<hr style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" size="1"> I think it came with either a 6.0 diesel or a 7.3 diesel. What engine is better in your opinon.

 

You'll have to define "better."

The 7.3L is generally considered to be more reliable, easier to work on, etc. The 6.0L is more powerful stock, and more powerful with just a tuner than a 7.3L with a tuner or chip. However, it's also a gamble it seems with the 6.0L.

If you're not looking to go much past 300hp, I'd go with the 7.3L. If power is your thing, and you don't want to spend as much money to get there, go with the 6.0L. It will make 420 hp with just a tuner and exhaust, whereas you'd need injectors to get there on a 7.3L.

 

Watch out for the 03 6.0. I believe that was it's first year and, I've read, it had a lot of problems. Ask the same question on the 6.0 forum.

 

The early 6.0's (2003.25-2004) seemsed to have lots of problems. We even had the opportunity to get our 2004 f-550 bought back by ford. We recently talked to the guy in charge of this, and they said they cannot get to the problem. The engine blew up like clockwork, every 5500-6500 miles, five times at 25000 miles. Several other things like leaky pinion seal, several reflashes, two new transmissions, several turbochargers/egr systems, and a blown intercooler. They have spent over one million dollars in test machines and equipment for this truck alone, to try and figure out the root of the problem. Ford engineers from Europe, England, and Germany have came to this country and do not know the problem.

However the good side to the 6.0 is that we got a 2007 F-550 6.0 as a replacement for it, which is doing great with 3500 miles so far. We also have a 2006 F-250 with a 6.0 that is fine too at 8000 miles. Actually tomorrow we are taking delivery on a 07 f-350 crew cab dually to pull the new enclosed trailer. I think that in 2005 and newer, Ford started to get their stuff right. The reason for all the problems was that Ford did not have sufficient time to test and tune and "get the bugs worked out" of the 6.0 engine. EPA Tier II emissions meant that the 7.3 could be no more, and that ford had to get something out. They released the 6.0 and let the customers become the guinea pigs, we were one. Not all 6.0s had problems, of course.

I have my 7.3 and won't sell it for a 6.0. However, i do like the newer 6.0s, and i plan to have one someday, and have a little road racer. My bone stock f-250 supercab shortbed can easily walk over my truck, look at the page long mod list. If you were to get a 05 or newer truck, take advantage of the new front suspension, they make turning a dream.

My buddy at Fall Brawl has a relatively stock 6.0 with just the addition of a 4" exhaust, and a Bully Dog Tuner. He made 363hp and 660tq. I a good bit of money tied up in my truck and only cranked out 309hp and 602 tq. 7.3's are defanitely old-school, but it's fun.

 

A good solution for that 550 would be the scarp yard cause thats all its worth .

 

go with the 7.3, with just a few mods, it makes plenty of power,
i tow 13K 5er in the summer and my 7.3 makes all the power i need, not to mention i out pull my buddies stock 6.0 pulling the same weight,,,,,,,,just an observation.
happy shopping

 

Ditto.....totally agree!!

 

I try to avoid the first year or two of any new product. I let someone else be the guinea pig. Now if they gave it to me for nothing, I'll give it the old kollege try. If I have to put money down and do your testing for you, no thanx.

 

You guys seem like a pretty knowledgable bunch, let me throw you a question. I'm considering buying my father in laws 2002 F250 diesel with 125k miles. I know this goes against the cardinal rule of vehicle purchasing "Never, under any curcumstances purchase from your in-laws" but it' a good deal and I am in need of such a vehicle. My only experience with diesels is with my 04 Jetta TDI (love it). Is there anything specifically I should look at before signing the deal?
Thanks.

 

Take a look here fireboy https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html

 

Get a GOOD mechanic to give it a through Pre Delivery Inspection. Make sure it is a good Ford tech since he will know all the ins and outs of the truck and what the weaknesses are.

 

I wouldn't touch the 6.0. They're too much of a gamble IMO.

 

I know what you're thinking. Do I get the 6.0 or the 7.3? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is a Powerstroke motor, a very expensive engine to fix and would blow your wallet wide open, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?

 

Also, check out this post: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...-should-i.html

Guy wanted to buy an 03 6.0 and luckily members on this board saved him hell by running an Oasis report on the truck, sad thing is; the dealer lied and said the Oasis came out clean when infact the truck had a long history of problems.

It's your hard earned money, I'd say put it into something that will repay you back. The 7.3 will promise you that if you treat it right

 

6.0 is the way to go...if you want your truck to be in tow.