Best year for Powerstroke?

[tftimm]

I've been lurking around the OBS forum looking for a 7.3L powerstroke. My budget was forcing me to look at the OBS.

I might be able to do something different and look at getting something around $15K or so. I'm not quite sure what I can afford, but I have been looking. I've got a couple of questions:

1) What is the best year for the powerstroke in terms of reliablity? The 7.3L engine seems to be the most reliable.

2) How reliable are the 6.0L and 6.4L Powerstroke engines? I see things about the EGR valve, etc., they seem to be more problematic.

3) Is there a different in build quality between the Lariat and King Ranch editions in the newer Powerstrokes?

4) I wouldn't need 4WD, so what's the best I should be able to get for $15,000 in terms of year/mileage?

I look forward to your comments.

[jamstoyz]

you could buy my truck for $16k

[tftimm]

Nice looking truck, but I need a SuperCrew...

[dalton1]

you should be able to get a nice truck for 15k. I wouldnt be afraid of a 6.0 just get an oasis before you buy, make sure it didnt have alot of problems

[dalton1]

also I think the best year for the 7.3 is 2000, intercooled, no cat, and forged rods.

[Jarrod B]

Originally Posted by tftimm

I've been lurking around the OBS forum looking for a 7.3L powerstroke. My budget was forcing me to look at the OBS.

I might be able to do something different and look at getting something around $15K or so. I'm not quite sure what I can afford, but I have been looking. I've got a couple of questions:

1) What is the best year for the powerstroke in terms of reliablity? The 7.3L engine seems to be the most reliable.

generally the last. so for obs, 96-97. sd 99-03. the 2001 i think...and up has the pmr rods which are not as strong.

2) How reliable are the 6.0L and 6.4L Powerstroke engines? I see things about the EGR valve, etc., they seem to be more problematic.

uh still can go out. its just a matter of time.

3) Is there a different in build quality between the Lariat and King Ranch editions in the newer Powerstrokes?

not really. its just interior that different

4) I wouldn't need 4WD, so what's the best I should be able to get for $15,000 in terms of year/mileage?

I look forward to your comments.

lower the miles the better. look at every square inch of the truck when looking at it. look at the fluids, smell em, stuff like that

comments in red

[panteramatt]

It all boils down to this. WHat is your plans for the truck? Are you good at wrenchin? Thr 6.0 are good motors once you fix a FEW things and that cost $. The 7.3's are bulletproof with mild mods but not as fast.

[tftimm]

I'm not looking for speed. It will mainly be used as a highway cruiser and a little bit of off-road for some ranch work.

[BigKid]

My .02

I agree with the above posts, a lot of it depends on what you are looking for.

For 15k, you could get a 6.0 or a 7.3.

7.3 is SOLID. We have 2 in the family, mine has 80k, never had a lick of trouble. And my mother's excursion has like 120 or 130k, no major issues. Both are 2002 models. Great motors, but like posted above, not a lot of pep. Just strong and reliable.

6.0 on the other hand, make good power, but aren't as reliable. Not saying they are junk(bc we wouldn't have 3 of them if they were), they just aren't as reliable as the 7.3 when compared.

Good Luck with your purchase.

[panteramatt]

Get a 99.5-03 7.3 and just do the Big 3 with a custom tunes chip and youll be very happy. Should be able to find a really nice one for 15k.