I need some suggestions on a truck purchase.

[scagmanf350]

Currently my father and I are driving his 2002 F250 diesel for our contracting business. I am now able to purchase my own truck but with new trucks prices as high as they are I am opting to go used. This truck will be used for some work and mostly play. I have narrowed it down to two trucks I found. I found an ultra reliable 2002 F350 Dually, 7.3L, Lariat, Crew Cab, 4x4, Auto, w/56k and I found a sleek 2005 F350 Dually, 6.0, Lariat, Crew Cab, 4x4, Torqshift Auto, w/60k both are priced around to 24k before negotiations. Here is my dilemma I like the ride, look, turning radius, Torqshift transmission, and interior of the 05' better but the 6.0L makes me very very nervous (one to many horror stories). I know the 2002 7.3L is a more reliable truck and it sounds awesome but the 4spd auto is weak, truck seems to ride a little harder, and the turning is the equivalent to a land yacht. The 05' is better suited for my needs as we work in Chicago often and that tighter turn and better transmission would come in handy but if the truck is in the shop all the time it does me no good. I love the 7.3 liter engine (I think Ford should revive it) but if I'm going to spend 24k or so I would like the newest vehicle possible without forfeiting durability. See my dilemma. So my question is which should I go for? And Why? (Also any 05'-07' 6.0 liter owners if you could tell me of your experiences with this engines let me know).

[chopstx667]

From what I've read is that early generations of the 6.0 are the ones that were plagued with problems but they seemed to have fixed it with the newer ones. I think the affected years were 03 and 04 so with the 05 you'll be alright. My Dad has a 07 6.0 and has had no problems yet with 30k on the odometer. I think with only 60k on the 05 you should be fine as it's not even broken in yet hehe.

The 7.3 is a proven reliable engine and the 6.0s are slowly proving themselves also. It seems the 6.0 is more practical for you so I would get that instead.

[Hank]

7.3 all the way. Just my opinion.

[kcl]

I actually have the exact same question and could not come up with a better way to word it. I want a newer truck, but I'm nervous about the 6.0L's as well. Any help is appreciated.

[BryanH]

Love my 04 6.0L. But the 7.3L guys love theirs too.

Just stay on the track and you can't go wrong.

[JohnO]

My 06 6.0 has been rock solid. 05 and newer have coil springs on the front, so they ride nicer, and turn sharper. I'd have no problems buying an 05 or newer 6.0 again.