This is topic Best year power stroke diesel? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by adower (Member # 5955) on :
 
Been doing a bunch of research. What's everyone's opinion on power stroke diesels. Sounds like the 7.3 or bullet proof 6.0 are best for reliability.
 
Posted by sic70stang (Member # 4347) on :
 
im biased but 6.7 FTMFW
 
Posted by Camara90 (Member # 134) on :
 
Get a Duramax, I have put 253k on my 13LML and its been a solid truck. But I am not one brand biased. If I was dead set on going ford it would be a 2016+ 6.7, to me a diesel without an exhaust brake is pointless if you are towing.

[ 2016-08-22, 08:09 PM: Message edited by: Camara90 ]
 
Posted by adower (Member # 5955) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by sic70stang:
im biased but 6.7 FTMFW
Any reason in particular? I'd like to stay away from smog if possible so it would be 07 and older.
 
Posted by Blue92 (Member # 8789) on :
 
Good start of a thread. Equally interested in these replies.

OP, what have you favored, if you don't mind me asking?

Been in the market and curious as well.
 
Posted by adower (Member # 5955) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Blue92:
Good start of a thread. Equally interested in these replies.

OP, what have you favored, if you don't mind me asking?

Been in the market and curious as well.
I'm either looking at a 7.3 or 6.0 that's bullet proofed. From what I've read the 7.3 go forever and the motor keeps going and going. Plus they're pre smog years.

The bullet proof 6.0 are ridiculous but it costs a grip to billet proof them.

[ 2016-08-22, 09:05 PM: Message edited by: adower ]
 
Posted by RiddlerGT (Member # 113) on :
 
Depends on what you want? Do you want a raw , super reliable , rough riding 15yr old truck that will last forever get the 7.3. Plan on a tranny if it's already gone 250k without one.

If you get a 6.0 get an 05 and newer as they went to a coil setup and got rid of the leafs in the front It's much better ride and turning radius. The 6.0 need head studs / efr delete.

Skip the 6.4 , the best ford motor by far is the 6.7 after 2011 the first year motor has exhaust valve issues.

The duramax is also great wih the Alison combo and ifs front end. If I was buying used I'd be hard pressed to skip over the duramax.
 
Posted by [SHO]TIME (Member # 8962) on :
 
i own two trucks one 93 f250 with the 7.3 idi and the other is a 88 ex fire rescue ambulance also powered by the 7.3 idi. the power stroke trucks came out in 94 i believe. I personally am in favor of the idi 7.3 mainly cuz its pretty much a full mechanical motor the only thing electronic is the fipl sensor that controls the shift points on the e40d auto trans. The 7.3 is considered to be the best motor ever put in a ford truck and its also known as the "million mile motor" year 2000 and newer diesel needs smog. I would stay the hell away from the 6.0 these things are just one problem after the next. find anything 7.3 powered that has low miles and you will be a happy man. I'm a freak for the 97 or earlier body style but these trucks demand strong money when in good condition.
 
Posted by Mr.10psi (Member # 11062) on :
 
99/02 f250 7.3 from the research i did is a good truck for reliability/bang for buck. The front ends tend to be a hit and miss as some of them tend to have problems. Look into that. Duramaxes are expensive from what i hear on parts as opposed to the 7.3 As far as the 6.0 as long as it has been bullet proofed i hear is a decent ride. Another really good affordable diesel is a 1999 gen 2 cummins 12valve.
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
quote:
Originally posted by sic70stang:
im biased but 6.7 FTMFW
Any reason in particular? I'd like to stay away from smog if possible so it would be 07 and older.
In California it has to be 1997 and older to be smog exempt
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mr.10psi:
99/02 f250 7.3 from the research i did is a good truck for reliability/bang for buck. The front ends tend to be a hit and miss as some of them tend to have problems. Look into that. Duramaxes are expensive from what i hear on parts as opposed to the 7.3 As far as the 6.0 as long as it has been bullet proofed i hear is a decent ride. Another really good affordable diesel is a 1999 gen 2 cummins 12valve.
12 valve(2nd gen) is from 1994-1997
But yea can't go wrong with a 12valve or a 5.9 common rail
I own both and are great trucks 12v has 250k miles and common rail has 112k miles
 
