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Old 10-01-2009, 10:50 PM   #1
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6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

What are your thoughts. I would like to know the pros and cons to both and anyother advise anyone might have on these two diesel motors. I will be purchasing one in the near future and need some info. It seems that the 7.3 is always a lot cheaper used then the 6.0. Is this due to age or some other unknown factor.

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Joe

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Old 10-02-2009, 09:02 AM   #2
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

I have both engines, the 7.3 in my F250 the 6.0 in my SMB. I have to say the 4-wheel drive system was more important to me than which of these engines I had, and I haven't regretted that. All else being equal I would go with the 7.3. Actually, would have. All else being equal today, I would probably go with the v10.
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Old 10-02-2009, 02:09 PM   #3
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

The 7.3 is a great engine, probably the best Ford has ever offered. It's hard to find them with decent mileage, but not impossible. The 03-04 6.0's had some issues, but most have been cured. You'll find guys that will bash the 6.0 to death, and some have the right to do so. A lot of people have been burned bad by the 6.0 in the wallet. Others haven't had any issues. My van is an 06, and I've only had one issue, a leaky fuel regulator. Filter maintenance is a must on any 6.0, demand proof for all oil & fuel filter changes before considering one of these vans.

For a 4x4 conversion, there is nothing that makes one better or worse. The 6.0's have the 5 speed tranny behind them, so that's nice.
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Old 10-02-2009, 07:06 PM   #4
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

The 6.0 is much more likely to be a problem. By '06 they were much better, but even the newer ones still see PITA issues that require dealer visits. The 6.0 is quieter than the 7.3 and has an extra gear in the transmission.

The 7.3L is pretty much a flawless engine except the CPS (cam position sensor), but the torque converter behind it often fails. Ford did not do a good job matching the torque converter to that motor. A 4x4 conversion would be an excellent opportunity to swap of the TC for a stronger unit.

For reliability... V10 hands down.
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Old 10-02-2009, 07:09 PM   #5
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Ford did not do a good job matching the torque converter to [the 7.3L].
Do you think that the detuned Diesels in the vans would help the vans have less problems with that than the F-series?
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Old 10-02-2009, 07:16 PM   #6
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by jage
Do you think that the detuned Diesels in the vans would help the vans have less problems with that than the F-series?
Well, the vans don't have the headgasket and head bolt issues that the pickups have. That is directly related to the lower horsepower.

Mike
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Old 10-02-2009, 09:16 PM   #7
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by jage
Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Ford did not do a good job matching the torque converter to [the 7.3L].
Do you think that the detuned Diesels in the vans would help the vans have less problems with that than the F-series?
Yes. stock should be fine as long as you keep an eye on temps. The 7.3 trans cooler should also be swapped to because it's design accumulates debris. A V10 cooler is better. A 6.0 PSD cooler or Tru-cool max would be best.

But... who buys a diesel to keep it stock?
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Old 10-03-2009, 12:01 AM   #8
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

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But... who buys a diesel to keep it stock?
Bro, my diesels is so stock I barely change the oil.
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Old 10-03-2009, 09:34 AM   #9
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

Mine is and will continue to be completely stock. Even down to Motorcraft filters.

Mike
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Old 10-03-2009, 12:14 PM   #10
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Re: 6.0 vs. 7.3 powerstroke for a 4x4 conversion

The 7.3L torque converter is supposed to be just as strong as the V10 TC. I think the cooler problem is really the main issue.

FWIW - my transmission (4R100 same as the 7.3L) is mechanically stock. It does have the Banks Transcommand, and I've further firmed it up with the Diablo predator. My V10 is not stock. The van does 0-60 in under 7 seconds, and has a top speed over 135 MPH

At 258,000 miles the transmission hasn't been touched except a few fluid/filter changes. I did swap out the trans cooler for a Tru-cool max after I added the four rally lights last year because the lights blocked airflow to the cooler.

So yeah... if you ditch the stock 7.3L trans cooler, and don't go overboard on the power, the transmission should last a long time.

A trans temp gauge is essential. I wouldn't have know about the airflow issue if it weren't for the gauge.
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