Ford 7.3L vs Ford 6.0L

[Wally]

So TJRecreation and I are both in the market for a used Ford Crew Cab Short box truck. I've been trying to do some research on www.thedieselstop.com regarding these two. We're looking at the 99-05 body style. I know both of us are also in the $15K-$20K range depending on options/milage etc. I"ve seen some 6.0L on ebay go for as low as $16K or $18K with roughly 130K miles, crew cab etc. Anyways, i've heard that the 6.0L had a lot of problems, but is a newer motor that gets better milage than the 7.3, but also generates less torque than the 7.3....I'd like to hear some real world experience from guys that have these rigs.

[willyb]

I think that the general consensous is going to be to stay away from the 6.0L... I'm extremely happy with my 7.3 ['97] and personally wouldn't buy the 6.0L regardless of the deal.

A good close friend went through three different 6.0L trucks - and had numerous problems with all of them...

[Clint]

So TJRecreation and I are both in the market for a used Ford Crew Cab Short box truck. I've been trying to do some research on www.thedieselstop.com (http://www.thedieselstop.com) regarding these two. We're looking at the 99-05 body style. I know both of us are also in the $15K-$20K range depending on options/milage etc. I"ve seen some 6.0L on ebay go for as low as $16K or $18K with roughly 130K miles, crew cab etc. Anyways, i've heard that the 6.0L had a lot of problems, but is a newer motor that gets better milage than the 7.3, but also generates less torque than the 7.3....I'd like to hear some real world experience from guys that have these rigs.

Awwww, you guys are going to be so happy together!

Oh, you mean you are EACH looking for a truck :flipoff2:

Its a mantra on almost every site. The first year-two of the 6.0s were iffy. Late 04 and beyond are JUST FINE. a 7.3 is very very dependable. Do you have torque #s for the 6.0 vs 7.3? I dont see how it could generate less than the 7.3. Its alot faster motor than the 7.3 is, stock to stock.

[Wally]

So if i go 6.0L, stick with 05+

[1BGDOG]

I have an 03 7.3 F-250 crew. Couldn't be happier with it. Paid around 23K for it with under 55K on the motor a few months ago.

[Cresso]

There's a couple folks on here running 6.0s and I haven't heard of anyone having problems. Stock to stock, the 6.0 definitely blows the doors off the 7.3. In fact, towing with a stock 6.0 will pull away from a chipped 7.3.

I don't know about mileage - the numbers people get seem to vary greatly even with the same engine. If you end up with a 7.3, I highly recommend a mild chip to wake it up. DP-Tuner is the premiere 7.3 chip burner and he has a tune that not only gives you 60-80hp, but can also give you slightly better fuel economy if you can resist the temptation to play with the extra power all the time.

If I were buying again now, I'd go for the truck in better condition/better deal, not which engine it had. Well, excluding those first two years of the 6.0. I'm extremely pleased with the 2000 7.3 I ended up with.

[Wally]

Well the later model 6.0L are easily $25K or more, and honestly i'd prefer to stay in the high teens at most.

[Big Dave]

I picked up my 01 7.3 crewcab shortbox for $17k a year ago with 96k on it. No complaints here. When this truck dies I plan on getting the same basic truck but with one of the later 6.0's.

Don't the 6.0's have a slightly better tranny too?? Can't remember for sure. I know the tranny on the 7.3 is good to about 150k if you tow.

[ScaldedDog]

If you're planning on chipping the motor, remember that the 2001 and following 7.3's have powdered metal rods. The better chip guys have figured out how to keep the cylinder pressures within the PMR's capability, but it's still probably not a great choice for a full-on hot rod. Also, the early 2001's had a mechanical diode in the tranny that was prone to fail. If you're interested in an '01, look at the date code on the tranny to see if it still has the OEM one.

All that said, I've got an '01 Excursion with the 7.3, and couldn't be happier. The OEM tranny only lasted 17K, but the rebuilt one has 87K on it. I've changed the exhaust and intake to let it breath a little better in the hills, and may chip it one of these days, but not 'till I'm ready to shell out $4K for a better tranny.

FWIW, a buddy of mine bought an early '03 6.0, threw every modification at the thing before he ever drove it home, and has put about 120K trouble-free miles on it. Go figure.

Mark

[Chris Halvorson]

Wally, my boss has a 04 6.0 with over 110K on the clock. The only problem he has had with it was at 95K, turbo shelled, covered under warranty. I have driven the truck...very nice. He has had a predator 60 HP chip on it since new.

[BigE]

T Stock to stock, the 6.0 definitely blows the doors off the 7.3. In fact, towing with a stock 6.0 will pull away from a chipped 7.3.
Not

[J Kimmel]

I had a 7.3, loved it and would get another in a heartbeat. I never owned a 6.0, but a coworker had an 05 and had little problems with it, he kept it bone stock and it seemed to pull great. I would personally be leary of an 03, but an 04-05 no biggie, just like anything else, if its been maintained.

[4x4ford]

Stock to stock, the 6.0 definitely blows the doors off the 7.3. In fact, towing with a stock 6.0 will pull away from a chipped 7.3.

