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Posted: 8/9/2011 9:34:02 AM EST
Kids

I got a wild hair and am looking at Super Duty Fords for my BOV.  I've read a lot about them on here.  For once, what's the best diesel powerplant to go with?  I'm looking for one around the 05-08 model yrs.  I've found a couple if good deals on some with the 6.0 but I've heard they are craptasic.  What says the hive mind on the power plant options?

24's out.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 10:16:41 AM EST
[#1]
The 7.3 PowerStroke is the gold standard of Ford diesels.  Like you said, the 6.0 has a dubious reputation.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 10:16:43 AM EST
[#2]
The 7.3 powerstroke is about bulletproof, but its reign ended about halfway through the 2003 model year. Alot of people will scream to stay away from the 6.0, and I will echo that in model years up to 2005. By then they pretty much work out all of the kinks, but couldn't revive its reputation. Personally I would stay away from any 6.0 that has been jacked up sky high and had a "tuner" put on it. IMHO those have been pretty ragged out, that's why they were jacked up and tuned to start with for the most part.
Just my opinion...and the opinion of the guys at work who work on the trucks that have any issues that come off the assembly line
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 10:32:41 AM EST
[#3]
Agreed.
Bugs worked out of 6.0s by '05.
And stay away from anything that's been chipped,modded, dumbass-owned.
Used as designed, decent engine.

I have 2 '05s, both around 100K and no issues, other than EGRs, both rel. early and under warranty.
I may well replace units with aftermarket ones. Poor design, prone to clogging.
Change filters etc ON TIME and with QUALITY filters, and you'll be GTG, and DO NOT FORGET COOLANT!!!!

Can run VIN for an Oasis report pre-purchase and see what its history is.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 10:35:19 AM EST
[#4]
The 7.3 is the gold standard, and was phased out in late o3 due to the smog nazis. If you can find one that has less than 200k on it and has meticulous documentation of maint, consider it. If you find one under 150k with said documentation, really consider it.
The 6.0's had a number of teething problems, including turbo failures and head gaskets. Most of the guys running them have long since replaced the head bolts with studs and have used the aftermarket to fix some of the problems. the latter 6.0's were improved upon by Ford, but they never really gained favor.
The 6.4 that replaced the 6.0 is a better engine, but not as good as the 7.3.
The new 6.7 is an entirely FoMoCo product, but they have been so loaded down with electronics and other emissions gizmos that you'll never see me in one.
If you are patient, you can find the occasional cherry 7.3 powered truck that was someones baby and treated with lots of love. Just because the engine has been tweaked a bit don't run away. Do some due diligence, perhaps even pay a tech to give it a good evaluation and you might get lucky.
I would search a long time for a cherry 7.3 before I bought a 6.0.
They are out there. My '97 F350 is a crew cab long bed 4x4 dually, and I bought it new. It has been modded a ton for longevity and towing, and has only 93k on it.
so they do exist.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 1:26:50 PM EST
[#5]
'03 F250 6.0L, 92K miles, no issues, original owner


'05 Excursion, 6.0L, 140K miles, no issues, bought used: clean service record





ETA:  Maybe I'm just lucky




 
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 1:44:16 PM EST
[#6]
 HomeSlice, I was confident that you would be along.



I've spent some time driving the 7.3.  It is a good engine but diesel does not match my needs now.



This thread points out––If you can work a diesel, then get one.  If you want a slushie go getter, then get a gas powered vehicle.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/648214_Cummins_6_7L_BOV_Update_andquot_Dealing_with_the_new_Emissions_Standardsandquot_.html



 
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 1:48:25 PM EST
[#7]
7.3 is the way to go. I have all ways heard the 6.0 gets crap for MPG(thats when its running right). The only person that I know well that has one avg 13 where my '01 7.3 runs 17-18 bone stock.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 2:07:22 PM EST
[#8]
Quoted:
. I have all ways heard


Well, despite what you have HEARD, I get 15-16 or so mixed driving, with the F250, CC,8' bed, 4X4 w/3.73s and auto.
Have cracked 18, highway,IF I can keep it at or below 2000rpm (seems to be the sweet spot)

The F350 is IDENTICAL, but with a high, heavy steel cap and boxes, loaded with tools, so easily 1200-1500 lbs heavier, and yet consistently has gotten better mileage since new! And since it's my work truck, I usually have my foot in it a good bit deeper! (maybe that's the secret?)  Have hit a hair over 19 mpg on long road trips, loaded.

Mileage on both drops during winter.

