Buy new F350 or restore older 7.3?

[surlydiesel]

I'd vote 7.3. Having owned 2 OBS trucks well over 200K, one had 290 when I sold it, they were both solid as far as reliability. I spent some cash fixing seals and wear items but certainly not 60k worth. Find a rust free one and enjoy for years to come. I have a friend with a new 6.7 that's been in the dealer 3 times already for sensor failures and such. Only put it in limp mode once but still, what a PIA. I think the new diesels are much better since their introduction in 2008 but I still think there is some room for improvement and reliability to trust it in the backcountry, no where near a dealership. There are few places in North America that haven't seen and worked on 7.3 motors. The modern Diesels need either a dealer or a diesel specialists that has invested in all the tools to diagnose these rigs.

Either way, you'll have a fun truck to play with when you get it.

-jorge

 

[OutbacKamper]

BBslider001;
I suspect that the majority of diesel truck owners would agree with you.
I just believe in using the appropriate tool for the job at hand. I choose not to use my diesel truck for long distance commuting on paved roads, just like I choose to use a miter saw for finish carpentry and not a chainsaw

 

[Raul B]

My vote is for a 7.3l.

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk HD

 

[dave1014]

Was your 6.7 deleted?

Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk

 

[LovinPSDs]

What's the target budget? and how nice of an interior/truck are you looking for? I mean you left the window open from 7K to 70K... you can get ALOT for that haha.

Also, maybe I have a different mind set than others but a 7.3 with 3K in the bed sounds like a dog to me... I'm use to big hp modern diesels though.

A fully bulletproofed 6.4 on mild street tune is a pretty legit truck.

 

[truck mechanic]

I work on this stuff all day long, I have a 97 sc 250. I went looking for this truck a year and a hlf ago. found one with 98 k on it and grabed before someone else did. I have put 28k on it so far. the only things I ahve done is oil changes and a belt. I did put a dana 60 in the front, but that was just because i wanted a staight axle. I say 7.3

 

[BBslider001]

What's the target budget? and how nice of an interior/truck are you looking for? I mean you left the window open from 7K to 70K... you can get ALOT for that haha.

Also, maybe I have a different mind set than others but a 7.3 with 3K in the bed sounds like a dog to me... I'm use to big hp modern diesels though.

A fully bulletproofed 6.4 on mild street tune is a pretty legit truck.

That's the only issue though. You have to "bulletproof" a 6.0 or 6.4 to make them legit. The 7.3 is already legit with no bulletproofing. Now you can do some things to make it perform a little better, but it is good to go pretty much right out of the box, so to speak.

 

[BBslider001]

BBslider001;
I suspect that the majority of diesel truck owners would agree with you.
I just believe in using the appropriate tool for the job at hand. I choose not to use my diesel truck for long distance commuting on paved roads, just like I choose to use a miter saw for finish carpentry and not a chainsaw

I am still not seeing how this comparison even applies here, but alright. If we are talking "tools for the job", then you are definitely choosing the wrong one. Long distance commutes over paved roads is what a diesel loves and does well!! Lugging at slow speeds on a trail or "expeditioning" is what shortens their lifespan. That would be your chainsaw choice, so to speak. Your Honda would be much better suited for that type of job. I am just guessing here.

 

[LovinPSDs]

That's the only issue though. You have to "bulletproof" a 6.0 or 6.4 to make them legit. The 7.3 is already legit with no bulletproofing. Now you can do some things to make it perform a little better, but it is good to go pretty much right out of the box, so to speak.

The only none "legit" part is the power.. the don't have the gettyup like the new diesels...

I guess the OP needs to be more clear on what he's actually after. I like the big motors, higher HP trucks myself
If it was me I'd like, 400+hp, coil front end, more luxurious interior for driving all over the country... Huge benefits to keeping a truck light and simple though! Especially if the OP intends to drag 3K in the bed. Starting out with a lighter truck may really help.

Don't get me wrong, I personally know of (3) 7.3s that have done over 400K with no "major" work. They are monsters, but at the same time, a 6.0 or 6.4 done right will do the same thing. Your talking about 20K+ differences in budget so depending on what the OP is capable of would really drive it. With a limited budget, a slightly modified 7.3 would be a really great truck...When I post on forums its usually other peoples money so built diesel comes easier than when I look at my own bank account!! haha.

