Need new purchase advice please.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Need new purchase advice please.
Hi. I have a 90 E350 with a 7.3 non turbo. I need a second van. I have two I can afford. One is an 04 left over E350 with the 6.0 automatic. The other is an 03 E450 with the 7.3 powerstroke, 25,000 miles. I don't know what transmissions they have except automatics. Which should I get? I need reliability, no down time. Are the problems worked out in the 6.0 yet? The 03 is cheaper and bigger. Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Laporte , Indiana
In my opinion if your want reliability . I would go for the 7.3 . Seems as though they are darn near bullet proof . The 6.0 has the better trans . which is as smooth as silk . And the power of the 6.0 is awsome . however there is no improved gas mileage with the 6.0 . I have the 2004 6.0 and had it in the shop for sensor problems and now for the Trans. recall . So as you can see reliability is an issue . Again just my opinions . I love my 6.0 and the 2 times in the shop was not a problem for me .
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 2
From: Northern Utah
Drive them both and see what you think- I know a guy (classic line) that has an E-550 6.0 and he thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. He also owns an E-450 7.3 which has been a very good truck but not nearly as fun to drive, plus he got a great deal on a having his box put on the 550 (from a shebby) which may affect his attitude.
As far as mpg, my 6.0 with 48,500 miles gets better mpg than every 7.3 owner that I know. From your post I wasn't sure what was "bigger". The box... or engine? Which vehicle configuration fits your needs better? The 6.0 isn't the silver bullet per say- But it sure is a great engine to have under your hood
Good luck
As far as mpg, my 6.0 with 48,500 miles gets better mpg than every 7.3 owner that I know. From your post I wasn't sure what was "bigger". The box... or engine? Which vehicle configuration fits your needs better? The 6.0 isn't the silver bullet per say- But it sure is a great engine to have under your hood
Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,016
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From: Lynden, WA.
All I can talk is trucks. Not vans. My brother'n law has a late model 7.3. Hecuva truck and engine. He gets 15mpg with rural/town driving. 16.5mpg if on the highway. With my 04' 6.0, I get 18+ with the same rural/town driving. 19+ on the freeway at the speed limit. If you don't need the extra power, the 7.3 is going to be great for you. If you're gonna tow use the van to haul loads on a long haul, the 6.0 will be nicer, expecially with the torqueshift that so many people like. (I have the 6spd). Don't count out the 6.0. But don't buy either rig just for the engine/transmission combination. Fit the rig to the rest of your needs. That will be your deciding factor.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Either truck will work size wise. They are both box trucks. The 03 is 16', and the 04 is 15'. Although the 04 is a 350 not a 450 which might be better for hauling and towing at the same time. My non turbo 7.3 almost does the job now. So I don't need an extreme amount of power. But we have to be at two places at once so my partner has to have a truck also. Reliability is the key. Some people with a 6.0 are very happy. Othere want to get rid of them because of all the problems. As I read the threads on this forum, I see problems, but it seems to be with the earlier ones. So I am still not sure what to do.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Laporte , Indiana
Keep in mind most people who post here are looking to solve their problems . Once their problem is fixed you dont here from them . I'm sure when the 7.3 was out you had the same post your seeing now with the 6.0 .
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
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That is the problem the 6.0 with problems is ofton not able to be fixed, and the 7.3 is problem free,like the bunny it just keeps going and going. good luck on you truck.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Laporte , Indiana
I still believe the tech's are a lot to be blamed . Most issues with the 6.0 are very technical and can be fixed . I know there are some out there that seem to be unfixable . However a mojority of the 6.0 owners do get there trucks fixed and are back on the road with minimal down time . I fall into this category . And I love my 6.0 .
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
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I completly agree they can be fixed if you get a good shop or tech,the problems is none of the dealers in my area care. I was at the nursery yesterday and was talking to another contractor there, and asked him how he liked his new cheby and he said it had a lot of problems but not like the 2004 6.0 he traded in. He went on to tell me they had his truck in 15 times for shuting down while driving, they replaced all sensor,wireing and computers ,never could get it fixed. so he traded for cheby. It almost seems the dealers here just give up if they cant replace a simple part and fix it. Ithink it is a shame what they are putting many new truck owners through.
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