Diddo here. Our '04 6.0 blew the doors of our friends '03 chipped 7.3 towing our campers & toys up Crow Hill. We get about 14mpg around town & 10mpg pulling the camper & toys through the hills.

[Sprnklrmn]

My '07 6.0L has been disappointing towing. I went from a V-10 to the diesel and was anticipating faster speeds over the passes. What I have found is that the diesel pulls the same up Vail and Loveland as the V-10. It is stock with 24K miles on it now. I do 50-55 up the backside of Loveland Pass with it floored. Dealer says nothing is wrong with it:confused:

[Wally]

FWIW mine will be used mostly for towing, so i'm more concerned with towing performance vs no load

[Clint]

FWIW mine will be used mostly for towing, so i'm more concerned with towing performance vs no load

Towing what? :flipoff2:

[Cresso]

My '07 6.0L has been disappointing towing. I went from a V-10 to the diesel and was anticipating faster speeds over the passes. What I have found is that the diesel pulls the same up Vail and Loveland as the V-10. It is stock with 24K miles on it now. I do 50-55 up the backside of Loveland Pass with it floored. Dealer says nothing is wrong with it:confused:

How many miles ya got on there? New diesels take a while to break in and they usually see a minor power improvement and a noticeable fuel efficiency improvement after ~20k miles. Hopefully Elk will pipe in here at some point. He has a 6.0 that improved dramatically once it hit a certain mileage point. I can't remember, but I think he said it was 20k on the dot. Almost like Ford had a programmed limiter for the break-in period.

[Cresso]

FWIW mine will be used mostly for towing, so i'm more concerned with towing performance vs no load

If you're focused on the towing aspect, try to find one of the elusive 6 speed manual Fords. It's a tough find, but I think it's well worth it for a tow rig. Maybe the Centennial Sales & Leasing (http://www.centleasing.com/) guys can help ya track one down.

[Wally]

I know Carrie REALLY want's a 6spd ford, i've seen a few, is the manual really that much better for towing :shrug:

[Blue Dodge]

'02 7.3 compared to '05 6.0. Both autos.

Both mainly stock. (7.3 had an intake and exahust, gauges and a very midl chip, 6.0 bone stock other then gauges)

7.3 -- blown turbo going up Vail pass no trailer.
7.3 blown 4r100 going up to the tunnel
7.3 -- rod through the block in no where Illinois completely empty.

6.0 -- High pressure oil pump (feeds injectors) -- complete loss of fuel near Minturn
6.0 -- Intercooler hoses popped off (repeatedly, in Denver, fixed under warranty, again in Alamosa, again on Crow Hill -- will not move without boost, PITA to fix on the side of the road over and over again).
6.0 -- Fuse panel caught fire - -able to jump the starter solenoid and driver with no elecdtronics to dealer

6.0 -- Fan clutch failed on 285 -- overheated. Cooled down, coasted to the dealer, 6 hrs later (and a lot of shouting at the dealer) back on the road.

The auto transmission (5r110) is 10x better then the old 4r100. Its worth the 6.0 just for that. If you are going manual doesn't matter. The grade braking is also great. It runs way cooler, and locks the t/c up in all gears keep heat down. Even pulling Monarch pass at close to 25k gross the trans never got above 200F. Old 4r100 would have been 240+. (or sitting on side of ride cooling, since I call about 225 max) Also the '05s get factory brake controllers and huge brakes -- all awesome.

Mileage - -got up to1 7 mpg highway on the original 7.3, only got about 14 on the replacment. 6.0 has never done better then 13 but it has 4.10s.

Towing they both get about the same. (10 mpg with smaller trailers, 8-9 loaded with 14k)

Huge flat spot to 2000 rpm on the 6.0 but after that it flat out moves. Even with a trailer. Awesome once the revs are up.

7.3 had less dead spot, but simply did not rev. My Vortec 8100 is faster towing 10 000 lb.

I wouldn't get a 7.3 with an auto. The PMR are also an issue.

The 6.0 could get expensive as the miles increase as it probably going to need a good mechanic.

[Cresso]

I know Carrie REALLY want's a 6spd ford, i've seen a few, is the manual really that much better for towing :shrug:

The main advantages are potentially better fuel economy and not having to worry about the tranny temps. Additionally, an upgraded clutch is quite a bit cheaper than upgrading the whole transmission, and you'll have to do one or the other if you modify very much.

As Blue Dodge mentioned, the 6.0s come with a better auto. The built-in brake controller available on the newer trucks only comes with the auto. The manuals don't get it. freakin retarded. So yea, maybe a better recommendation would be to try to find a manual if you go 7.3. Others will have to make the 6.0 recommendation, as I don't have any behind-the-wheel time with those.

Oh, one more thing that just occurred to me. The longbed versions are the only ones that come with the big 38 gallon gas tank. All the shortbed models come with a 29 gallon gas tank.

[Clint]

I love my 6 speed 7.3....

