Ordering gas or buying diesel off the lot?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 230
I’d argue to get the 6.7 whether you need big towing power or not. Too many seem stuck in the mindset of ‘well, if you aren’t towing 40k pounds, just get the gas’.
Most purchases are primarily driven by want, not need. Did I need a diesel, no. Did I want a diesel, yes. Coming from big rigs, I love the way a diesel drives. Love the smoothness, the way it puts power down, not to mention the efficiency. I had that mindset and initially settled on a 2023 5.0 F150 Tremor, while the Tremor was great and I loved it, even after a year I was never able to shake the feeling of ‘this isn’t what I REALLY wanted’.
So my advice is always get what you want. Don’t let the ‘do I need this’ steer you. You’ll ultimately regret it.
Most purchases are primarily driven by want, not need. Did I need a diesel, no. Did I want a diesel, yes. Coming from big rigs, I love the way a diesel drives. Love the smoothness, the way it puts power down, not to mention the efficiency. I had that mindset and initially settled on a 2023 5.0 F150 Tremor, while the Tremor was great and I loved it, even after a year I was never able to shake the feeling of ‘this isn’t what I REALLY wanted’.
So my advice is always get what you want. Don’t let the ‘do I need this’ steer you. You’ll ultimately regret it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 658
From: DeMotte, IN
[QUOTE= the fuel issue can also happen with gas engines cause not long ago a gas station near me had diesel put into the gas storage and a bunch of cars had issues..[/QUOTE]
This issue should go away as we begin to require truck drivers to be able to read English.
My 2023 7.3. 4.3 CCLB is the best SD of the 3 I’ve owned for both comfort and towing. Tow a 33RBTS Jayco, about 8600# dry.
This issue should go away as we begin to require truck drivers to be able to read English.
My 2023 7.3. 4.3 CCLB is the best SD of the 3 I’ve owned for both comfort and towing. Tow a 33RBTS Jayco, about 8600# dry.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 73
The liners are a cheap DIY add on. I'm 65 with a shot back, neck, knees and ankles and I was able to do it.
The boards are $200-$300 on CL or Marketplace all day long.
The remote start is handy, but IMO not a deal breaker when you are looking at thousands of dollars difference.
Lots of people poo-pooing gas vs diesel. There are millions of both on the road delivering millions of trouble free miles. I tow a RV and I opted for the diesel. Yep, the truck cost more and maintenance cost more. Can't take it with me.
The boards are $200-$300 on CL or Marketplace all day long.
The remote start is handy, but IMO not a deal breaker when you are looking at thousands of dollars difference.
Lots of people poo-pooing gas vs diesel. There are millions of both on the road delivering millions of trouble free miles. I tow a RV and I opted for the diesel. Yep, the truck cost more and maintenance cost more. Can't take it with me.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,666
Likes: 3,342
From: Uh oh, CA
When it comes down to it though, get what you want, regardless of what any of us say.
Last edited by chadstickpoindexter; Mar 2, 2026 at 02:25 PM.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 112
Likes: 106
Get what you want is the best advice, when cutting the check the only thing that matters is what you think.
I’m a hard no to any modern diesel, the 9th injector for Gore juice is not a good thing to me. I think of the 450 thread and how much that’ll cost when not under warranty and I’m happier with my 7.3.
7.3 Long block cost have gone up a bit, dressed long block 8.4k. Still not too shabby for those of us not swapping vehicles every few years.
If there was no warranty coverage, which brand new one would you buy?
I’m a hard no to any modern diesel, the 9th injector for Gore juice is not a good thing to me. I think of the 450 thread and how much that’ll cost when not under warranty and I’m happier with my 7.3.
7.3 Long block cost have gone up a bit, dressed long block 8.4k. Still not too shabby for those of us not swapping vehicles every few years.
If there was no warranty coverage, which brand new one would you buy?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Unless you really, really, truly need the diesel, or unless you plan on making money with the diesel, stay with the gasser. High maintenance costs, higher fuel costs, not much better fuel mileage (unless pulling a lot of weight often), just don’t make it worth it. And if you have an engine issue after warranty, plan on spending BIG BUCKS for repairs. I had a 6.7 diesel prior to my current 7.3 gasser and don’t regret the change. Just my opinion based on my experience.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,278
Likes: 4,287
From: SW VA
Just off the top of my head, I know they changed the rocker arms (stamped to cast), and had an update to increase oil pressure at idle. Damn variable oil pumps…
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 503
From: DFW
Hey everyone,
I currently have a '22 with a 7.3/4.30s and its a great truck. I really need a long bed so I've been in the market for a truck. I have been calling dealers locally and so far the best deal I can get is $60,500 and that's for an F350 STX with 7.3/4.30s. I called a dealer about 7 hours away about some trucks they have in stock and I offered less and they came back with $64500 for a '26 F350 STX with a 6.7. It's missing 3 options (Remote start, wheel well liners, and running boards) but I can add 2 of those options later. If the difference between a 7.3 and 6.7 was $10k I would never consider it. A difference of $4k really has me contemplating making the purchase instead of waiting for an ordered truck.
