7.3 vs. 6.0
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I have a hunch each of us will always be able to offer a rationale for why we bought what we bought and - I think they are all valid! All of us are enthusiasts and even when we offer reasons that sound perfectly objective, I am not sure reason is really what causes most of us to open our checkbooks. For me, there will always be "another last truck"!! 
Steve
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Tivoli, NY
thank you for all input
Just want to thank everone for input.
It may seem dumb to ask for an opinion on 2 different used vehicles that I haven't even test driven. I don't really know the history on neither one so of course there isn't a possible way for anyone to know which truck may be more reliable. I guess the reason I asked is that I do know that the 7.3 and 6.0 are entirely different motors, but figured from owning both and/or working on both everyday, some of you would be able to tell me if the 7.3 truly had a better reputation for reliability.
I owned a 7.3 and my father owns an 02 7.3 as well, but with only approx. 75K miles. We never had trouble. Not with the tranny or motor, but again didn't go over 100K miles yet with 1. I have had 3 6 ltrs and they all had some problems, 2 within the 1st 5-10K miles. I loved my 2007, but the tranny started slipping occassionally around 30-35K miles and the annoying squealing noise was never properly fixed which may just be the techs.
I did get different opinions from all naturally, but you all had some good points, so thank you again. I think there are pros and cons with both trucks further complicating my decision.
It may seem dumb to ask for an opinion on 2 different used vehicles that I haven't even test driven. I don't really know the history on neither one so of course there isn't a possible way for anyone to know which truck may be more reliable. I guess the reason I asked is that I do know that the 7.3 and 6.0 are entirely different motors, but figured from owning both and/or working on both everyday, some of you would be able to tell me if the 7.3 truly had a better reputation for reliability.
I owned a 7.3 and my father owns an 02 7.3 as well, but with only approx. 75K miles. We never had trouble. Not with the tranny or motor, but again didn't go over 100K miles yet with 1. I have had 3 6 ltrs and they all had some problems, 2 within the 1st 5-10K miles. I loved my 2007, but the tranny started slipping occassionally around 30-35K miles and the annoying squealing noise was never properly fixed which may just be the techs.
I did get different opinions from all naturally, but you all had some good points, so thank you again. I think there are pros and cons with both trucks further complicating my decision.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,937
Likes: 2,651
From: The Great State of Texas
Most people who buy a used 6.0 are very nervous when making the purchase and then come on this board asking if they did the right thing. The typical answer is yes the 6.0 can be made reliable with some modifications. The problem is one of them is removing the EGR system which make the truck emissions illegal and one day this delete could backfire on folks if emission testing is performed during state inspection.
The 7.3 on the other hand has a very respectable reputation for reliability that is second to none.
If long term reliability is what your primary objective is it's got to be a 7.3. Like the saying goes: Simple is dependable!
The 7.3 on the other hand has a very respectable reputation for reliability that is second to none.
If long term reliability is what your primary objective is it's got to be a 7.3. Like the saying goes: Simple is dependable!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Really? There are performed where my truck is tagged. Although, I don't have a delete, I just have a bypass, so that might reconcile the difference.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
I'am going back to a 7.3 I found a truck with low kilometers my 03 6.0 has been good but I needed a F550 truck found this one its in good shape.
Not sure if I wanted to try another 6.0 ya I have had good luck so far do I want to try it again.
The main problem I'am having with the 6.0 is its no power on the low end. I get on jobsites and the truck powers out. I have a 6spd manual and the truck just doesn't have the power to get the load rolling. I don't know how many times I have had real troubles with the engine not having enough power to get moving.
Maybe the torqshift works better behind the 6.0 but the 6spd isn't a good match.
Not sure if I wanted to try another 6.0 ya I have had good luck so far do I want to try it again.
The main problem I'am having with the 6.0 is its no power on the low end. I get on jobsites and the truck powers out. I have a 6spd manual and the truck just doesn't have the power to get the load rolling. I don't know how many times I have had real troubles with the engine not having enough power to get moving.