[TJRecreation]

I am glad Wally posted this....
I drove a 01' 7.3 manual (100K)and a 05' 6.0 auto (under 75k) in Junction this past weekend. I think the manual may be overkill for me. It is much harder to find the manual and I will be using mine as a daily driver and tow rig for trips further than Holy Cross. I figure about 10 trips towing a season, mostly to Junction, Moab, BV.
I am leaning towards Crew Cab, short box, 7.3, auto, 02-03, 100K
I would like to chip/ intake it, but not go crazy because I am semi concerned about the auto tranny. I just can't drive it without some mods :D , maybe a leveling kit and 35's?

Thanks for any input,
Shawn

[Chris Halvorson]

'02 7.3 compared to '05 6.0. Both autos.

Both mainly stock. (7.3 had an intake and exahust, gauges and a very midl chip, 6.0 bone stock other then gauges)

7.3 -- blown turbo going up Vail pass no trailer.
7.3 blown 4r100 going up to the tunnel
7.3 -- rod through the block in no where Illinois completely empty.

6.0 -- High pressure oil pump (feeds injectors) -- complete loss of fuel near Minturn
6.0 -- Intercooler hoses popped off (repeatedly, in Denver, fixed under warranty, again in Alamosa, again on Crow Hill -- will not move without boost, PITA to fix on the side of the road over and over again).
6.0 -- Fuse panel caught fire - -able to jump the starter solenoid and driver with no elecdtronics to dealer

6.0 -- Fan clutch failed on 285 -- overheated. Cooled down, coasted to the dealer, 6 hrs later (and a lot of shouting at the dealer) back on the road.

The auto transmission (5r110) is 10x better then the old 4r100. Its worth the 6.0 just for that. If you are going manual doesn't matter. The grade braking is also great. It runs way cooler, and locks the t/c up in all gears keep heat down. Even pulling Monarch pass at close to 25k gross the trans never got above 200F. Old 4r100 would have been 240+. (or sitting on side of ride cooling, since I call about 225 max) Also the '05s get factory brake controllers and huge brakes -- all awesome.

Mileage - -got up to1 7 mpg highway on the original 7.3, only got about 14 on the replacment. 6.0 has never done better then 13 but it has 4.10s.

Towing they both get about the same. (10 mpg with smaller trailers, 8-9 loaded with 14k)

Huge flat spot to 2000 rpm on the 6.0 but after that it flat out moves. Even with a trailer. Awesome once the revs are up.

7.3 had less dead spot, but simply did not rev. My Vortec 8100 is faster towing 10 000 lb.

I wouldn't get a 7.3 with an auto. The PMR are also an issue.

The 6.0 could get expensive as the miles increase as it probably going to need a good mechanic.

Holy smokes!!! THat is a lot of repairs. I was talking crap about my Dodge on another thread a while back, I guess I am not the only one with bad luck. That doesn't seem normal for a Ford truck, they are pretty good overall. I drove my bosses truck and really enjoyed it. I was only towing a small trailer with a few ATV's on it...non-the-less it is a nice truck with little issues for that many miles.

[Blue Dodge]

Holy smokes!!! THat is a lot of repairs. I was talking crap about my Dodge on another thread a while back, I guess I am not the only one with bad luck. That doesn't seem normal for a Ford truck, they are pretty good overall. I drove my bosses truck and really enjoyed it. I was only towing a small trailer with a few ATV's on it...non-the-less it is a nice truck with little issues for that many miles.

That was just the major issues.

The '02 didn't have too much else.

The '05 has had had the front r+p replaced twice, auto hubs have been "fixed" 5 times, the HVAC controller has been replaced once or twice, the rear window was replaced, the windshield wipers won't shut off..... But hey, it does have 40 000 miles, mainly empty so its had a long life....

[Wally]

HOLY $HIT after reading all of this I think I'm just going to get an old Crew Cab F350 with a 460 gaser and a manual tranny, these diesels seem way too unreliable :flipoff2:

[Clint]

02 F250 7.3 6 spd. Replaced Hpop O rings under warranty, Replaced CPS sensor under warranty. Thats IT. I bought it with 31k on it, it has 92k on it now. I put a leveling kit and 35s on it shortly after buying it. I replaced the ball joints at about 70k. Ill be chipping it soon and expect to replace the clutch....

[Chris Halvorson]

That was just the major issues.

The '02 didn't have too much else.

The '05 has had had the front r+p replaced twice, auto hubs have been "fixed" 5 times, the HVAC controller has been replaced once or twice, the rear window was replaced, the windshield wipers won't shut off..... But hey, it does have 40 000 miles, mainly empty so its had a long life....

I hear you!! Mine has 57K on it now. Most of my issues were dealer caused and in now way the craftsmanship of the CTD. I can't say I will buy another dodge...just for principal only. All of the big three have been having issues with the higher pressures the fuel systems can deliver. As soon as you go 20% more than the duty cycle, you are looking for trouble.
Tuesday of this next week I am going to Littleton to get my new IP put in and my fuel system checked for pressure, I think my FASS is cavitating my IP due to too much pressure. I will have to regulate the flow of the FASS down to around 15 psi to keep the pump in the correct curve. Live and learn.

[jnschwie]

HOLY $HIT after reading all of this I think I'm just going to get an old Crew Cab F350 with a 460 gaser and a manual tranny, these diesels seem way too unreliable :flipoff2:

Yeah, do that.

