Looking to buy diesel, could use tips.

[Ludski]

So, as the title stated, I'm looking to buy a diesel. Im not set on ford or dodge or chevy.

I know the 6.0s have some personal issues that they could use some work on. So im trying to steer clear of them, instead, looking at the 7.3s. (although every ford diesel i find i like, is a 6.0)

this truck will be used as my daily driver/plow truck/tow vehicle.

i plan to get a 2 car goose neck trailer to tow my Jeep with me.


i have a raptor that i use as well, BUT, im not putting a goose neck on there or a plow. and id rather not tow with it to be honest.


SO, onto the truck part.

I am looking for around the $15,000 range. which usually puts me in the 115,000-190k mileage range. which is where i wanna be. nothing more.

I've never owned a diesel truck (ford diesel tractor though) so any advice you guys have to share?

my optimal truck would be:
7.3L
4x4
6 speed auto tran
leather interior
upgraded sound system
crew cab

any advice or recommendations is welcome.

Thanks,
Ludski.

[7.3Lariat]

Welcome to the boards first. The 7.3 only came with a 4 speed auto. Six forward gears is however available with the manual. With that budget I think you should be able to find a nice truck. Have you looked through the classified section on these boards? Once you purchase it you will probably want to drop some money into a few upgrades. First gauges, intake, exhaust and chip should set you back $1.5-2K and wake the truck up a lot. Will let you keep an eye on the vitals while towing and should have plenty of power to tow and plow. I can't really speak for the 6.0. I read up on them before my purchase ~3 years ago and decided to go with the 7.3. Has plenty of get up and go even up here in the Rockies.

[Ludski]

yea i plan to do minor performance upgrades, dont need a huge truck, for street driving. and id like to get back some MPGs that i lose with the raptor and the Jeep as well!

i have a buddy who has a 6.0 and he said it blew up. yet, his excursions 7.3 has been running strong, since...forever.

and a guy has a 2000 7.3L 6 speed automatic for sale listed on my local craigslist. which is why i thought there were 6 speed options (for that engine, and those years)?

[7.3Lariat]

6.0s can be made reliable but from what I have read it takes a good bit of $$ and or wrench time. That local craigslist one is either a manual, he doesn't know what he is talking about or he swapped in a 6 speed which I highly doubt.

[Ludski]

yea, i read something about the bullet proof kit for 6.0s?

[7.3Lariat]

Yes they make those. From what I have read and anyone can step in at anytime but the 05-07 models were not as prone. But it might be harder to find a clean one of those in your range. The "fixes" seem to be pretty pricey. Also you have more emissions equipment if you are worried about that sort of stuff. Trucks like mine a 2000 essentially have no emissions equipment. No cat no nothing except crank case ventilation recirculation. But that you find on anything since forever ago.

[Ludski]

any other advice anyone?

[kraker829]

There's nothing wrong with a properly built 6.0 but it will cost more than a similar 7.3 when done I personally think they are better but that's just my opinion. My current truck is a obs 7.3 but that's because I can't afford a 6.0 right now.

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["Stroker 8"]

Lots of useful info here.

[HarvestingInternationally]

i got a 6.0 knock on wood no issues...love the truck..got power when i want it...cruises smooth..just gotta take care of the 6.0 thats all they are anal about mantaince