7.3 is proven and durable with very few problems overall. When upgrading to a PSD I passed on a couple of otherwise nice Excursions because I feared the 6.0 PSD. A 7.3 will get 200K easy. I have 185K on my 2001 F-250 7.3 PSD and 85K on my 2001 X 7.3PSD. A few have had decent luck with the 6.0. But many have not. I say avoid the 6.0 if possible.
My son in law has a 2003 6.0 that he bought new in 2004.I have read all of the negative comments on this site about the 6.0 and the 2003 being the worst, and when he bought it I was thinking this isn't going to be good. He just logged 100,000 miles and other than some recalls it has been trouble free. The truck is in stock condition no chips or exhaust, and he does do all the required maintenance by the book.I also have friends with 2005 and 2006 6.0 and none have had any problems.
I know a bunch of guys who tow with 6.0s and have never had an issue with them. I have also run into people randomly who drive them, and some have bad reports. My advice would be to get the Ford dealer to give you an OASIS report on either model you happen to be looking at. This will show you warranty work, etc that has been done on the vehicle in question. You can then get a reasonable picture in your mind as to what kind of issues (if any) the vehicle has had.
The 7.3 vs. 6.0 issue is steeped in emotion and controversy, and you will have to weed through it and form your own opinion. Others have offered a few good web sites specific to Fords that you should investigate and ask around. I'd also like to suggest Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums. Just Google it and you'll find them.
Good folks over there, and happy to help.
As far as cost of ownership is concerned, again, look at the OASIS report for signs of trouble and note the post above about cost of routine maintenance parts.
My neigbour had a 7.3 PSD as a Hydro utility truck. He's retired now, but last time ( a year ago) he checked the thing had over 400,000 KM on it, no problems and still going strong.
I've heard nothing but problems with the 6 liter PSD....just type into this web about 6 liter PSD and see for yourself.
The new 6.4 liter doesn't seem to have any issues.
We had a Hot Shot driver come into the shop about a year ago with a 97 PSD that had 650,000 miles on the engine...1 water pump, 1 HP lift pump and 3 trannies. I plan to drive my 7.3L until one of us has to be buried.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
I had a 6.0psd(04) once. Never again. I did keep my all-weather rubber catch all floormats though, they fit pretty good in my Dodge. Too bad they say
"Super Duty" on them.
Late model wife
2002 Daughter
2005 Daughter
2007 Ram 3500srw 5.9L Cummins Laramie. QC Short bed.
2008 Crossroads Zinger 30RB 5th wheel.
18k Reese signature series slide hitch
If it was me I would buy the 7.3. 2003 was the first year for the 6.0 and they had a lot of problems. I have an 05 6.0 and have had no problems so far (90,000 and counting) They don't seem to have problems with the later models.
RETIRED AND LOVIN IT. Wife Joyce three excellent grandkids and a grumpy ol tomcat
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