[Shrub]

From what I've heard 2003 7.3L are rare I've got a chance to buy one with 105k on it. Looking for some insight here I've been looking at 2 different 2006 6.0L for about the same amount and a few more miles. All advice is welcome. I do want to tune with out breaking the bank and head bolts. I also hope to avoid the EGR, oil cooler mess. I've been trying to do my homework on what will a big investment for me.
Thanks Guys!!

 

[AlphaJustin]

There are 5 in my town so in my opinion the 7.3 isn't that rare but it is a great truck I got my at 130k and haven't had any trouble with it outside the normal stuff and this website has a wealth of information on how to do all that work yourself. So if it's between the 7.3 and the 6.0 go 7.3 all day.

 

[MNdieselpower]

I would do it! I actually had an 05 6.0 and hated it! My mpg was horrible and I had to replace a lot of stuff on the truck. I sold it 3 months after buying it and went back to the 7.3, and love it! It may have just been one of the lemon 6.0's but it seems there are farrr too many to justify ever buying one again for myself. I also think it is interesting how there are way more 6.0's for sale than 7.3's all the time. The 99.5 to 03 7.3 is the best engine in my opinion especially if you plan on mods. THe only reason ford even changed engines was for the new emission standards. Also the 7.3 is much cheaper to modify because you dont have to do all the preventive stuff first before the mods. I will say though I miss the sound the 6.0 turbo made! haha

 

[Shrub]

Thanks guys this is making my choice easier and is great to get feedback from those who have own 7.3 and 6.0. This will be my first ford diesel and I want to be as problem free as possible. Keep the comments and ideas coming!
I'm still :read: up on both

 

[RT]

Spend a few minutes on the 6.0 forum reading their horror stories. Or go down to you local diesel mechanic and count the number of 6.0 vs 7.3 trucks waiting for repair. I live down the street from a shop that works on nothing but Ford diesels - I can tell you his established ratio is over 20 to 1. And he says when a 7.3 does come in, its usually a regular wear item like an alternator or starter. The 6.0's always involve tearing the engine down to its studs for some repair that doubles the value of the truck. I wouldn't have to think twice about this one.

 

[Torqmnstr]

I am in complete agreement with the other posters thus far. The 7.3 seems to be the more logical choice. Nearly all repairs on a 7.3 (with the exception of removal of the oil pan) can be made without pulling the motor. This is not so from my understanding with the 6.0. Since this is the case, this will most likely make the 6.0 much more expensive to work on over the life of the truck. The 6.0 can be made into a reliable and trouble free pickup if you deal with the EGR issues and stud it, but why go through all that trouble when you can pick up a 7.3 with low mileage and not have to worry about dealing with those issues? I think you should definitely go with that 7.3 as long as it looks to have been well maintained and taken care of. Just my humble opinion.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Shrub]

Well that pretty much settles it, 7.3 here I come. Going to look at it this afternoon. I was told it is stock and has pulled a 5er. Anything I should look for? Also it's odd to me no 6.0 owners have checked in with positive remarks.

 

[Griz]

Well that pretty much settles it, 7.3 here I come. Going to look at it this afternoon. I was told it is stock and has pulled a 5er. Anything I should look for? Also it's odd to me no 6.0 owners have checked in with positive remarks.

If you have never owned or worked on a diesel before it might be wise to take whatever truck you are interested in to a good diesel mechanic before you buy it and have him check it out. As far as the 6.0 goes...ask your dealership which motor they have more requests for...I bet it is the 7.3L.

Griz

 

[Shrub]

A mechanic overview is a must with any used vehicle. My brother-in-law is a diesel mechanic and will be looking at the truck.

 

[Shrub]

Ok looked at the truck, sad to say it's an extended cab not a crew. I have to have 4 doors. So in Omaha NE there's a very clean 03 7.3L with 105k on it if anyone wants it.:brickwall:

 

[MNdieselpower]

Want to pm me the link to the ad? I have a buddy in iowa that has been looking for awhile. Bummer it didnt work out!

 

[JasonL]

In 200k the only things I've had to replace on my 7.3 that weren't normal wear and tear (tires, batteries, glow plugs) were the fuel bowl orings, shocks (not bad, just wanted to upgrade to Bilsteins), and a water pump. I am still on the original clutch, but I imagine that is on somewhat borrowed time these days, still, just another normal wear and tear item IMO.

 

[7MAGMIKE]

I bought an '03 7.3 with 264,000 mi. on it last November. This has been one of the best truck purchases I have ever made. Fuel economy is better than all my other 1/2 ton Fords and my S10 Blazer 4X4.