Posted by adower (Member # 5955) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by flores24v:
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
quote:
Originally posted by sic70stang:
im biased but 6.7 FTMFW
Any reason in particular? I'd like to stay away from smog if possible so it would be 07 and older.
In California it has to be 1997 and older to be smog exempt
Oh dang. I thought I read 2007 and older. Must have been for another state.
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
I'm running a stock 04 duramax with 200k, love the truck and haven't had too many problems. Doesn't have as much power as I thought it would, but it's all stock. The Allison trans is great, for towing. I can pull 9k up donner summit at 55 with no problem.

picked it up a few years ago for 18k -

[ 2016-08-23, 08:57 AM: Message edited by: 68dustin ]
 
Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
Been doing a bunch of research. What's everyone's opinion on power stroke diesels. Sounds like the 7.3 or bullet proof 6.0 are best for reliability.


[ 2016-08-26, 09:55 AM: Message edited by: 9cobra7 ]
 
Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by flores24v:
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by sic70stang:
im biased but 6.7 FTMFW
Any reason in particular? I'd like to stay away from smog if possible so it would be 07 and older.
In California it has to be 1997 and older to be smog exempt [/QUOTE

[ 2016-08-26, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: 9cobra7 ]
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 9cobra7:
quote:
Originally posted by flores24v:
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
quote:
Originally posted by sic70stang:
im biased but 6.7 FTMFW
Any reason in particular? I'd like to stay away from smog if possible so it would be 07 and older.
In California it has to be 1997 and older to be smog exempt
All I know is I have a factory NON CAT 2001 7.3. Pop the hood and right there on the sticker, no smog for me! That's the reason I bought it.
That's called a Non California truck- those are exceptions
 
Posted by Mr.10psi (Member # 11062) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by flores24v:
quote:
Originally posted by Mr.10psi:
99/02 f250 7.3 from the research i did is a good truck for reliability/bang for buck. The front ends tend to be a hit and miss as some of them tend to have problems. Look into that. Duramaxes are expensive from what i hear on parts as opposed to the 7.3 As far as the 6.0 as long as it has been bullet proofed i hear is a decent ride. Another really good affordable diesel is a 1999 gen 2 cummins 12valve.
12 valve(2nd gen) is from 1994-1997
But yea can't go wrong with a 12valve or a 5.9 common rail
I own both and are great trucks 12v has 250k miles and common rail has 112k miles
Actually were both wrong. 94/98 had 12v cummins.
 
Posted by [SHO]TIME (Member # 8962) on :
 
yes diesels can be expensive to maintain thats why i would point you in the direction of the 7.3 idi motor i have in both my trucks, these are the most cost efficient diesels hands down!!!! fuel filter is 35.00 and the injectors are full mechanical and can be bought for 200.00 for the set! these motors are very well built and run forever, like i said find a 88-93 7.3 powered truck and it will do what you need it too
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mr.10psi:
quote:
Originally posted by flores24v:
quote:
Originally posted by Mr.10psi:
99/02 f250 7.3 from the research i did is a good truck for reliability/bang for buck. The front ends tend to be a hit and miss as some of them tend to have problems. Look into that. Duramaxes are expensive from what i hear on parts as opposed to the 7.3 As far as the 6.0 as long as it has been bullet proofed i hear is a decent ride. Another really good affordable diesel is a 1999 gen 2 cummins 12valve.
12 valve(2nd gen) is from 1994-1997
But yea can't go wrong with a 12valve or a 5.9 common rail
I own both and are great trucks 12v has 250k miles and common rail has 112k miles
Actually were both wrong. 94/98 had 12v cummins.
Yea your right lol, in 1998.5 is when they switched it up to the 24v

[ 2016-08-23, 04:19 PM: Message edited by: flores24v ]
 
Posted by adower (Member # 5955) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by [SHO]TIME:
yes diesels can be expensive to maintain thats why i would point you in the direction of the 7.3 idi motor i have in both my trucks, these are the most cost efficient diesels hands down!!!! fuel filter is 35.00 and the injectors are full mechanical and can be bought for 200.00 for the set! these motors are very well built and run forever, like i said find a 88-93 7.3 powered truck and it will do what you need it too
I've been searching for a 7.3 or bullet proofed 6.0.
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
quote:
Originally posted by [SHO]TIME:
yes diesels can be expensive to maintain thats why i would point you in the direction of the 7.3 idi motor i have in both my trucks, these are the most cost efficient diesels hands down!!!! fuel filter is 35.00 and the injectors are full mechanical and can be bought for 200.00 for the set! these motors are very well built and run forever, like i said find a 88-93 7.3 powered truck and it will do what you need it too
I've been searching for a 7.3 or bullet proofed 6.0.
I wouldn't even bother with the 7.3 idi lol
Personally I'd go with a 7.3 powerstroke. If you're unfamiliar with diesels and want to buy one don't hesitate to take it to a shop to get a pre inspection before purchase , if the owner allows it, I don't see why they wouldn't if the truck is in good condition. Every truck has its pros and cons, be patient due your research, test drive them all, good luck
I don't have a ford diesel, but I do own two diesel trucks, feel free to PM me with any questions
 
