I have an '03 7.3L and I just put a new exhaust on mine, no cat to be found. I went from the stock 3" to 4" throughout and the tips are 5.25 oval (yes I said tips, not tip, it's dual exit). I agree with others, from '00-'03 I don't believe they put cats on the 7.3's.

The trannies for the PSD are weak, and sometimes cannot take what the engine has to put out. I had to have my tranny rebuilt about a year or so after buying it. Granted, I bought it used, but supposedly the man who owned it before me never drove it (12K miles when I bought it in '05). Since I have had it rebuilt, I have not had any issues with it and I tow a 5th wheel with it, up some pretty good inclines too. My trailer is only 12K pounds, but just to give you an idea.

Just my 2 cents, but hope it helps.

 

I dont know why people think the Allison's are so great, Im constantly hearing about those things going out. Especially once you put a tuner on the motor. If you were getting a 6.0 you wouldnt have to worry about tranny problems.

I'd like to see a 7.3 mated with a torqueshift, now that would be cool.

 

Yes a 7.3/TS would be quite a combo. I totally agree on the Allison thing -- I spent almost 2 years on a dmax board and those things limped as soon as a tune was thrown at 'em. I think both transmissions are strong, but there is a world of difference on how well the 6.0/TS work together versus the dmax/ally combo. The guys on the dmax forum kept telling me the ally was still "learning" -- well than sell me one that's graduated from school!!

 

Well, of course the people that are telling me that an Allison is bulletproof, are Duramax owners.

I live at 5,000 feet (Denver) and would be going up on the start of a trip.
Where do I find comparisons on 7.3 to 6.0? Are 6.0engines that much better?
Or is it because they have less HP? I seem to really be in the dark here. Sounds like I need to do more research. Thanks again for all the help. Please keep it coming.

 

They do make more power than the 7.3s but they are not as reliable, Don't get me wrong they are great trucks and not all trucks are bad, but there has been several and I mean several engine problems with the 6.0 engines esspesially the earlier 03-04 models, it can't be denied but not all of them are bad because there are alot of 6.0s that are good. Check out both the 7.3 forum, and the 6.0 forum.

 

Golfmore: I don't know what your budget is, but let's assume it's going to be a resale, at least. I really liked my 7.3psd and there are tons of them that are out there that are both reliable and have put a lot of hard miles on their tranny's.

That said, there are a TON of refinements that have come with the later F series trucks. I can say for me at least, I've been over to the other side, and truly tried the hardest to work with the truck, but I have to say that I won't stray again unless they make some effort at a more durable and heavy duty "package". Sure, one has an engine, or one has a trans. whatever... do your homework yourself. decide what is important for you: do you really need the "i'm stuck in a ditch and can't get out" blondstar?!

Sorry, I've gotten carried (with the gin) away... Yes the 6.0s, in my opinion, are better than the 7.3s. but I'd buy as late as a 6.0 as you can afford. You are in a snow area; so I'm assuming 4x4, right? the '05 up SD 4x4s have no match in any light duty truck for the front end and overall capacity. Just see if any of the naysayers chime in here with a fact they can quote. Done. It's just that kind of thing that Ford happens to have over the rest. Besides the fact that since '05 Ford's SRWs have been about the same as their DRWs for capacity. Fact. But then if you'd consider a DRW, they, have, nothing, to compare... btw, the ride is better too in the Ford...

Get an '06 or '07 F350srw psd 4x4 and tow what they dream of (legally) towing...
All right, I'm sure we'll hear more on this soon...

 

Diesel_Dan, thanks for the comments. Yes, I will be in a resale purchase, not new.