My brother's '99 (same setup, but 7.3 and Xcab) gets 19+ on road trips, and it's knocking on 300,000 and pulls 5-12K almost every day!
Also has a 12V Cummins in a Dodge 3/4 ton that he thinks highly of.

Want to talk about bad mileage? Have a '11 F450 with 6.7 and 4.30s, in a 10' dump, dually 4X4.
It does, however, scoot, considering how much it weighs
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 2:34:54 PM EST
[#9]
I have an 06' 6OH with 91K and has been tuned for 25K of that with no problems at all.....They are hit and miss but very good engines if properly maintained!!  Now if I were to do aanother purchase I'd buy an 2000=2003 7.3 and do a 05-07 front end swap.....then you'll have a damn fine rig.....Whatever you do make sure you run OAISIS reports on all your candidates as it'll tell you alot about the life of the vehicle as far as major warranty repair.....Good luck and you should jump over to Powerstroke Nation for all the info you could ever imagine.....
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 3:07:42 PM EST
[#10]
I have an 03. stayed older on purpose. Wanted leaf springs. Love it.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 4:40:11 PM EST
[#11]
wow its nice to see a few people that know about 6.0's and dont just say there junk cause there friend had one. 05 and ups were good like everyones saying never ever ever ever put a tuner in them. they have plenty of power and tuners just make all sorts of problems like lifting the heads off the block. the newer 6.4s are pretty good too, except the fuel system. there a little finicky, like if you put gas in it by accident the high press pump and injectors are smoked which will run about 10k and will not be warrenty. the 7.3s are also very reliable, most common problem really is pry the cam sensor which is like 50$. the one big thing to look at with the 7.3s is the oil pan. if its rusted and seeping oil you better run. the motor has to be pulled half out to replace it so unless you get a smoking deal keep looking. good luck
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 4:40:44 PM EST
[#12]
I work with a former Ford dealer truck mechanic , He suggest not buying any 6.0 or 6.4 . They are pure junk although at a dealer all you see are the broken ones.  a BOV needs to be reliable buy a blown up 6.0 and put a Cummins in it.   I work in the fleet biz, The B series kicks butt
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 5:49:51 PM EST
[#13]
Quoted:
I work with a former Ford dealer truck mechanic , He suggest not buying any 6.0 or 6.4 . They are pure junk although at a dealer all you see are the broken ones.  a BOV needs to be reliable buy a blown up 6.0 and put a Cummins in it.   I work in the fleet biz, The B series kicks butt


I concur.  The 12 valve Cummins is a living legend.  Contact Destroked.com for parts.

Ops
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 6:23:14 PM EST
[#14]



Quoted:


 HomeSlice, I was confident that you would be along.



I've spent some time driving the 7.3.  It is a good engine but diesel does not match my needs now.



This thread points out––If you can work a diesel, then get one.  If you want a slushie go getter, then get a gas powered vehicle.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/648214_Cummins_6_7L_BOV_Update_andquot_Dealing_with_the_new_Emissions_Standardsandquot_.html

 


Aww, PA –– you're getting soft on us
 
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 6:55:46 PM EST
[#15]
Go with the majority of the replies on this one...get the 7.3.

I had a 99 F250


Until...2 years ago...


I loved that truck and still get a bit snivelly every now and then.
Link Posted: 8/9/2011 7:29:51 PM EST
[#16]

I have a 97 F250 super duty w/ 460 gas motor.  Its a beast.  I love it.  Lots of pulling power.  Or pushing power.  Whatever you need.  

Link Posted: 8/10/2011 3:19:07 AM EST
[#17]
Bought a '03 6.0 against my better judgment-112K on the clock.  
loaded the entire fam (post trade) and headed home-when 14 miles from the dealer it blew sky high.  
waited around for about 4 weeks trying to stay calm and hoping for the best.
Dealer made call to replace engine with used from junk-yard and gave me my trade in back, shredded the deal and I started over. (bad truck went to sale-as is) no telling what dealer lost in deal

1. I knew better-I had studied and planned, but got the horse before the cart––anxious.
2. Thank the Good Lord my best bud was the Used Manager at selling dealer-he had just taken truck on trade.

Took more time to look-determined to find a 7.3, and I did-2nd owner 149K on clock. knocking on 255K now and every time I drive.
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 3:29:06 AM EST
[#18]



Quoted:


Bought a '03 6.0 against my better judgment-112K on the clock.  

loaded the entire fam (post trade) and headed home-when 14 miles from the dealer it blew sky high.  

That is funny...Better there than 4 months later.



