Newb with a newbie question

[KEP]

Ok, I KNOW this has to be a stupid question but where can I find info on the 00 to 02.5 7.3 vs a 05 or 06 6.0? I was "certain" I wanted a 7.3 because everyone said to stay clear of the 6.0's but just poking around here for a few hours I've seen things that suggest otherwise. If I have 20k, what's the best deal? An older 7.3 or a newer 6.0? ...........Told you it was a newbie question

Thanks.

[colo_dually]

That's a tough call, for a number of reasons. Personnally I like the power of the 6.0L, and the looks and towing capacities of the '05+ trucks. It comes down to what you need the truck to do.

The 7.3L is very reliable do to its simplier design, and lower powerband. However the 4R100 transmissions tend to have issues. The trucks also ride different with the leaf springs in the front.

The 6.0L has a bad rep, because you have got to keep up on the maintenance and monitor the engine to avoid the dreaded Oil Cooler failure that snowballs into gaskets. There are plenty of reliable 6.0's out there, and the 5R110 is a great transmission.

My advice, is if you can find a 6.0L that checks out for under 20K jump on it. Get the Carfax, and Oasis and know exactly what you're getting into before you buy.

[vdog0531]

hmmm i was the exact opposite. i was convinced on a 6.0 until i came here and starting researching. the 6.0 CAN be a great engine, after you fix all the downfalls. i was in your boat, spending 20K or less and i went with a 03 7.3. Love the truck. i needed it to tow on the weekends, be reliable and easy to work on. If you buy a 6.0, i would budge in putting egr delete, changing the coolant and upgrading the oil cooler. also, keep in mind there is a good chance you could be putting headgaskets in it and the earlier ones have turbo issues

[Ryan Rønning]

I love the power and looks of a 6.0. I dont have a problem with them personally but they do have a bit of a bad rap. For me its a transmission thing. The 5R110 is a good reliable trans in my opinion but as far as i am concerned the 4R100 is a factory boat anchor. To me the 7.3 is one heck of an engine and I will be loyal to till the end but it is getting hard to find good low mileage ones. I would be happy with either but if I went 7.3 again I would not do it unless it was a manual or at least a good built auto from a reputable builder.

[KEP]

Ok so I went and drove an 03 7.3 CC 4X4 today. It drove great but it had a slight oil leak on the bottom\back side of the engine....not sure what that is. Anyway, the guys a smoker and it smelled like it. I'm also looking at an 06 6.0 with 93k. Oasis says it had new head gaskets in 06 and new injectors in 09. Does that mean maybe it's one of "the bad ones"? I'm lost.

[KEP]

Oh and the dealer is replacing the front seal and head gaskets again tomorrow morning. ????????????