Should I Buy??
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: BC Nevada
Get the 7.3 the 6.0 had lots of problems one of our work trucks is on engine #4 first 2 were in first 50 miles. The 7.3 is a provin' work horse. It will give you miles and miles of great service. My neighbor just sold his '99 that had 650,000 on it with no problems and still runs strong.
Just keep up on the filter and oil changes and drive. Hope this helps. LPR
Just keep up on the filter and oil changes and drive. Hope this helps. LPR
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
the EPA got "stringent-er" on the emissions laws for 2003/2004. ford seeing that the 7.3 would not meet the requirements no matter what they could do to them, saw that it was time to get something else out. so, they released the premature 6.0 in 2003. we have a 6.0, and i personally dont like it. it has been in the shop 18-20 (+) times, melted intercooler, new transmission, the truck is on engine 3 now, same problem twice, its going to happen again. the engine and torqueshift is a sweet combo, that is, when it is running. but i prefer my 2002 7.3 over anything. the reason with all the problems on the 6 liters is that they needed to release a new engine, before they got completely done with the R&D on the 6.0. therefore, they just used the 2003-2004 6.0's as "guinea pigs" to find problems, and resolve them.
supposedly the 6.4TT coming out in 2006 (2007 model) will be completely developed and tested, unlike the 6.0. anmd i heard ford is going to be giving out good "sorry we screwed you over, try again" deals on trade ins of 2003 and 2004 6.0's.
the 2005 and 2006 models have far less problems than the older ones, it seems that late of 2004 they finally got all their crap in line and started producing a good engine.
supposedly the 6.4TT coming out in 2006 (2007 model) will be completely developed and tested, unlike the 6.0. anmd i heard ford is going to be giving out good "sorry we screwed you over, try again" deals on trade ins of 2003 and 2004 6.0's.
the 2005 and 2006 models have far less problems than the older ones, it seems that late of 2004 they finally got all their crap in line and started producing a good engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
the international VT365 is the same engine platform, turbo, everything. the reason they have more problems is because they tune the truck-version much more aggressive, to compete in the "power wars" between the big3.
if they would "detune" it to somewhere around 260hp and 610lb ft of torque, it would be much better in my opinion, because less shop time. international has the VT365 tuned somewhere around those specs, and they have about 500% less problems with theirs, than ford does.
if they would "detune" it to somewhere around 260hp and 610lb ft of torque, it would be much better in my opinion, because less shop time. international has the VT365 tuned somewhere around those specs, and they have about 500% less problems with theirs, than ford does.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 2
From: SHELTON, WA
Originally Posted by fordfinally
7.3L. Any major problems with this motor that would make someone hold out for the 6.0L????
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer