I ‘am planning on buying a 2000 7.3L F350 as against 6.0L 2003 King Ranch this weekend. Are there any know problems with this particular model of 7.3? I read somewhere that some had to change the tranny at 85K+ miles or so, is it correct? What is the cost of replacing the tranny?

 

I'd take the 7.3 over the 6.0 any day, tranny problems or not. Just my opinion.

Read up on the camshaft position sensor. That's one of the few things that everybody with a 7.3 has to be prepared for.

 

go with the 7.3. some trannies last a long time and some go quick it all depends on maintence and how it was driven. i have 200,000 miles on my 2000 with the original trans and no problems yet. also the 2000 is one of the best years in my opinion because it has the forged rods

 

Its kinda funny what you read here. 2005 was an ugly year for diesel in Ontario. Too many of them blew the Turbo out before the warrenty was off. Hence I have choosen not to buy a new one. I don't like the 6. I prefer the 7.3 but then again I have a 1999 and my buddy has a 2001. Personally I believe they were the great years for 7.3 between 99 and 01.
The 99 has 710,000 klm on it. It has its original tranny, however it has blown 2 water pumps and its oil cooler and had the glows replaced. Plus some minor stuff.
But I really like my 7.3.

 

Have you opened the top of the motor up or done any major turbo/axle repairs?

 

Thanks guys for your inputs. I will get the pre purchase inspection done today or tomorrow and based on the report I will be buying the truck this weekend.
Thanks,
Vijay

 

You won't be sorry, my 2000 lariat has 260,000KM on it, and I just did the ball joints. Should last you a long time if the inspection flies.

 

I have bad news... I just spoke to the sales person at the dealership and he told me that some one on EBay bought the truck at "buy it now price" yesterday night (the truck was listed on EBay and locally). I guess I will have look for another one now. Damm it took me 8 ½ months to find the right truck and now it is gone! I had offered the same $$$ amount as EBay “buy it now price” but I went locally.

 

Whether you realize it or not, you've got quite a dilema on your hands. Both trucks have a great engine and tranny combo, but one is more prone to failure than the other. It's been said (and proven) that when a 6.0 runs, it runs. In addition to that, everyone and their grandmother knows that the 7.3 is a tried and true workhorse, no matter what it's up against. If you happen to be buying either truck from a Ford dealer, a warranty may be available for purchase. Either engine comes with a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty that covers almost any mechanical failure (minus a $100 deductable). But it only covers the engine and not the transmission or anything else around it. I did a post on warranties in the 6.0 forum, check it out here. With a Ford warranty you're covered nationwide. So if you're out on the road and your truck gives you trouble, you'll be back in business in no time.

As far as the 7.3 is concerned, like I said before, it's a tried and true workhorse. If the tranny at some point fails you, don't let the dealership replace it for you. I learned this not too long ago here . There are a number of aftermarket vendors that make what's called a bulletproof tranny. These transmissions are unbelievably better than the stock trannys.They will stand up to any amount of power, trailer weight, or even abuse. The normal bulletproof replacement will run you anywhere from $1800 all the way up to $3000. (depending on how extreme you want to go) Either way, you can have a local shop install it for less than the dealer would even think about. This way you don't end up spending $3800 like I did. Whichever truck you choose, you'll be happy. You just need to weigh your options and choose accordingly. Best of luck.

 

Thanks for the awesome explanation. Just wish me luck to find the right truck!

 

[QUOTE]Have you opened the top of the motor up or done any major turbo/axle repairs?[QUOTE]

My 2 Diesel mechanics have gone thru the truck. Yes the one did open the top of the motor and checked into the turbo all is good in this one. But lets face it mate. She isnt going to last forever. She will probably make it 3 more years for me. I think what she really needs right now after reading here is the tank dropped and cleaned.The only nasty thing she has done turned out to be electrical issue. I was starting to head up a steep hill and she plain quit. But by all means please tell me what ye think we should do with this truck, maintenace wise.