Which diesel is right for me?

[Lady Lonestar]

Hi everyone,
First time poster here. I was hoping to get some input to help me decide which truck is the better choice for me. A little background....I currently have a 2004 F250 PSD 6.0L. It has 130,000 miles. I have had nothing but headaches and am ready to go with something else. I am probably the biggest contributor to the problems simply because I don't drive the truck the way it is made to be driven (as per my mechanic).

90% of my driving is to and from work (20 miles round trip). I don't haul often, but when I do it's a pretty heavy load (3 horses, Gooseneck trailer or 3 round bales of hay).

I need a diesel that will accommodate both my work and play lifestyle. As a woman, being stranded in the country is quite scary. I have always had fords but would consider other trucks. Any advice???

[jesilvas]

You don't drive it like it should be?
What kind of problems have you had from it?
The 7.3 has always been a reliable, albeit, less powerful solution.

[Polozlx]

Yes Maam. My advice? Find another mechanic.
Can you please elaborate on the issues you are having/had with your 6.0?

[Dietoremain]

20 miles of driving is a good drive actually.. im guessing EGR/headgasket issues??

[HVAC SuperTech]

I drive my truck in short spurts and it hasnt had any issues related to that type of driving. I would suggest a clean 99-2003 7.3L and you will be happy. its not as powerful(as said before) but you can do some mods to it pretty cheaply and be happy with the truck for a long time. its a very reliable motor.

[Lady Lonestar]

We have replaced the EGR valve about a month ago. I had the FICM re-saudered. I have a broken sway-bar link and the ball joints have been replaced. The truck still surges, still sputters and completly dies at a red light. My mechanic says that the F250 is made to be worked. He thinks I don't drive it "hard" enough. I've given some thought to either a F250 6.4L or a Duramax. Any thoughts?

[Polozlx]

Is the truck serviced regularly? Fuel filters in good shape? Do you have any gauges/monitoring system?
If the truck is spitting and stalling it seems to reason a fuel issue.
(I am in no way, shape, form or fashion a Diesel tech but I wrench on my own 6.0.)

[Poweystroke96]

Originally Posted by Lady Lonestar

We have replaced the EGR valve about a month ago. I had the FICM re-saudered. I have a broken sway-bar link and the ball joints have been replaced. The truck still surges, still sputters and completly dies at a red light. My mechanic says that the F250 is made to be worked. He thinks I don't drive it "hard" enough. I've given some thought to either a F250 6.4L or a Duramax. Any thoughts?

Sounds like your mechanic isn't as educated or knowledgeable as you might think. Consider having another mechanic look at it, if you still wanna buy something else I would go with a 6.4, beautiful trucks, plenty powerful and cheap to get even more out of them. And if you buy from a stealership you might be able to get a warranty for it, relieving you of a lot. Goodluck!

[Thunderheader]

I am probably the biggest contributor to the problems simply because I don't drive the truck the way it is made to be driven (as per my mechanic).

That is ridiculous, I drive mine in town and some highway no towing. I bought my truck because I love diesel trucks, period!!

[glennhansel]

I agree with the other posters. A 20 mile drive (or more) without a load is almost ideal for these trucks. What engines don't "like" is daily short trips (for example 1 mile). The engine never gets a chance to fully warm up. Regarding your mechanic, he may be competent... but he doesn't know what he is talking about if he thinks a 20 mile drive is bad for the truck IMHO.

If you can find an older 7.3 powerstroke in good condition, get it (have it checked out before you buy). My brother has had great luck with his 2000. it has 230k miles and he'd like to take it to 400k.

good luck