I think I'm at the point with my 6.0 that I'm going to have to try and get the dealer to buy it back.

When this happens and all is settled I'm considering either a 02 or 03 7.3 or a V10. What has been your experiences with the 7.3? What can I expect? With great maintenance what kind of longevity can I expect?

I love the power of the diesel but the 6.0 was my first diesel and I have not been impressed with the track record of repairs. On top of that I've not gotten anywhere near the fuel economy so many other people say they get with their diesels. 10mpg in the city and 15 on the highway unloaded. For these reasons I am also considering the V10. I just don't know if the diesel is worth the hassle.

Opinions please. Thank you.

 

i have 225k on my 2000 7.3 and all i have replaced are the ball joints. i get 17 mpg around town and consistantly over 20 on the highway with my chip in the 80hp setting

 

Buy a 25$ cps sensor, and buy a 7.3L. If it was treated good, that should be all it would need, maybe a tranmission.

 

Thanks guys. I've heard the auto trannies were a real weak link. I'd like to buy mine with a manual.

 

Using the past tense "Was" to describe the 7.3 does not do this motor justice. It is still being produced and sold in several places around the world. We can't have any new ones because of our strict smog laws.
Although it isn't the most powerful motor around it is probably one of the most reliable and long lasting motor Ford ever put in a consumer sized pickup.
Two years with mine so far and nary a single problem except not getting to pull my wagon with it as much as I want to.
I fully expect it to last past the day that I won't be able travel with it anymore.
Have no fear getting 7.3 that has been taken care of. It will last you until your tired of it.

 

I have replaced expected wearable items but with 155K on mine and the only time its been to the stealership was for:
1. The starter (one of the bolts backed out)
2. VSM-vehicle security module (faulty)
3. Fuel pump (I caused it to fail by shimming the fuel pressure regulator wrong)

The 7.3 and reliablilty in my oppinion go hand in hand.

 

There was a thread here a week or two ago. Someone put up a poll asking how happy they were with their 7.3's. They said there was a similar poll on the 6.0 forum and there wasn't nearly as good a results. Spend some time reading it and you will see why so many here are happy with their 7.3's.
here it is:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...heir-7-3l.html

 

Carry a cps with you and chances are youll be fine. As far as the auto, i have serval at work with 250K, 240K, 170K, 292K,213K and there all orginal so the trannys arent that bad until you put your chip on 5 and roast the 200 ft lbs through it. And these trucks have been abused there whole lifes, belive me you take care of it that tranny will last.

 

I would never recommend a gasser for a big truck like these. That power and fuel cost is gonna kill your truck enjoyment. I'm sorry about your 6.0, that mileage sucks. I just averaged 18.6 on a 2400 mile trip and I think there's more to be had but that is another story.

I guess you haven't seen my 6.0 legacy post. I will look for it and post a link. That is sad info for Ford diesel mechanics. Almost sounds like PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder for a diesel mechanic.

The best thing is that these trucks are now in a good price in the market segment. Just look for a good clean low mileage one and enjoy. They are out there.

 

Here's the link, seems to be something you can identify with. Surprisingly, little response here because there's nothing to be gained beating up on the 6.0. The mere disappearance of that engine is testimony enough. Imagine if I had posted that in the 6.0 forum? What good could come from that?

 

Reloatively speaking, yes. However, if you break it, you can buy a BTS trans like I did and forget about ever having to fix and refix and what not. Either that or don't mod it too much.

 

I made the same move last month you are contemplating now. Bought a brand new '06 250 and had three injector / fuel pump replacements inside of 35k miles. So, last month I flew out to Cali and bought an '02 350 w/ 38k miles. I fully expect it to get to 300k miles before I buy another.



PS....I just rebuilt my '96 350 tranny w/ 212k miles.

 

One of the reason's I bought my 7.3l was for the reliability. Every one I know who had sold there 7.3 has regretted it. My mechanic has 800,000mi on his frame and is on his second 7.3l the first was replaced at 400,000mi and the second is still going strong with 400,000+ on it. I keep telling him one day he's going to have to replace with a newer 7.3l.

 

Gotta ask: What is a CPS Sensor and how do you use it?

 

Had 176,000 on mine 19 months ago when I bought it, 204,670 now. It seemed to be well cared for mechanicly except for a few dings here and there. Replaced some tie-rod ends, alt., a few spring-leafs in the rear, front brakes and pads, the usual stuff. I hope to have it a long time. IMO the 7.3 is very reliable.