[Brutus]

There has been no mention of rear end gearing in this thread... is it to be assumed that the gearing is universal for a tow-ready ferd diesel?

FWIW, my dad's 7.3 would smoke his 6.0L, towing or not towing.

[Wally]

FWIW, my dad's 7.3 would smoke his 6.0L, towing or not towing.

That seems to be the general concesus i hear as well, this is based mostly on guys in the Oil Fields who've driven both 7.3's and 6.0's as the company trucks, and many have gone back and bought 7.3's for their own personal rigs because they did not like the performance of the 6.0's, there's only a handful of people i've heard say the 6.0L will out pull the 7.3L

[Cresso]

I've towed door to door with a couple stock 6.0s while my 7.3 was mildly chipped and they could pull away from me at will while I had the pedal to the floor. My 7.3 runs quite well as far as these trucks go. I'd say I got one of the better ones. This was at highway speeds towing trail rigs.

Elk's new stock 6.0 is way quicker than my truck was in the mild chip days and actually felt startlingly close to my current setup, which is about as radical as I'd get on a towing 7.3. That's empty, though.

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear a 7.3 beating a 6.0 is that 6.0 must be one of the bum ones. Second thing that comes to mind is that 7.3 is anything but stock. There's always exceptions, I suppose...

[CGuava]

Put about 28k on my truck since June of 06'. 01' Lariat CC 7.3 Auto.

Had a couple rough spots that needed to be worked out, sprung a leak in the HPOP last winter twice, all fixed, got a new HPOP because my mechanic accidently messed up the threads to a plug on the HPOP.

There was a CPS problem, I've never had a problem with mine but carry a spare CPS in my truck. This was a big downer a little while ago because they were $150 per CPS. Ford acknowledged the problem and CPS' are now just $25. I'd say if you get a 7.3, it's a good idea to pick one up just in case.

Had the GPR go out, 25 dollars later at NAPA got it fixed. I'm really happy with the truck hauling. Goes as fast as I want it to when climbing, hauling about 7.5k. I also highly recommend the DP Tuner if you decide to chip it. Jody (owner of DP) is a great guy, with great customer service. The chip is way better than the Edge I had in it a while ago, better throttle response, and better fuel mileage.

I wouldn't sell my truck for anything less than a new 6.4L or maybe a Mega Cab. Also been DDing it from Longmont to Denver everyday for the last month or so. So comfortable I almost enjoy the traffic on 25, haha, yeah right.

[Jocko]

I love my 7.3. Transmissions are weak but can be built. Water pump seems to be an issue with mine (2 so far). Replaced the CPS at about 125,000. Replaced the ball joints at 130,000. Other than that, I wouldn't trade it for any other brand. I love the looks, interior room, simplicity in styling (interior), and over all feel of it.

Whatever you end up with, tranny and EGT gauges are a must.

When you get it we can talk performance parts :D.

Good luck Wally.

[SlipkoTJ]

There are pro's and Cons of every truck out there. My buddy just put up his cummins for sale today if your interested. He too has a 7.3 and likes both but for towing the dodge hands down. I've towed both hauling my jeep with a ford and dodge and prefer the dodge.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b55/toojeeper/Picture178.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b55/toojeeper/tc3.jpg

[89Runner]

Its natural in human behavior, that a person will tell 10 people about something bad that has happened to them or their things, but you'd be lucky if that same person says anything good about something they have. This is true. I like to talk about the good things I have, I LOVE my '06 6.0, I haven't towed much more than 3-4K, but I can light my tires up with a 3500lb Toyota truck on a tow dolly. I bought that yota in Durango, and hauled it back home to Littleton, and I never knew it was behind me.

The Torqueshift 5spd auto behind the 6.0 is being compared to the Allison 1000 behind the Duratrash, as far as toughness and reliablility goes. Buck up and buy the 6.0, you won't regret it.

[jnschwie]

FWIW, when I was an EMT I worked for a crappy company that only had old 7.3s. We bought almost all of them off-lease from the EC. We had the worst mechanic in the world, and ROUTINELY missed maintence.

The 7.3 did a great job of starting up (even when we'd forget to plug them in) in the Wisconsin winters, and because of odometer rollover, we couldn't know for sure how many miles they had. A conservative estimate for some of the oldest would be 3-400K at least, virtually all in-town stop/go. 9/10 of our ambulances went down because of ripped apart interiors more than drivetrain, and a bunch were smashed. (Code-3 is serious business). :D Not that some didn't have problems, but those 7.3s were what convinced me to someday buy a diesel truck, even way back then. I always wanted a 7.3.

[stroke this]

there is a reason they quit making the 7.3! my 06 250 has 600 foot pounds and w/o towing gets 18mpg on highway (in the left lane). pulling 8,000 lbs on the flat i get 14mpg.

[CSP]

there is a reason they quit making the 7.3!


Correct! It's called tighter emissions standards!

