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Discussion => The No Wake Zone => Topic started by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 07:57:18 PM

Title: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 07:57:18 PM
So im in the market for a new truck and got some question for you ford owners/techs....  Im looking at 97 and up f-250s. I really want diesel 4 door 4x4. Everything in my price range is either 6.0 or v-10 or 7.3 with 200 + thousand miles on it. I know to stay away from the 6 liter if it all possible but my qustion is how many miles is too many miles for the 7.3? And what about the v-10? what kind of mpg's can I expect out of the v-10?  And lastly anyone got something they want to get rid of?
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Nordie on April 12, 2010, 08:02:55 PM
v-10 is a gutless pig, and have lots of problems, such as the spark plugs spitting out, and stripping the threads!!!!!

7.3 at 200k if you plan on keeping it for just a few years it will be ok...7.3 is and excellent motor
6.0 i wouldnt totally steer clear from, but i dont like them

whats wrong with a 1/2 chevy? or f-150? or even a cummings? there's more to life then them ford super duties!

i would say duramax though
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:10:11 PM
v-10 is a gutless pig, and have lots of problems, such as the spark plugs spitting out, and stripping the threads!!!!!

7.3 at 200k if you plan on keeping it for just a few years it will be ok...7.3 is and excellent motor
6.0 i wouldnt totally steer clear from, but i dont like them

whats wrong with a 1/2 chevy? or f-150? or even a cummings? there's more to life then them ford super duties!

i would say duramax though

Im a ford guy for life buddy lol  I've had f-150's but they struggle pretty bad towing the race truck or the enclosed trailer. Right now I just need to find a truck Im finally getting my damn licence back (fuggin dui)
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Nordie on April 12, 2010, 08:14:32 PM
just get what suits you, but i wouldnt get that v-10!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:18:22 PM
Ya thats what im hearing... man I wish I could find a 93-97 body style 7.3 with low miles (under 150) I love that truck.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: beerjet on April 12, 2010, 08:19:27 PM
6.0 and be done with it.
That motor made the 7.3 a dinosaur.

-beerjet-
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:21:19 PM
6.0 and be done with it.
That motor made the 7.3 a dinosaur.

-beerjet-

Ya but wasn't there a ton of problems with the 6.0?
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Nordie on April 12, 2010, 08:22:57 PM
Ya but wasn't there a ton of problems with the 6.0?

still is!
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: AQUAHOLIC on April 12, 2010, 08:24:59 PM
my 6.0 rocks. puts down damn near 500hp. i will put it against any truck out there. except for the stupid egr system. that is the only thing i dont like
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: farmergord on April 12, 2010, 08:28:31 PM
egr repair average 4000$ a friend of mine has a shop does 2 or 3 a week find a 7.3 or a 5.9 cummins Ive had both love my 5.9my 2000 ford 7.3 for sale on this site still
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: beerjet on April 12, 2010, 08:30:19 PM
From what I read, there was a bunch with the first year or so.
I know a guy who bought a few for his comapny and loves them and he says they did real good in the mpg department so...
I guess.  :-\
Thats all I got to go off of .
Not that there was anything wrong with the 7.3 to begin with .

-beerjet-
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: mash on it on April 12, 2010, 08:32:04 PM
1996 F350 7.3 CC...........427,000 mi. Keeping it till 500K.  Not chipped... cat & muff fell off ;D
 M P G  Empty...21+,  W/boat...17,      12000 lb Equipment trailer...13.5@60 mph

1977 Chevy C30 CC Dually All (smog) stock  454 Empty...9         Boat...7        12K...5-6

keep looking for a 7.3, pass on a v10 or a 6.0psd  
My .02
Danl
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:33:47 PM
what Im getting is the first year 6.0's were junk. and my dad's half year 03 7.3 is just plain bad ass.. I guess my true question was how many miles is 2 many on the 7.3.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:35:10 PM
1996 F350 7.3 CC...........427,000 mi. Keeping it till 500K.  Not chipped... cat & muff fell off ;D
 M P G  Empty...21+,  W/boat...17,      12000 lb Equipment trailer...13.5@60 mph

1977 Chevy C30 CC Dually All (smog) stock  454 Empty...9         Boat...7        12K...5-6

keep looking for a 7.3, pass on a v10 or a 6.0psd  
My .02
Danl

thats the answer I was looking for.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: farmergord on April 12, 2010, 08:37:30 PM
500000 about right but  automatic trans seems to cause trouble before then also watch ball joints and steering components the heavy engine causes wear
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: beerjet on April 12, 2010, 08:43:12 PM
500000 about right but  automatic trans seems to cause trouble before then
Yes they do.