Would you guys considering jumping up to a 6.7 or staying with a 7.3?
I'm familiar with issues with both trucks.
Thanks!
I currently have a '22 with a 7.3/4.30s and its a great truck. I really need a long bed so I've been in the market for a truck. I have been calling dealers locally and so far the best deal I can get is $60,500 and that's for an F350 STX with 7.3/4.30s. I called a dealer about 7 hours away about some trucks they have in stock and I offered less and they came back with $64500 for a '26 F350 STX with a 6.7. It's missing 3 options (Remote start, wheel well liners, and running boards) but I can add 2 of those options later. If the difference between a 7.3 and 6.7 was $10k I would never consider it. A difference of $4k really has me contemplating making the purchase instead of waiting for an ordered truck.
Would you guys considering jumping up to a 6.7 or staying with a 7.3?
I'm familiar with issues with both trucks.
Thanks!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,041
Likes: 1,536
From: Media PA
Get what you want is the best advice, when cutting the check the only thing that matters is what you think.
I’m a hard no to any modern diesel, the 9th injector for Gore juice is not a good thing to me. I think of the 450 thread and how much that’ll cost when not under warranty and I’m happier with my 7.3.
7.3 Long block cost have gone up a bit, dressed long block 8.4k. Still not too shabby for those of us not swapping vehicles every few years.
If there was no warranty coverage, which brand new one would you buy?
I’m a hard no to any modern diesel, the 9th injector for Gore juice is not a good thing to me. I think of the 450 thread and how much that’ll cost when not under warranty and I’m happier with my 7.3.
7.3 Long block cost have gone up a bit, dressed long block 8.4k. Still not too shabby for those of us not swapping vehicles every few years.
If there was no warranty coverage, which brand new one would you buy?
Last edited by WE3ZS; Mar 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 703
Likes: 288
From: SE Vermont, South Jersey
Hearsay, but I believe it.
Back in the early '70s fuel crisis my (now) wife's family was on a road trip. After waiting in line for a couple hours they finally got to the pump one vehicle after they had run out of gasoline. After a very prolonged "discussion" my future father-in-law finally convinced the attendant to put in a couple gallons of diesel. Which got them to the next station where they were able to get gasoline.
First thing they did after that trip was install a (100% non-approved, probably illegal) 55-gallon tank...
Back in the early '70s fuel crisis my (now) wife's family was on a road trip. After waiting in line for a couple hours they finally got to the pump one vehicle after they had run out of gasoline. After a very prolonged "discussion" my future father-in-law finally convinced the attendant to put in a couple gallons of diesel. Which got them to the next station where they were able to get gasoline.
First thing they did after that trip was install a (100% non-approved, probably illegal) 55-gallon tank...
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 1,331
The exhaust filters on the new trucks have been solid.
the rules around def are changing to ensure trucks don’t get stranded over a def system fault anymore. New trucks will come that way from the factory and existing trucks reprogrammed. Def not being removed, but it won’t get your truck stuck ever again and gives plenty of time for any parts needing replaced.
only gripe left is cp4 and for someone concerned, a few hundred dollars spent at s&s keeps it from damaging anything but the cp4 pump itself.
the rules around def are changing to ensure trucks don’t get stranded over a def system fault anymore. New trucks will come that way from the factory and existing trucks reprogrammed. Def not being removed, but it won’t get your truck stuck ever again and gives plenty of time for any parts needing replaced.
only gripe left is cp4 and for someone concerned, a few hundred dollars spent at s&s keeps it from damaging anything but the cp4 pump itself.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 112
Likes: 106
100%.
Many, many things I have no interest in, the 9th injector, gore juice and emissions diesels. One thing I do know about the 6.7 is my mate has one a 2019 450. Pulls a loaded 17k horse trailer all the time. Runs great without the “benefit” of the 9th injector.
Fishon has a high milage 6.7, with no 9th injector. Guessing he missed the benefit too. What I do know is adding a feed with the filtration and a 9th injector takes additional parts, programming and ECU bandwidth. Miss, miss, miss.
Hopefully, you can educate me, how is it a benefit for anything other than tailpipe emissions, when prior generations did fine (better) without it? An EGT deal? Particulate trap cleaning?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
I have no problems towing a 30' gooseneck and getting right up into a typical gas bay. Just plan ahead a bit, use maps and look at the aerial views.