[nridler]

I love my 06 psd(no mods yet). There has not been a pass where I couldn't go over the speed limit. I estimate that my jeep and trailer weigh about 6500-7000 lbs. I've started it in -5 degrees twice with out the block heater pluged in (it did blow out a lot of smoke for about three minutes). I got a little over 16 mpg towing from gleenwood springs to moab last year. I've heard if you go over 100HP in mods you run a good chance of streatching the head bolts. This is while i'll probably go with the Banks Stinger system which gives you 75HP.

[bsaunder]

there is a reason they quit making the 7.3!


LOL - I guess thats why I keep getting offered $25K+ cash by oil field rough necks for my '02 7.3 6spd crew cab every time I go on a road trip near oil fields. BTW - blue book is ~$18k on my truck.

The newer rigs are great rigs, I personally wouldn't get a 6.0 w/ manual, the engine program was designed entirely around the new auto tranny. For a manual, I'd say the 7.3 would be very hard to beat.

7.3s are still being made too, just not being put into pickups by Ford. It has been and still is a main standby engine for international for their light duty trucks.
Personally - I'm more worried about reliability and longevity than how quick my truck is; if I wanted to race, I'd by a sports car.

[thefatkid]

I used to have a OBS 7.3l, 01 Cummins. I recently made the switch to a 03 6.0 auto.

My leg love me now, stop and go sucks. I'd say go auto.

The 6.0 has been good, it has not left me stranded like the other 2 (CPS Ford, lift pump and injection pump Dodge). I have had one turbo stick (read coaking, VGT turbo) and the dealer replaced it under warranty. My High pressure oil pressure sensor sprung a leak and was warranty. Oil filters and fuel filters are more expensive then the older stuff, not a big deal though. 78k miles.

Towing, I love the 5 speed torque shift. Coast breaking is great in tow/haul. This truck is way faster then the other 2. It is way more stable, but thats not fair to say because it is a dually.

I'll tow stock against a chipped 7.3l, I'm sure it will keep up. SCT makes some cool tunes. I run a towing tune, 90 WHP gain, it also has some other goodies to make towing better (agressive coast breaking, adjusts turbo for more backpressure for "jake feel", EGR turn off for cooler temps. There is also a Insanity program for unloaded (150hp), this causes tire wear issuse and ricky racer feeling so i don't run it.

The 6.0l is laggy off the line, if you stab the throttle you have a 2 to 3 second "delay" before it wakes up. A little "power break" to spool the turbo fixes this.

6.0 will get the job done and be good at it.

[74BuckinBronc]

I'll agree with some of these guys. If you want the Auto, look for an '05 or newer 6.0L. If you want a standard, get the 7.3L. I would stay away from the STOCK auto in the 7.3L, unless you can afford a BTS tranny.

I will also say that the 6.0L will outperform a 7.3L, even if the 7.3L is mildly built. The problem I see is 100k down the road. The 7.3L will likely last longer if it has been kept up.

I have a '02 F-350 6spd and love it! I have had one problem (a fluke short in an injector leaving me stranded), but I have 78K on it now. It's been mildly modified with intake, impeller, exhaust and a custom chip. She'll scream when I need her to. My mileage there in CO was 17-18 city and 19-22 highway and 13.5 towing. I have logged every tankful in a book from when I bought the truck new and each MPG was hand calculated. It's no 1/4 mi truck because shifting is too slow, but that's really not what a diesel is for anyway.

My F-I-L has an '05 Auto. It's a nice truck. His only trouble was a blown turbo after an 8000mi trip to AK and back, pulling no less than 4-5K.

Check the classified at www.coloradopowerstrokeclub.com as well, and sign up and ask some questions there.

J.D.

[Clint]

I'll agree with some of these guys. If you want the Auto, look for an '05 or newer 6.0L. If you want a standard, get the 7.3L. I would stay away from the STOCK auto in the 7.3L, unless you can afford a BTS tranny.

I will also say that the 6.0L will outperform a 7.3L, even if the 7.3L is mildly built. The problem I see is 100k down the road. The 7.3L will likely last longer if it has been kept up.

I have a '02 F-350 6spd and love it! I have had one problem (a fluke short in an injector leaving me stranded), but I have 78K on it now. It's been mildly modified with intake, impeller, exhaust and a custom chip. She'll scream when I need her to. My mileage there in CO was 17-18 city and 19-22 highway and 13.5 towing. I have logged every tankful in a book from when I bought the truck new and each MPG was hand calculated. It's no 1/4 mi truck because shifting is too slow, but that's really not what a diesel is for anyway.

My F-I-L has an '05 Auto. It's a nice truck. His only trouble was a blown turbo after an 8000mi trip to AK and back, pulling no less than 4-5K.

Check the classified at www.coloradopowerstrokeclub.com (http://www.coloradopowerstrokeclub.com) as well, and sign up and ask some questions there.

J.D.

Colorado power stroke is GONE. been gone for about a week now. No idea what happened, must have let the domain lapse or something...

[Cresso]

Colorado power stroke is GONE. been gone for about a week now. No idea what happened, must have let the domain lapse or something...

:eek: That sucks!

[74BuckinBronc]

Yeah, that's wierd! I'll send if I can send an email to the Black's and see what's going on. Great club, I hate to see it go away!

J.D.

