Hey Everyone,

I have a 2003 F150 Scab that I want to trade up for an F250/F350 PSD in the spring in preparation for towing an 8K lbs travel trailer. I want to keep the price under $20K for a used machine but I'm not sure about advantages over model years, engine sizes in the diesel models. Also, what would be an acceptable mileage for one? I'm hoping to get about $6500+ for my F150 but I may private sale the truck before I buy. All thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. If there is a more appropriate section for this question, let me know and I'll send it there. Thanks.

 

Definitely get the 7.3

 

well inyour price you only have the 6.0, 7.3 and if youre lucky youll find a 08 with a 6.4

6.0 had some problems. but if the previous owner addressed them, the motor is good to go.

7.3 was solid.

6.4 also a few issue.

diesels only really start to break in around 100k so dont be tooooo scared of higher milage, as long as it was maintained.

 

All engines had a share of problems. 7.3 is very reliable but just lacks in the hp department. 6.0 is just as reliable with head studs, a new FICM, and an egr delete. If u get a 6.0 that is 05 or newer then u shouldn't have any problems. Just be careful with 03 and 04. 6.4 is an awesome engine that makes tons of power with just a dpf delete and programmer. Good luck findin a 6.4 under 20k though. Good luck with ur purchase. Can't go wrong with a super duty

 

Personally and take this for what its worth to you as i work on them day in and day out. I would find a good 03 7.3 with less than 150000 miles and do chip exhaust and banks turbo wheel you could pull a house down with this combo and should be able to do it all with money to spare. My dad pulls a 31 ft fifth wheel camper with his 99 250 through jelico mtn in tenessee doing 80 mph averaging 17 mpg. He has never had any issues and still has stock turbo. Truck has 210000 miles on it.

 

6.4= no thank you great power but tremendous failures and very exspensive they dont have the failure rate of 6 litre's but they fail way worse.
6 litre's are still failing everyday but are truly getting better they are an amazing running engine when right and they have an amazing transmission but if i could find a good solid 7.3 i wouldnt think twice i would be driving the 7.3 home.

 

I loved my 7.3l 400hp and 800 lbs of torque. Great truck but took lots of money to produce that kinda power. Esp on 37s. Planning on buying a 2010 6.4l soon to drag race.

 

Buy a 2012 6.7 its factory at 400 hp and 800 ft-lb i would still opt for a 7.3

 

Only thing I hate about the new trucks is the urea. Diesel exhaust fluid crap.

 

You can get a UREA delete but the front end just doesn't work for me. Its too big and bulky and even when lifted it still stands out too much.