-beerjet-
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:52:34 PM
alright so 7.3 somewheres around 200,000 is what im looking for then thanks guys...
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: mash on it on April 12, 2010, 08:53:43 PM
auto trans.........$2900 (ford dealer)
6.0 heads..........$8000 :screwy:

500K 7.3psd = dinosaur?

66k mi. 6.0 psd and new heads is better?
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: farmergord on April 12, 2010, 08:57:56 PM
mine has 157000 miles auto transmission  serviced regularly has never needed more than oil and filter sometimes I think  if you treat them with respect they can last for 500000 miles just like the motor
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 08:59:28 PM
auto trans.........$2900 (ford dealer)
6.0 heads..........$8000 :screwy:

500K 7.3psd = dinosaur?

66k mi. 6.0 psd and new heads is better?

much rather be changing a trans then doing head studs and heads....
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: GlassCutter on April 12, 2010, 09:00:06 PM
Do you tow 8K pounds once a month, every month or do you drive 1000 miles every week?   Do you carry 5 people every day?    Why do you think you need a diesel 4 door ?    When you do the math on all the costs like oil changes, repairs, etc.  diesels rarely come out cheaper in the long run.   I'm just sayin . . .
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Willow Wog on April 12, 2010, 09:11:51 PM
Do you tow 8K pounds once a month, every month or do you drive 1000 miles every week?   Do you carry 5 people every day?    Why do you think you need a diesel 4 door ?    When you do the math on all the costs like oil changes, repairs, etc.  diesels rarely come out cheaper in the long run.   I'm just sayin . . .


I drive 15 miles round trip every day to work and the rest of my miles are towing the boat to the river or my 20 foot enclosed trailer(4500lbs dry without rail,water or fuel) to glamis or the race truck (4000lbs dry without spare parts and fuel) to the races.. I've always had 1/2 tons in the past and were great for the river and daily driving but the trailer and race truck was on the verge of to much, they'd tow em but any wind or sudden stops where just plain scarry... so I want a bigger truck this time around. As far as diesel verses fuel thats why I was askin about the v-10 and 4 door is not a nessecity id take a extended cab.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: GT Jets on April 12, 2010, 10:28:11 PM
Personally I think all of the 6.0 PSD problems are mostly hype...

My '05 only has 20K miles on it (not a typo) :screwy:

But my neighbor bought the same truck I did but a Lariat with all the nipple pinchers and bun warmers and he has over 120K on his already, his make a ridiculous amount of HP and he tows a 35' Toy hauler damn near every weekend...

He has an EGR delete kit and no cat and no muffler (not to mention an Idaho license plate  :banghead: ), the kicker is, 10" lift, 38" TSL's and daily driver getting an average of 20MPG unloaded, 12 towing 15,000 #'s and will light the tires up for ten blocks at a time (not making that up)...

My truck had a turbo and a computer flash at 5K miles (I had a friend at the dealer in town  :thumbup: ) and never ever have seen the engine light....

I don't know what price range your looking at, but that V10 is the biggest waste of engineering ever...They make descent torque, but at a cost of ludicrous mileage and a maintenance nightmare... :thumbdown:

I wouldn't mind a 7.3L PSD, but my wife bought this truck for me and I have never had a new truck before, never had a new anything for that matter... :screwy:

The 6.0L PSD is a great engine, just don't chip it too hard and keep the oil (full synthetic) and filters changed, run some cetane booster in it and I'm convinced it will run forever....The damn thing makes 350 HP at over 550 ft lbs. and you can't hear it run going down the freeway at 70 MPH...The transmission upgrade alone makes it worth it to me...

Most of the guys I know that have problems with the 6.0 drive like animals and wonder why their stuff is always broke :-\

BTW, with our SMOG laws just brought about, it no longer pays to tune them, you have to go '98 or older to get around it, but you have to do a lot of work to get where the 6.0l is from the factory HP wise...

Maybe just me...Ask around about the 6.0L some more before discounting it, most of the problems are caused by Jimmy Johnson wannabe's.  :D

edit; The absolute hardest part for me to digest is that you guys say to buy a 200+K mile 7.3L before a 6.0L with under 100K, you guys are on krack... :screwy: The later 6.0's are set on kill  :thumbup:

GT
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: GT Jets on April 12, 2010, 10:40:21 PM
Do you tow 8K pounds once a month, every month or do you drive 1000 miles every week?   Do you carry 5 people every day?    Why do you think you need a diesel 4 door ?    When you do the math on all the costs like oil changes, repairs, etc.  diesels rarely come out cheaper in the long run.   I'm just sayin . . .

Going to respectfully disagree with you there....

If you put into that equation the purchase price of the diesel upgrade, you're right on...

