Not another teen thread...

[trbo dsl]

Okay, as a previous long time member of performance, automotive forums, I can understand where everyone starts to come unglued when you ask questions like “what do I do first? K&N filter or under-drives?”

That being said I know ZERO about diesels, other than if Ford didn’t make one, I would never own one. I was told that the 7.3 was the way to go for over all power, with the newer motors obviously making more initial/stock power.

I was also told head bolt, egr cooler, and oil cooler horror stories with the 6.0, and terrible fuel mileage with the 6.4.

I was informed that the 7.3 however had the weakest transmission (automatic)of the group.

For the seasoned guys/girls what would you do if you had it to do over? (price of vehicle, and personal preference on looks aside) (cause everyone knows the 99-04 body is drop dead gorgeous!!!).

[SCUFFY828]

i do like my 7.3 's as far as overall durabilty , as far as the trans goes , they like the 6.0 engine arent as bad as made out to be ,nice cold air intake , 4 inch exhaust and a good custom chip with trans tuned correctly will cure alot of the worries

[PWRSTROKETHIS]

I love my 2002 7.3L I dont have any complaints with my 6.0 but I have noticed that the 7.3l overall has more power potential then the 6.0, just to give you an idea my 6.0 has 140k on it and hasn't given me big problems so i guess its all depends what you want out of your truck but hands down My 7.3 is better for what i use the trucks for (towing horse trailers) I don't have an opinion on the 6.4 other then they are really quick stock from the factory floor. I would love to see what the 6.4 does with my tri axle horse trailer.

[colberjs]

I haven't been around them long enough to give you any educated input o them but I personally like my 6.0. From wht I've read , with headstuds and EGR delete they are as reliable as any of the others. A DPF delete will solve the MPG problems with the 6.4's.

And in my opinion (which I know you didn't ask for) the 99-04 is the least attractive body style to me. I like the newer ones and even the OBS better. Not that I don't like the 99-04 but one of them has to be my least favorite and that's it.

[trbo dsl]

LOL

Thanks for the input Jesse!!!
Love the newer trucks over all, just can't get over that huge grill... Maybe it will grow on me...

Anyways, I traded a 01 4.6L 4dr 2wd straight across for my 01 2wd ext. cab LWB diesel. KBB and NADA both showed that the diesel was worth 2400 more as a trade-in, which I plan(ed) on doing with either truck.

I want a 4dr 4wd srw (not sure on the long or short bed yet). I have found a beautiful 03 with 110K Lariat, sunroof, 6disc, the works.
But it is the 6.0 motor (build date is 01-03 which I thought should be the 7.3, but it is what it is).

I love the truck just afraid of the motor (not sure if it has the 4R110 or the 5R110 tranny)

I have a 4000lb (with trailer) wake board boat, and that should be the extent of my towing.

Im just tired of breaking off vettes and firebirds in my mustang and would love to do it in a 9000lb truck instead!!!

Aiming for 350-450hp and 700-800lb ft.

[colberjs]

The grilles are what i like about the newer trucks as opposed to the 99-04. They justlook a lot tougher on the road to me. Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in with some more info on the motors.

[Goose350]

Its going to be easier to make it into your horsepower range with a 6.0. To get around the 400hp range all you will need is a tuner. If you want to make it over that horsepower range then go with the 6.4

[BLACK_PSTROKE]

you can get good Hp#'s out of any of these engines as long as your wallet has lots of dead presidents in it. as goose said the easiest would be the 6.4 as it is a Common Rail.
and for the best lookin body style id have to say its the 05-07, followed closely by the OBS i love that one to

[trbo dsl]

whats OBS?
old body style?
92-98
If so, I really dont have a favorite between that and the 99-04, guess just depends on my mood, and how the truck is done.

[BLACK_PSTROKE]

^^^^ you got it