OP are you thinking about a dually for the 3K camper or just bags?

 

[Rot Box]

Considering the intended use I vote 7.3. I do like the safety features of the newer vehicles but the simplicity and cost of the older vehicle is tenfold. All used vehicles are needy at times if you can stay on top of it and do your own maintenance they get my vote.

Yeah, I am going to have to HIGHLY disagree with you here.

I just believe in using the appropriate tool for the job at hand.

I've been on both sides. I wasn't going to comment but I think it's a situation many people find themselves in. Personally I had fullsize diesel trucks as daily drivers for far too long. My TDI VW gets 50mpg vs. the Fords 14-18mpg on my 45 mile commute that adds up quick. Along with a lot of other driving/grocery getting having a car (to me) is a no brainer. The cost of burning through a set of truck tires every year, keeping the salt off my Ford in the winter IS the reason its not completely rusted out, it would have 350k+ on it now instead of 250k.. The list goes on. The truck sits in the driveway with the camper loaded ready to leave at a moments notice. I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[BBslider001]

Considering the intended use I vote 7.3. I do like the safety features of the newer vehicles but the simplicity and cost of the older vehicle is tenfold. All used vehicles are needy at times if you can stay on top of it and do your own maintenance they get my vote.






I've been on both sides. I wasn't going to comment but I think it's a situation many people find themselves in. Personally I had fullsize diesel trucks as daily drivers for far too long. My TDI VW gets 50mpg vs. the Fords 14-18mpg on my 45 mile commute that adds up quick. Along with a lot of other driving/grocery getting having a car (to me) is a no brainer. The cost of burning through a set of truck tires every year, keeping the salt off my Ford in the winter IS the reason its not completely rusted out, it would have 350k+ on it now instead of 250k.. The list goes on. The truck sits in the driveway with the camper loaded ready to leave at a moments notice. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I hear you and see your point. I was more addressing the "it's beyond me/what are people thinking" mentality mentioned previously. I live in Southern CA, so I don't have to worry about salt and truck rot. If I did, it might be different. If I could afford a second vehicle, just to keep miles off of the truck, I might do so. It's still over indulgent to me, but that's my opinion/reasoning for responding the way I did. When diesel prices went up in 2006-2007, I had countless friends and neighbors that parked their trucks, bought gas miser cars,and thought it just such a great idea. My response to those $300 plus payments for the new gas miser was "um, that money would have easily funded fuel for that truck that now just sits for the weekend towing outing." But, I digress....we are Americans. Overindulging without thinking is what we do best.

Also, my truck is paid for. I did away with the $6-800 dollar payments long ago. Big HP is nice and all, but not hundreds of dollars nice.

 

[1meanz]

I live in Southern CA, so I don't have to worry about salt and truck rot. If I did, it might be different. If I could afford a second vehicle, just to keep miles off of the truck, I might do so. It's still over indulgent to me, but that's my opinion/reasoning for responding the way I did...... But, I digress....we are Americans. Overindulging without thinking is what we do best.

Who are you to decide if someone is being "overindulgent" or not? What business is that of yours and what bearing does that have on this discussion? Do you think it's your job to decide how people spend their money? Ever heard of a guy named Marx?



That being said, people that take on car payments specifically to keep miles off a truck, or to save fuel cost on a truck are decieving themselves. I live in an area that is heavily salted in the winter, so I keep my Tahoe off the road unless we're getting a blizzard. I drive a junky old car as a sacrificial anode to the salt gods. Both the Tahoe and junky car are paid for. You can buy a lot of fuel for a big truck for what most car payments end up being each month.

To address the OP, it really doesn't matter what powers the truck, if you can do any work yourself, it's nearly always cheaper to keep an older truck going than it is to buy a new one. My Tahoe has 200k on it. It runs perfectly and suits my needs very well. It's got a lift kit, upgraded 3/4 ton rear axle, I swapped in an NV4500 trans and the list goes on. The cost of these things pales in comparison to what I'd spend on a new Tahoe or Suburban that has half the capability of my current truck. I could build an incredible truck with nearly any badge on the grille for 20k, let alone the 40-60k that new ones cost. Buying brand new is for people that have money or people that can't do anything themselves and are lost without a warranty. Otherwise it's cheaper to let someone else take the depriciation hit, and get a good used truck.