 
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 4:52:55 AM EST
[#19]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I work with a former Ford dealer truck mechanic , He suggest not buying any 6.0 or 6.4 . They are pure junk although at a dealer all you see are the broken ones.  a BOV needs to be reliable buy a blown up 6.0 and put a Cummins in it.   I work in the fleet biz, The B series kicks butt


I concur.  The 12 valve Cummins is a living legend.  Contact Destroked.com for parts.

Ops


Just be sure to kill the killer dowel pin!
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 8:24:28 AM EST
[#20]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Bought a '03 6.0 against my better judgment-112K on the clock.  
loaded the entire fam (post trade) and headed home-when 14 miles from the dealer it blew sky high.  
That is funny...Better there than 4 months later.
 


Wasn't funny then for sure....thankfully I could call up the Sales Mgr and have him bring me my Avalanche which I had bought from him 3 years earlier

He is a good man, got lucky there for sure.

the 6.0 was sailing down the interstate when it started loosing power-rapidly!  I coasted to the Emer Lane and called him...he thought I was kiddin'  my wife convinced him I wasn't She was then nursing our 3rd born-and baby was getting hungry
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 10:27:27 AM EST
[#21]
On the whole yes the 6.0 has a bad rep for lifting heads and egr valves, oh and injectors........lol    but to say all 6.0's are shit is in and of it's self BULLSHIT!!!  99% of those yelling dont buy a 6.0 SD have never owned one and I'll put money on that shit.......Now that being said you'll not go wrong with a nice 7.3 as it is as good as it gets with diesel engines and like I said you can do the front end conversion and have alot newer looking body style with one hell of a motor in it.........Nothing wrong with a tuner just that you dont know how the kat before ya treated it.........
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 10:45:54 AM EST
[#22]
Side question, I'm not a Diesel guy but I know the govt has been f'ing with diesel mandates.  I remember reading somewhere that a lot of diesel owners were not buying mid 00's and up because of new dumbass govt required engineering that has made the engines either less powerful, less reliable, or more maintenance nightmares.  Any truth to this?  I'm sure with Obama's new fuel mandates you are going to see massive shortcuts.
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 2:19:48 PM EST
[#23]
On the advice given, I've been re-evaluating the truck I was looking at.

Here's what I've found. A 2003 F-350 4wd dually.  7.3. Crew cab w/ leather.  44K miles.  Asking $23k.

Good deal?  I think I know the answer but just want to check.
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 2:34:49 PM EST
[#24]
paid 16,200 for my 4x4 F250 Crew Short Box Lariat with over 100k miles...maybe a little high but for if it's what you want, it'll be worth it...44K miles, musta been a camper hauler and nothing else....that is not even broken yet
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 2:50:55 PM EST
[#25]
Since I have owned both here is my take-get the 7.3.  I have a a '99 250 4x4 w/ about 200K miles on it, runs like a champ (or did till I bragged on it, probably won't start tomorrow).  I thought I needed newer and bought me a cherry '04 king ranch dually 4x4 w/ the 6.0, it was a POS.  First time I actually hauled w/ it I blew the turbo gasket.  Continuous problems after that, from computer to valve to.... so I sold it at a loss and still drive the '99.  Recently the dear wifey decided she needed something bigger than her 'burban so off to excursion land I went.  Bought an '02 w/ the 7.3 and it runs great also, and around 200K miles.  My dad has an '05 dually w/ the 6.0 and he has had more problems than you can shake a stick at.  I do think I found an actual mechanic that says he can make the 6.0 run like it is supposed to, he makes the 7.3's run like a scalded ape by removing the EPA crap.  He is a retired ford mechanic, and actually works on stuff, not just parts changing.
Link Posted: 8/10/2011 4:21:48 PM EST
[#26]
Quoted:
On the whole yes the 6.0 has a bad rep for lifting heads and egr valves, oh and injectors........lol    but to say all 6.0's are shit is in and of it's self BULLSHIT!!!  99% of those yelling dont buy a 6.0 SD have never owned one and I'll put money on that shit.......Now that being said you'll not go wrong with a nice 7.3 as it is as good as it gets with diesel engines and like I said you can do the front end conversion and have alot newer looking body style with one hell of a motor in it.........Nothing wrong with a tuner just that you dont know how the kat before ya treated it.........


I had this discussion today with my guy at work who was a Ford dealer truck mechanic . His opinion is what I posted before , Head lifting even with ARP stud he has seen threads pull out of the block . eliminate the smog stuff and it helps but the lose power and mileage . Personally a diesel for me would be a last resort . I own a 460 5 speed F-250 .  I love the torque of my injected fat motor
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