[patchzx7r]

My '07 6.0L has been disappointing towing. I went from a V-10 to the diesel and was anticipating faster speeds over the passes. What I have found is that the diesel pulls the same up Vail and Loveland as the V-10. It is stock with 24K miles on it now. I do 50-55 up the backside of Loveland Pass with it floored. Dealer says nothing is wrong with it:confused:


Get some gauges, These trucks run hot (EGT, and trans) depending on loads.

Just returned from two trips, one to Steamboat, then back to Denver then Salida. My trans got up to 225 up Eisenhower (first time that hot) if it were not for my gauges and water Meath I would have surely, unknowingly burned something up.

The 7.3 run cooler but it is preferance.. I have an 2003 with 58K and no plans to sell it, I don't have a chip or programmer in it, don't need it, power adders have a snow ball effect on the 6.0. If you run more boost your EGT's will climb. No way around it.. My Meath helps but i still don't put my foot into it up the passes, with the 5er I can do 50-57 mph thru the ups of the passes. More than fast enough IMO..

Sorry.

[Steve]

Wally, stop by some time and drive my '05 PSD. I'm not gonna get into the stupid brand wars, but I know I've towed between 'Junction and Denver and pull the passes as fast as I want to with the 6.0. The auto trans with the Tow/Haul is as good as it gets, and from everything I've read that's one tuff trans. I got just under 20 mpg last week (empty) on a round trip between 'Junction and DIA. I get ~14-15 mpg towing the EB through the mountains at the speed limit everywhere. It has ~38k miles now, and I've done nothing but routine maintenance.

I can say that my '05 PSD is much better - and MUCH more comfy - at towing than the old 2nd Gen Cummins I had before it.

[Cresso]

I can say that my '05 PSD is much better - and MUCH more comfy - at towing than the old 2nd Gen Cummins I had before it.

oh, is that how you stay out of the stupid brand wars? :flipoff2:

[Clint]

Wally, stop by some time and drive my '05 PSD.


:eek: Are you insane? He will tip it over Steve :D

[Wally]

Steve, thanks for the offer, but i'm thinking an 05 6.0L is a bit out of my price range. I'm still shooting for under $20K. Honestly, Clints is the rig i'd like to drive...both the EB and the powerstoke...I'm leaning towards a 6spd on the powersmoke and an auto with a V8,coilovers and 40's :D

[Clint]

Steve, thanks for the offer, but i'm thinking an 05 6.0L is a bit out of my price range. I'm still shooting for under $20K. Honestly, Clints is the rig i'd like to drive...both the EB and the powerstoke...I'm leaning towards a 6spd on the powersmoke and an auto with a V8,coilovers and 40's :D

Sorry Wally, my PSD doesnt have an Exocage :flipoff2:

You can drive it once I put new brakes on it, maybe in a week or two. I gotta order the rotors and pads tomorrow.

[Steve]

oh, is that how you stay out of the stupid brand wars? :flipoff2:

Just stating my actual experience Doug. Both have been good trucks, but I do prefer the Ford. :)

[89Runner]

I love my 06 psd(no mods yet). There has not been a pass where I couldn't go over the speed limit. I estimate that my jeep and trailer weigh about 6500-7000 lbs. I've started it in -5 degrees twice with out the block heater pluged in (it did blow out a lot of smoke for about three minutes). I got a little over 16 mpg towing from gleenwood springs to moab last year. I've heard if you go over 100HP in mods you run a good chance of streatching the head bolts. This is while i'll probably go with the Banks Stinger system which gives you 75HP.

Bud, let me save you some time and possible aggravation, get a SCTXcal2. You can get them from a number of vendors, use custom or canned tunes, and best of all... its the safest programmer for the 6.0. Not that you can't damage your truck with it, but its more difficult to do so. I got mine from Innovative Diesel, with street, tow (with turbo brake), and xtreme race (custom) tunes. You can have them build your tune everything you want and nothing you don't.

Like I said though, ANY programmer has the potential to damage your truck, but if you install it correctly (correctly, meaning guages), and you keep an aye on them you should not have any problems. I've had mine for about a year, and NEVER had a problem with it, mi is also an '06 if that makes any difference. I spent over 2 months researching programmers before buying the SCT, and it is by far the best, and most popular for the 6.0. I frequent another forum, just for Powerstrokes, and that is where I did my research, and talked to a few people that had auto tranny issues when using the Banks products.

That is one of the biggest drawbacks about other tuner/programmers, is that their offered auto tranny protection is not what it should be. Just my .02 cents, hope it helps.

[btow19]

I bought my 99 F-250 7.3 6 speed love it more and more everyday, pulled my Jeep up to billings like it wasn't there. This is where I did my research at www.powerstroke.org great site alot of info.:beer: :beer:

[abromer]

My 03 6 liter has a 110k on it and probably had a trailor on back for at least 60K and I love it! I have only replaced the fuel pump.

[74BuckinBronc]

www.coloradopowerstrokeclub.com is back up!

J.D.

[Wally]

Well i put an offer at $26,000 for an 05 long bed, crew cab 4x4 loaded, with 114K on it and he is considering my offer with the trading the audi in at that price or $23,000 but with out trading the audi in. So if i could sell the audi outright...I'd have a nice tow rig :rant: but sounds like he's loosing interest in taking the audi in on trade.

