leather seats/heated wheel/ventilated seats etc for the difference.