Beating the dead horse - new truck advice
 

I sold my 7.3 in 2007 and now I might get another Diesel. 2 local guys have 2 trucks I like. The one u guys will like is a great condition, Bone Stock, 2002 Lariat with only 87k miles and he wants $16,900.
The other truck is a 2006 - 6 speed, 6.0 w/ 97k miles that is around $16500. I did the Oasis and the 6.0 now has ARP head bolts. Whatch think?

I would need more info on the trucks. cabs beds stuff like that.

Both are crew cab, Lariats. Loaded, short beds - the 6.0 is a 6 speed and the 7.3 is an auto

Most don't put head studs unless they blew the head gasket and had the head off the block for repair.

Funny the prices are almost the same with the 02 being 4 years older. Drive both and look them over real good.

Oh yeah, it def. blew the heads. I would actually rather one of the 6.0's that had the heads fixed. I have heard they weren't that great when the automated machines tightened the heads.

I think Jody said he saw a 02 or 03 go for like $23k recently b/c the guy really wanted the 7.3.

You need to factor in your driving habits and conditions. The 6.0 has an EGR which doesn't like a lot of city driving, and the VGT doesn't like to sit around, so if it's something that won't be a daily driver, or if you plan on doing all city driving, that's something to keep in mind. Also, how long do you plan on keeping it? If it's a long term thing, which do you think will last better?

I think the fact that they both list for the same price speaks volumes.

I understand. It won't be in really any city driving but it might be sitting for a few days at a time. No more than 3-4 probably.

The 06 6.0 would have the updated turbo and not the problemsome VGT. The bad VGTs were early 03 thru mid 04. The manual tranny would be a + for the 06, but that all depends on the topography of where you drive. If the heads have lifted and have been studded the only thing you have to worry about is if they were retorqued correctly after they were installed. Did the previous owner go back in and have them retorqued? If not the heads could become warped. Being 97K miles on the 6.0 you only have 3k miles to go before you can delete the EGR cooler, slap a block off plate on the sensor, and not have to worry too much about it.

Now the 02 with 87K is out of warranty, and would need some add ons to make it equal to the performance of the 6.0, but the life expectancy is much longer. A tranny might be in the future of the 02, but a clutch will also be in the future of the 06..

Buy the 02, spend $1000, and exceed the performance of the 6.0.

I vote for the 7.3 as well.
It has a better track record.

Thanks for the replys. Don't ask me why, but I really would like to have 400 hp so I figure between Jody,exhaust, intake, sticks, and at leat a WW, I would have 2K at least to get that on the 02. However, I know it's a little moer risky to go with the 6.0. The 06 is on it's second set and that's when the dealer put in the ARP's. Also, I would be driving a few hills but mostly flat here. I liv ein the foothills of North Ga.

You will need a turbo in that list to make 400 hp. Not with the WW. You are looking at way more then 2k just for the parts to make 400 hp. :)

Don't forget the tranny to hold all that horsepower. The 4R100 won't be long for the world with all those ponies. At least he lives close to BTS...

I would pick the 7.3 bc I would never want to drive the manual. I hate it at the boat ramp.

Dang- choices choices

i personally dont trust the reliability or longevity of the 6.0 then also i dont trust the reliability and longevity of the 4R100. theres too many arguments for both, test drive them both and go with your gut. i ignored my gut on my last two truck purchases:-banghead and ended up paying for it later.

Brandon it takes more than 1000$ tocatch up with 6.0, unless 6.0 is stock. you need more than that. Not saying that cause im 6.0 guy, you know i went through few grand( read more than 10k to get reliable 400+hp) exhaust and tuner on the 6.0 will blow any 7.3 , you need more like 5-7k in 7.3 to compete with 6.0. 5R110 its a killer trans, more reliable than 4R100 unles its a BTS.
he has ARP allready if they were installed correctly and tq to 245ft tq it will be fine as long as the heads were straight, they dont need to be retorqued. all he needs is a nice SCT tunes and EGR delete and he is flying. now they can tune FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module) and get the throttle to be like in a gaser right of the start.
there is few guys running just tuning intake and exhaust and put 400+hp on a dyno. where 7.3 you need injectors 2000,turbo 1500,exhaust,tuner and pray to God your trans will stay in one piece. so we talking 5000 before you can be close to 6.0.
VGT turbos are all the same the issue was thet you have to drive them like you stole it otherwise carbon buildup will stick the vains and you turbo needs cleaning and or replacement, 03 6.0 had the coolest turbos which sounded like F16 taking off if you did cat delete and no muffler. 04 up have more Vains and silencer ring.
EGR problems are from casting sand cloging EGR and carbon buildup. thats why a lot of guys recomment coolant filter .
hope this helps any...
BTW Danny Imelmo has run 12.51 on spray on th 1/4 mile.... SC 4x4