Wanting a F250 PowerStroke, but wonder about dependability?

[code.mafia]

We have been wanting one for a while. We want a 2000-2008 (mainly 2003-2008), wanting not wore out, something dependable. My girl goes into a couple of Ford Dealerships each week and the techs there tell her not to get one, they are tired of working on them, broken all the time. What precious little off-time I have I don't want to spend wrenchin, and especially not PAYING for replacement parts, have done that for the last 20+ years. Would really like to have one, have always wanted a nice diesel and I like the look of the Fords the best. Would like some honest opinions.

Will these models take some power upgrades without complaints or complications?

What kind of mpg?

How many miles is a powerstroke good for before it's rebuild time?

Thanks.

[code.mafia]

Also, are there years or models I should stay away from? I already saw where someone on here recommended staying away from a 1999 because it was kind of like a frankenstein.

[banks2293]

well the 99 to 03 7.3 are the most dependable trucks in my opinion for stock or with upgrades, the 03 to 07 6.0s are going to have the head gasket problem witch is fixable with studs and egr delet, the first day i got my 6.0 thats what i did. i would stay away from the 03 6.0s, they are the worst of the 6.0s. also tranny wise, 5r110s is the best for towing because of the tow haul button, but you have to remember that if you start putting a lot of extra horse power to your tranny its going to go out sooner of later, thats with any tranny.and as far as the 08 6.4s hopefully some else will chime in with there opinion,

[444 ci]

buy a 7.3 its the best motor ford ever put in a pickup truck in my opinion. they will run for 300,000 to 400,000 easy before a rebuild there not the fastest by any means but they will run forever if taken care of.

[ThirdCoastStroker]

i went from a 7.3 to a 6.4 and i will tell you a 7.3 is def. reliable, but it was a slow turd, i hated pulling our tractors in high traffic area because it was so dang slow, now with my 6.4 i hook up to the 36' gooseneck and the 95hp john deere i can keep up with and blow past most drivers on the road, with just a few minor bolt on upgrades and this truck has been super dependable, have not had 1 problem with the truck what-so-ever. "Knock on wood" but they are both great truck, i have never owned a 6.doh so i cant comment on those

[banks2293]

honestly if u have never owned a diesel and dont want to work on them dont get a 6.0. i would get a 7.3.

[PSDcountry13]

if you buy a 6.0, get head studs and an egr delete and you should be fine. 7.3s are bullet proof but like they were sayin, their dogs. 6.4 is the way to go as far as power and reliability

[code.mafia]

So I was reading a thread Friday (been in the woods hunting all weekend) that said you have to lift the cab to put in head studs? For real? If that's the case I'll just put a set of ARP 220,000 head bolts in, don't need studs I don't believe. Planning on doing the job myself. Yank the heads, have them checked at the machine shop, replace with all new gaskets and o-rings plus ARP's. We are actually buying two, one for me, one for the little woman (who likes big trucks), so I plan to do the EGR delete and head studs on both right up front as preventative maintenance. I've never worked on a diesel but have built gas motors, replaced heads, head gaskets, built turbo systems, etc. So I think I can tackle a head gasket replace. Is there anything specific I need to know that's different about wrenching or tearing down a diesel as opposed to a gas engine?

I saw that a cherry picker is nice to have on hand to pull the heads. I got one.

How are the trannys? Which tranny is in this series of 250 (04-07)?

[luca_brasi]

Originally Posted by 444 ci

buy a 7.3 its the best motor ford ever put in a pickup truck in my opinion. they will run for 300,000 to 400,000 easy before a rebuild there not the fastest by any means but they will run forever if taken care of.

It will take you to the end of the earth at 75 mph and 2500 rpm. I'm not sure why dudes are calling them dogs. The other engines may be faster but I don't really care about eating Honda Civics all day. I just want a dependable truck.

That is, as long as it starts. My 7.3 hasn't been liking the cold lately.

[armyguy209]

I can tell you from a 6.0 owners perspective...I have had TONS of problems that added up to large amounts of money. Even with studs the 6.0's can still blow the headgaskets as mine has done already. It has been through 2 turbos, 2 EGR coolers, 2 new heads, and on my 3rd FICM now(just ordered from SWAMPS this time).

The 6.4's have their own set of problems different from the 6.0's.

The 7.3's have been the best motor Ford has put in their trucks. They are slow, but like anything else you can mod them to get a little speed from them. The are by far the most reliable.

The 2011's have a completely new motor built by Ford and so far have been getting good reviews. I think Ford finally got things right with these new motors but only time will tell.

If you like the Fords, try to find a Fummins and call it a day. lol