Posted by adower (Member # 5955) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by flores24v:
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
quote:
Originally posted by [SHO]TIME:
yes diesels can be expensive to maintain thats why i would point you in the direction of the 7.3 idi motor i have in both my trucks, these are the most cost efficient diesels hands down!!!! fuel filter is 35.00 and the injectors are full mechanical and can be bought for 200.00 for the set! these motors are very well built and run forever, like i said find a 88-93 7.3 powered truck and it will do what you need it too
I've been searching for a 7.3 or bullet proofed 6.0.
I wouldn't even bother with the 7.3 idi lol
Personally I'd go with a 7.3 powerstroke. If you're unfamiliar with diesels and want to buy one don't hesitate to take it to a shop to get a pre inspection before purchase , if the owner allows it, I don't see why they wouldn't if the truck is in good condition. Every truck has its pros and cons, be patient due your research, test drive them all, good luck
I don't have a ford diesel, but I do own two diesel trucks, feel free to PM me with any questions
Awesome. Thanks! Yah I'll def spend a few extra hundred for a thorough inspection. Anyone who wouldn't let me do that I'm def not even thinking about buying the truck.

Also by 7.3 I meant power stroke not the idi

[ 2016-08-24, 01:35 PM: Message edited by: adower ]
 
Posted by 70mach351 (Member # 7528) on :
 
Budget for a transmission if you go automatic on the 7.3. I put a woods 4r100 in and it's been great. Only problems are uvc harnesses and cps in the ford 7.3 and the trans. It's my daily driver and have no complaints!
 
Posted by DLo (Member # 6133) on :
 
Didn't some of the powerstrokes require the body to be removed in order to work on some engine components? Something for you to check on. CA smog is 98 and newer, which sucks because some trucks were done in half years as listed above. I'm personally not interested in any of the newer diesels with all of the extra stuff that you have to run now.
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
Good link on 6.0 problems if you haven't seen it yet
http://www.powerstrokehub.com/6.0-power-stroke-problems.html
 
Posted by 70mach351 (Member # 7528) on :
 
head studs usually require lifting the cab.
 
Posted by Bent70 (Member # 9694) on :
 
I just gave mine away to a buddy. I'd say it was the best combo of super duties. Mine was an early 99 so it didn't have the weak powder cast rods, meaning making big power is an option without opening the bottom end. I had basic Bolton's and chip and saved my cat for when smog came around. Changed to a fully built bts transmission and a tranny cooler from a 6.0 I swapped in 06 axles....so bigger brakes and coil front suspension. Cheap and easy swap. That's probably the most reliable and best bang for the buck super duty. Only weak points are the oil pump, which can be a cheap upgrade to a later model 7.3 pump or expensive aftermarket one if you want to go big on injectors.
Damn now I got sellers remorse. [Roll Eyes]
If was on a budget...I'd get a decent 6.0 and just do headstuds and upgraded egr cooler. These make great power and still get good mileage without the dpf bullshit and $40k+ pricetag
Or a 05-6 dodge with the 6 speed
 
Posted by Wildfire532FB (Member # 1482) on :
 
03 7.3!
 
Posted by flores24v (Member # 10586) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by adower:
Been doing a bunch of research. What's everyone's opinion on power stroke diesels. Sounds like the 7.3 or bullet proof 6.0 are best for reliability.
End up finding anything yet?
 
Posted by 87droptop50 (Member # 7185) on :
 
I picked up a early 99 7.3 f350 extended cab with 170k miles. Using for my work truck/tow hauler. The original owner was my uncle, he beat it to shit and left it for dead. It needed a front end so I replaced with with a 2005 sport bumper and grill. I just haven't gotten to paint it yet.
 




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