[Steve]

I know both of us are also in the $15K-$20K range depending on options/milage etc.

Steve, thanks for the offer, but i'm thinking an 05 6.0L is a bit out of my price range. I'm still shooting for under $20K.

Well i put an offer at $26,000...

Wait another month. You'll be up to the price for a brandy new one. :flipoff2:

[Clint]

Wait another month. You'll be up to the price for a brandy new one. :flipoff2:

MUHAHAHAHAHAH! Wally aint gonna buy no truck. He can haul his mtn bike on the audi! :flipoff2:

[89minitruck]

I guess you should have bought Clint's before I did... :flipoff2:

[Wally]

Wait another month. You'll be up to the price for a brandy new one. :flipoff2:

Nah, i like the idea of an 05 crew cab with an auto, but they're just a bit out of reach. the deal at $26K had to do with a good trade in price on the audi...at $23,000 outright....that's pretty sweet, so it was hard to say no. Still looking for the 99-02 crew cabs 4x4 with a manual. I've been in too many sitiations where a 2 wheel drive truck would have left me stranded had i been towing the rig home rather than driving.

[74BuckinBronc]

How's hunting for a manual going? I'm curious because I am hoping to keep mine fairly low miles to keep it's value up. I suspect most folks are holding onto them.

I should say that if you happen across an auto tranny that has been beefed up by BTS (Brian's Truck Shop), I would give it serious consideration. ASFAIK no one in the COPSD club has had a failure with one.

The other alternative is to buy a cheaper one with a stock or blown auto and put the remaing cash into a BTS. I know of at least one local dealer.

J.D.

[Wally]

How's hunting for a manual going? I'm curious because I am hoping to keep mine fairly low miles to keep it's value up. I suspect most folks are holding onto them.

The other alternative is to buy a cheaper one with a stock or blown auto and put the remaing cash into a BTS. I know of at least one local dealer.

J.D.

The manuals are out there, mostly in TX, but there's not lots, and they're not really that much different in price vs an auto. And yeah i've been talking to Carrie about maybe picking up an Auto cheap and just throwing $2,500 at it right away and having ATS beef the hell out the tranny the day we pick it up :thumbsup:

[CSP]

Wally forget about ATS. Use BTS which is Brian's Truck Shop. Rockin S performance in Brighton is a dealer for them.

[74BuckinBronc]

Wally forget about ATS. Use BTS which is Brian's Truck Shop. Rockin S performance in Brighton is a dealer for them.

:thumbsup:

[dmeis]

I drove to Arkansas for a BTS and I would do it again. That should mean a lot.

:beer:

[zukstur]

Wally, the 99 crewcab pickup I brought the atlas to you in just rolled over 191,000 with no problems yet. My 99 supercab has 246,000 with no problems. I tow alot with my trucks.

I have a good friend that has been a ford truck mechanice for over 30 years and he siad if he was going to buy a diesel he wouldnt touch the 6.0's as far as the 6.4's go he said that in order to change the injectors you have to jack the cab up. He said the 7.3 is by far the best diesel ford ever made. So i guess I'll keep my 99 and just drive it. Oh another thing that alot of people dont know is that the 7.3's injectors are controlled off of the engine oil pressure. Use only the ford oil filter because some of the after market filters dont allow the proper oil pressure to run the injectors. Hence the lack of power and later on injector problems.

Good luck in your search.

[Wally]

Good to know Rick, thanks for the input :thumbsup:

[sonofmayhem]

The 6.0l is laggy off the line, if you stab the throttle you have a 2 to 3 second "delay" before it wakes up. A little "power break" to spool the turbo fixes this.



I felt this as well when i worked at midas. It was an 06 king ranch 6.0 but it pulled right after that 2 second delay!:beer:

[CGuava]

Don't know if this has been brought up, but another option is the 7.3 Excursion. I see those things go all day for 15k with at or under 100k on em'. If you need the box look into a p/u. If you just want the truck for hauling (obviously you're limited to bumper pull) I'd consider the excursion.

Christian

[CGuava]

I felt this as well when i worked at midas. It was an 06 king ranch 6.0 but it pulled right after that 2 second delay!:beer:

And that's why I don't take any vehicles to those one stop automotive shops. :D

[sonofmayhem]

What do you mean? I was just trying to pull it into the bay and thought id get there quicker:D

We had a guy with a souped up dodge come in and Dare the mechs, not to push it wide open. He always got a kick outta there faces/responses.

[Wally]

ok, i think i'm even MORE confused now. Last weekend i went out and test drove an 04 crew cab 6.0L with the auto...LOVED IT, man that drove great, then took out an 01 7.3 crew cab with the auto, what a SLUG. Both trucks were right around 100K miles. So at that point, i start to lean towards just saving up some and getting an 05+ 6.0L...which leads me to a few ford diesel forums, where EVERYTHING i read says the 6.0L is the most unreliable, problematic truck on the face of the earth. Everyone seems to agree on the fact the 7.3 is way more reliable, and easier to work on. Guys with 40-60K miles on their 04-06 6.0L are averaging 8-15 trips to the dealer in that time to get multiple items replaced, including head gaskets, rear main seals, and other major compenants. :thumbsdown:

So now i'm back to square one, seeing as how i'd be going for a higher milage (100K+) 6.0L, the last thing i want is to have a big car payment AND frequent dealer repair bills since it's almost impossible to work on the newer motors....man i am bout to give up and just go back to looking at a big gas motor and call it done :rolleyes:

[Big Dave]

Drive another 7.3L, I drove a few that were slugs, but mine definitely isn't.