 

[steelheadbum]

Yeah, I am going to have to HIGHLY disagree with you here. What are we thinking who drive our trucks daily? Um, that is what they are for. It isn't a museum piece. It's a truck, plain and simple. They are made to work. Any decent mechanic will tell you that the worst thing you can do to a truck, especially a diesel truck, is let it sit while only operating periodically. I wonder what people are thinking that buy another vehicle to keep the one vehicle preserved to keep costs down. Heck, the $$ used to purchase that 2007 Honda would go quite a long way in operating that diesel truck. I also wonder why people think it not wasteful or overindulgent to have to own two vehicles to let the other sit. Again, socially irresponsible, but that's just my opinion. I just think if you can't afford it, why have it. Oh wait, to look at right? Your doing that way more than driving it it sounds like.

Anyways, back on track. go with the older 7.3! They are way reliable and easier/cheaper to work on. A good 7.3 will go 500,000 miles and still keep going if it is taken care of properly. And no,taking care of it properly does NOT mean parking it and not driving it. Just how bad is it anyways? Restoring and fixing up are two very different things.

I agree w/BB 100%, You will cause more harm not driving a diesel then if its driven daily! My e350 7.3 runs like a champ with 104k and its my DD.

I was a general manager of a ford dealer for many years and the 7.3s love to be driven...hell I built my rig to use if I couldn't afford the fuel I wouldn't have. When people ask what kind of milage I get " I say about $350.00 mth"
Why did you spend 45-50k for a truck that's isnt used sounds like you would have been better off spending 10k if you were worried about fuel/ maintenance


The Redneck Mexican
2002 E350 7.3 PSD 4x4 8inch lift pop top conversion....

 

[BBslider001]

Who are you to decide if someone is being "overindulgent" or not? What business is that of yours and what bearing does that have on this discussion? Do you think it's your job to decide how people spend their money? Ever heard of a guy named Marx?



That being said, people that take on car payments specifically to keep miles off a truck, or to save fuel cost on a truck are decieving themselves. I live in an area that is heavily salted in the winter, so I keep my Tahoe off the road unless we're getting a blizzard. I drive a junky old car as a sacrificial anode to the salt gods. Both the Tahoe and junky car are paid for. You can buy a lot of fuel for a big truck for what most car payments end up being each month.

To address the OP, it really doesn't matter what powers the truck, if you can do any work yourself, it's nearly always cheaper to keep an older truck going than it is to buy a new one. My Tahoe has 200k on it. It runs perfectly and suits my needs very well. It's got a lift kit, upgraded 3/4 ton rear axle, I swapped in an NV4500 trans and the list goes on. The cost of these things pales in comparison to what I'd spend on a new Tahoe or Suburban that has half the capability of my current truck. I could build an incredible truck with nearly any badge on the grille for 20k, let alone the 40-60k that new ones cost. Buying brand new is for people that have money or people that can't do anything themselves and are lost without a warranty. Otherwise it's cheaper to let someone else take the depriciation hit, and get a good used truck.

To answer your question, I am not anybody and I don't really care what anyone does with their truck or car or bike. I was just addressing statements made that don't really make any sense. Things have to make sense to me, so I open the discussion for that. But, in all reality, it doesn't matter, nor do I care, if someone wants to buy 10 cars to "save gas". I just addressed the "this makes no sense to me" mentality. Funny you mention Marx. Some guy wants to make a comment and then not expect to be held accountable or get some feed back for it. Give me a break. Nothing Marxist about anything I responded to. In fact, the person I responded to started this whole thing with an indirect jab or suggestion about how other people should operate their vehicle choices. It apparently made no sense to him how anyone could drive a big diesel truck as a commuter. I laid it out for him, plain and simple, and how it makes sense. Again, I don't REALLY care. We're just discussing, which is what forums are here for.

 

[Huffy]

I'm always amazed by the insights here on the Portal. This thread went to some places not considered but, in the process answers many questions and raises a few more. New or old can get it done, both are a compromise. Isn't everything? If a nice 4x4 7.3 shows up at a fair price it's a deal. Based on what I have seen so far finding one here in S. Florida is a moderately long shot. If I can locate one, I'll give it a go, fix it up, and then sell the current rig. Probably for peanuts as it is a 2WD. If not, it's off to the Ford Stealership for a good reaming and a new one. Nothing 50-60 beans and a set of air bags wont fix.