Maybe the torqshift works better behind the 6.0 but the 6spd isn't a good match.
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Reliability - 7.3L is one of the best engines in general your gonna find for reliability hands down in my book. My dad has owned 5 7.3's since 2000 and 4 have had over 100,000 miles and to this day he still owns two, one has 180,000 and counting while the other has 210,000 on it and still counting. After a few sets of suspensions, and water pumps with routine maintenance these trucks have never been down. I just recently bought a 6.0 for the simple fact that I couldn't find a 7.3 with less than 120,000 miles on it. I'm still scared to death of this 6.0 just for the simple fact that I have heard so many bad things about them. Maybe I will warm up to this motor and be happy with it, hopefully.
We have two 6.0's in our Road District shop and both of them have 6 speeds. I have driven atleast 3 other 6.0's with auto's and it is hands down when transfering power to the ground in my opinion. It makes me sick to drive the trucks at work because they will barely pull themselves up a hill empty.
We have two 6.0's in our Road District shop and both of them have 6 speeds. I have driven atleast 3 other 6.0's with auto's and it is hands down when transfering power to the ground in my opinion. It makes me sick to drive the trucks at work because they will barely pull themselves up a hill empty.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 209
As far as a 6.0 over a 7.3? I'm totally biased there.. 6.0 > 7.3...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Brickie I think it's a little bit different for us with regard to these type of discussions then the majority of other people.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,937
Likes: 2,651
From: The Great State of Texas
Are you saying that your truck is getting emission tested during your state inspection?
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
There are plenty that are going thru emissions right now. You have to remember that were my truck is tagged, it's OBD-II only. Hell, a 10 yr old can get the trucks computer to spit out the right results. With my mild injectors, proper tuning, I can still fall within the opacity range that's mandated. Go bigger with injectors and then I won't be able to, but as these mild ones, you still can.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,937
Likes: 2,651
From: The Great State of Texas
I'am going back to a 7.3 I found a truck with low kilometers my 03 6.0 has been good but I needed a F550 truck found this one its in good shape.
Not sure if I wanted to try another 6.0 ya I have had good luck so far do I want to try it again.
The main problem I'am having with the 6.0 is its no power on the low end. I get on jobsites and the truck powers out. I have a 6spd manual and the truck just doesn't have the power to get the load rolling. I don't know how many times I have had real troubles with the engine not having enough power to get moving.
Maybe the torqshift works better behind the 6.0 but the 6spd isn't a good match.
Not sure if I wanted to try another 6.0 ya I have had good luck so far do I want to try it again.
The main problem I'am having with the 6.0 is its no power on the low end. I get on jobsites and the truck powers out. I have a 6spd manual and the truck just doesn't have the power to get the load rolling. I don't know how many times I have had real troubles with the engine not having enough power to get moving.
Maybe the torqshift works better behind the 6.0 but the 6spd isn't a good match.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,937
Likes: 2,651
From: The Great State of Texas
There are plenty that are going thru emissions right now. You have to remember that were my truck is tagged, it's OBD-II only. Hell, a 10 yr old can get the trucks computer to spit out the right results. With my mild injectors, proper tuning, I can still fall within the opacity range that's mandated. Go bigger with injectors and then I won't be able to, but as these mild ones, you still can.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 0
This topic has been beat to death....... It simply comes down to stock vs. stock the 7.3 is more reliable. But if you eliminate or modify the emissions system on the 6.0 and address the TTY head bolts the 6.0 is far superior in the performance category and equal in the reliability department. If you are going to drive a bone stock Diesel buy the 7.3, but if you need more power the 6.0 can be just as good but will cost some money to get it there! It's pretty cool to see 6.0's with 200 and 300K miles now, definitely makes me feel much better about my 6.0 purchase now! It's one thing to have a crappy un-reliable motor, but hey the 2 things that have hurt these motors are well know and easily repairable! I would prefer a 6.0 because I have driven a 7.3 and they are definitely a less powerful engine, and noisier!