[J Kimmel]

fwiw my old 7.3 woke up a LOT after a good chip.

[74BuckinBronc]

I agree that the 6.0L in stock form will blow the doors off a mildly modified 7.3L, and there are a lot of folks out there that have had good luck with the 6.0L. My Father-in-law owns an '05 and it's been a good truck, but he did loose the turbo on a 8K round trip to Alaska and back. Other than cussing about changing the fuel filter, I don't think he's had many other problems.

The good thing about diesels, is you can make relatively inexpensive mods that will give you more HP & TQ, better fuel economy and not a sluggish truck. I would say if you get a 7.3L, try and save back a little over $1k and get yourself some gauges, an intake, exhaust and a nice chip and you'll be happy. I know that if I put my truck back to stock programming, it feels sluggish.

If you buy a 7.3L that is in good shape and appears to have been cared for, chances are you'll have a good reliable truck. If you buy a 6.0L it's a crapshoot!

J.D.

[OklahomaYJ]

Wally...I too have drove both the 7.3L and the 6.0L. The 7.3 was an 02 crew cab 4x4 with around 100k miles straight piped and mild programmer. It was relatively fast but the MPG was horrible...like 14. It was really loud and rode pretty rough (F350).

The 6.0L was an 06 crew cab 4x4 King Ranch with around 20k miles and felt stronger and faster then the 7.3. I towed about 5500lbs with it for about 20 miles and it was amazing. The 6.0/TorqShift combo is awesome for towing. Unloaded it averaged around 16 to 22MPG and with the load it was around 10-12MPG. The ride was much smoother (F250 w/ Coil front end).

However, knowing what I know about 6.0's I'd never own one outside of the warranty. Blowing up turbo's, fixing high pressure oil leaks, warping the heads or blowing gaskets would be expensive to replace.

[Steve]

So at that point, i start to lean towards just saving up some and getting an 05+ 6.0L...which leads me to a few ford diesel forums, where EVERYTHING i read says the 6.0L is the most unreliable, problematic truck on the face of the earth.

I suspect part of what you're seeing is that people who have problems - with any vehicle - are much more likely to get on the web and rant about it. Those with reliable vehicles with no problems don't typically get on the web to say they haven't had problems. I can tell you that Mike has never had his '05 PSD in the shop for any kind of work, nor have I with my '05 PSD.

[Cresso]

With the right mods, a 7.3 can be a strong puller. It's only worthwhile if you can afford the truck and all the mods to get it strong without spending more than a newer truck, obviously. A gauge/intake/exhaust/chip combo from ITP Diesel would cost around $1500 and should produce in the neighborhood of 300hp/650 ft-lbs on a typical 7.3. After that, the price for more power takes a big jump.

Unfortunately, I doubt the prices for good condition 7.3s are really that much lower than the 6.0s.

[Wally]

Steve, you, Mike, Carries dad as well as my friend Alexis all have 2005 6.0's with under 50K miles. If i went with a 6.0L i'd get one with over 100K mostly because the prices for those are in the $22K-$25K range vs $30K+ for a low milage 6.0L. At that milage i'm well out of warranty and problems i've been reading are $1,500-$3,000 fixes that only the dealer can do...might as well own an audi if i'm going to face dealer repairs in that range :flipoff2:

[TJRecreation]

just keep that audi out of stone retaining walls and it shouldn't be an issue :flipoff2:

[Steve]

just keep that audi out of stone retaining walls and it shouldn't be an issue :flipoff2:

:lmao:

Plus, you won't have a rig to tow for another couple of years Walter, so whatever you get will only get light use anyway.

:flipoff2:

[Joe Dillard]

Got truck? :flipoff2:

Seriously, any good prospects lately or has this been placed on the back burner for now?

[Elk]

I wish I'd read this before, but everything Doug said is true about my 06. My highway mileage jumped from around 14 to around 17 just short of 20K miles. I have the 4.10 gears and that does cost me a little on the mileage. We took the camper (slide in around 4800 pounds) to BV and back and got around 12. I hauled the jeep from Longmont to Delta at or above the speed limit and also got around 12. We'll see what happens when I have both the camper loaded and the jeep in tow. I would not have bought an 03 or 04.

[Jeepin Dave]

I own a 04 6.0 auto and pull a 9,000lb 5th wheel and flat tow me jeep behind the camper. I just turned 54,000 miles no problems. I have run an edge attitude since day one. I sold my 01 7.3 to a buddy which has 90,000 on the clock he was pulling a 4,500 lb camper and one quad behind me up rabbit ears pass and fell way behind, my edge was set on 0.