But as stated, no way...Oil gets changed every 10,000 miles when running a bypass filter and synthetics, 7500 miles if using Dino pee..On the gas deal, 4-6000 miles...so that would be a wash...

Mileage would dictate almost the same unloaded, but if you figure in towing, no contest...

Next (and this puts back in the purchase price of the upgrade) resale value, you will lose your ass on the gas vs. diesel as far as resale...

I fail to see any major differences in repairs, if you smoke a head on a diesel, you would have smoked a motor on the gas if doing the same job (or abusing it as hard)  ;)

I have had many gas trucks, the comparison is non existent...

GT
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: maddogg20 on April 12, 2010, 11:27:41 PM
6.0 PSD is actually a really good engine. it had its share of probs like egr issues and head gaskets but all new engines have bugs that eventually get worked out. I worked on 6.0's all day at ford and to be honest, once you get it serviced for all the recalls for head bolts and egr coolers etc they are strong and powerful. the v10's sucked, but the 7.3's were REALLY REALLY good engines, but the trannies werent even close to as good as the 5 speed that came with the 6.0's.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: mash on it on April 12, 2010, 11:36:08 PM
FWIW
ford specs...
   7.3  525 ft./lbs  
   6.0  570 ft./lb

craigslist...
2000 f250 7.3 cc 4x4 153k...$11,500
2005 f250 6.0 cc 4x4 unkn mi....$24950?

its NOT twice the truck.
I dont see it.
6.0=$$$
my .02

Danl
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: IRRebel on April 12, 2010, 11:48:51 PM
 I drive an '06 F350 with the 6.0. I LOVE IT!

Can trailer a boat up 93 to Kingman over hill and dale with the cruise set at 65+ and the only guage that moves is the boost guage! I have yet to hit the "tow" button.......

Heard some of the bad rap on the 6.0 as well, bought mine with 101k on it a little over a year ago, has 148k on it now, not ONE problem!

I was NEVER a Ford fan. Point of fact, had a 99 Exploder as a company vehicle for 3 years that was in the shop more than I used it! BUT a smokin deal, so I bought this. Great Truck! I beat the hell outta it too! (It's a truck for christs sake!).

Ray
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: GT Jets on April 12, 2010, 11:50:33 PM
I'm just sayin' back...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/1686945834.html

FWIW
ford specs...
   7.3  525 ft./lbs  
   6.0  570 ft./lb

craigslist...
2000 f250 7.3 cc 4x4 153k...$11,500
2005 f250 6.0 cc 4x4 unkn mi....$24950?

its NOT twice the truck.
I dont see it.
6.0=$$$
my .02

Danl

Unknown mileage is misleading...May have only 19,850 miles... :sly:

GT
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: mash on it on April 13, 2010, 12:19:55 AM

Or 119,850 mi..........
    Is it still worth double?

Danl
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: IRRebel on April 13, 2010, 12:27:36 AM
I agree, $24.9 for an '05 F250 is a BIT much. Don't care how cherry or what equipment it has. Paid QUITE a bit less for my '06 F350 a year ago...... Cloth seats, crew cab, 8' bed, single wheel rear, vinyl on the floor (A plus to me, I can just hose all the sand and dirt off), 4x4, but, well, "around" 5 figures less......Granted, over 100k, but still.......

Ray

Edit: PS ask Nordie what he thinks of his Duramax..............
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: GT Jets on April 13, 2010, 12:34:42 AM
Or 119,850 mi..........
    Is it still worth double?

Danl

Probably not...But ....

Sort of depends on how you look at it, the truck I posted I have seen up close and personal....It is spotless...

Is it worth 2X? Probably not, would you keep an already 10 year old truck with 150+k miles on it for ten years? probably not...
Sooo what will it be worth in ten years. $5K?, what would a 5 year younger truck be worth at the same time?...$10K?
More?  all I am trying to say is that "now" is only here for a few minutes and I will personally guarantee the older truck will cost twice as much to maintain and is twice as old....Also may have twice as many expensive repairs needed and meanwhile parts will be harder to obtain (after some time). All speculation... :-\

Trust me when I say I am probably the cheapest guy on the planet, but there is more to it than what costs less right now...

You have to always think 5 years down the road, if you don't, you will continually be buying for the now....Which is only here for a minute..

Disclaimer;  I was hanging out in the shop with some buds tonight and did some serious damage to a bottle of Yukon Jack...

Good nite brotha...no offense meant.  :-*

GT
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Leadsled on April 13, 2010, 01:21:32 AM
I have an 05 f250 with the 6.0 and it runs like a champ with 96k on it.  I agree with whoever said all the 6 liter problems were a hype!  Try putting the same crappy edge  or homemade tunes that all these people do with any other truck and it will have the same problems period.  I have left mine stock and have never had a CEL light or any other problems.  The people that are paying the big bucks for the egr repairs and having to get new heads as a result of the egr valve and cooler going out are the ones that keep driving and wonder where the coolant is going!  Its not something that just happens overnight.  Okay im finished.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Nordie on April 13, 2010, 05:58:31 AM
I love my duramax! The only downfall is injectors every 100k! Next time I will be ready and know what to do! There was 2 problems with this first year motor! Water pump at 75k and injectors! That's just maintenance! If you keep the mods to a minimum they run flawless! Only other problems with my truck was 1 window regulator a u-joint....one frozen idler pulley....and the carrier bearing for the drive shaft! Nothing out of the norm if you ask me! Truck has 111426 miles, but actually more then that cause it's been lifted since almost new!

If you want a long lasting easy to fix diesel you get a cummings! And any diesel owner will agree to that
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: stc315 on April 13, 2010, 03:31:38 PM
04 Dodge 4x4 Cummins 500k miles 800+hp (Banks), since 2k miles. Gets 18mpg. Oil changes and valve adjustments on engine. 3 transmissions (John Woods is da man for high hp auto transmissions). Can't beat the Cummins for long lasting power. Dodge really started makin better trucks in 03. I was raised Chevy, got a Ford in my boat, and drive a 05 Hemi Ram. I have worked for Chevy, Dodge, and Ford. Heres my ratings;

Diesel
Cummins
Ford 7.3 tied with Duramax Turbo
Ford 6.0

Gas
Hemi
6.0-6.2 GM
5.4 Ford
5.3 Chevy
4.6 Ford
4.6 Dodge

Customer Service from Factory
Ford
Chevy
Dodge


These are just my opinion!
Good Luck with your hunt.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Nordie on April 14, 2010, 11:40:14 AM
Sorry sam your opinion sucks!

cummins 5.9
6.6 duramax LBZ
Ford 7.3

gas
5.3 chevy hands down the best motor per hp and gas mileage
5.7 nissan gets better mileage then hemi
hemi still crappy
5.4 cause its gutless

customer service they all suck

my 02 i guess

love ya sam
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: Hot Shoe on April 14, 2010, 12:40:49 PM
My 7.3 has 160,000 n lets just say im not the nicest to the truck n the only problem ive had was the tranny, but ive seen plenty o stock trannys go out after 100,000 behind a stock motor. I have a custom tuned chip, intake and exhaust and stage 1 injectors n i would never even think of owning a 6blow (no offense to 6.0 owners haha) My good buddy is just hitting 500,000 in his 7.3 as i write this and its been chipped since 200,000, just tranny problems. Just my .02 might not mean much but me n a couple buddies have been through it all with these 7.3s. The Dmax is a good truck minus the IFS junk front end, and the cummins is a great motor but the dodge truck just doesnt doit for me. I live in a small town n diesels are  more popular than any other form of transportation n theres eveything here and every truck has its problems.
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: farmergord on April 14, 2010, 12:44:33 PM
My 7.3 has 160,000 n lets just say im not the nicest to the truck n the only problem ive had was the tranny, but ive seen plenty o stock trannys go out after 100,000 behind a stock motor. I have a custom tuned chip, intake and exhaust and stage 1 injectors n i would never even think of owning a 6blow (no offense to 6.0 owners haha) My good buddy is just hitting 500,000 in his 7.3 as i write this and its been chipped since 200,000, just tranny problems. Just my .02 might not mean much but me n a couple buddies have been through it all with these 7.3s. The Dmax is a good truck minus the IFS junk front end, and the cummins is a great motor but the dodge truck just doesnt doit for me. I live in a small town n diesels are  more popular than any other form of transportation n theres eveything here and every truck has its problems.


the last sentence gets it right all trucks have good points and all have problems
Title: Re: new tow rig questions...
Post by: stc315 on April 14, 2010, 04:30:31 PM
Sorry sam your opinion sucks!

cummins 5.9
6.6 duramax LBZ
Ford 7.3

gas
5.3 chevy hands down the best motor per hp and gas mileage
5.7 nissan gets better mileage then hemi
hemi still crappy
5.4 cause its gutless

customer service they all suck

my 02 i guess

love ya sam
No hard feelings Nordie. Just my own experiences. I only rated American crap, if I would have included Sapporo cans, I would rate the 5.7 Toyota tops for gas. That thing is wicked mean in stock trim. I also only rated gas on horsepower and personal preference.  Didn't count mpg. Chevy would top that category. As for CS, I was rating manufacturer CS, not dealer. Hard to find a good dealer. I've seen Ford and Chevy step up and warranty stuff after the mileage expires. When I worked for Dodge, 1 mile over warranty and tough sh#t!
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