Originally Posted by
OldMan
I personally love the 7.3 in my 2000. I have about 200K on it and the worst problems I have are from putting a 75/100 chip on the truck! It is a DOG otherwise. I resolved those issues by dropping to a 50/75 chip. I have blown the turbo piping apart, hand normal alt. and battery issues, but other than those, the truck has been super reliable. (Maintenance is a big MUST!! Change the oil and antifreeze regularly!!)
That's what I hear all over the internet.
"the 7.3 has never let me down" "makes great power, and more reliable than my mother" Things like that make me feel more confident in that engine.
Originally Posted by
OldMan
I had a friend with a 2003? with the 6.0. It was faster than my truck, even before he put a tune in it. His truck was even better, after he put a tune on it! He could barely get 13mpg out of his truck towing and I was usually good for about 17.2, depending on conditions. His truck also sucked unloaded, but he also loved blowing black smoke all over the imports. He popped his head gasket, just like clock work. Right at 80k, he had to fix it with the head bolts and gaskets. Not really that big of a deal, as we knew it was coming from what we had read.
Faster is good. I like faster.
Gas mileage though is a big deal. Can the 6.0 make 20+ mpg daily driven? even my landscape trailer is only a couple thousand pounds. I don't want to kick myself because I got a little more speed, but nailed on MPG.
Is it a manor how it is built up?
I don't want to really ever dump smoke out the pipes. Don't like the image that portrays. But I do want some power though. Is that the trade off? 500 whp means black smoke?
What do you mean by his truck sucked unloaded? Was it a rough pain in the ass to ride in?
Again, is that something that can be easily fixed?
Since this truck will be my daily driver, I'd like a decent ride. I don't want to bang my wife and daughter or other friends around when we're going out to dinner because the truck rides like a work truck.
But I don't wanna have a nice ride, and not be able to haul stuff around. Know what I mean?
Originally Posted by
OldMan
The only differences I can think of with the Lariat vs. the XLT was the stereo and leather. I used to know it, but I have forgotten. The leather only comes stock in the Lariat or just order the seat covers yourself.
See, that's what I was wondering. I can swap seats out. and I'd put my own stereo system in it anyway so that isn't a deal breaker. I've not been able to find a comparison between the different models that really shows how they are different. The wheels are different, but I'd go aftermarket anyway. the seats are different, but seat swaps aren't that big of a deal. What about useful stuff, like lights? accessory power outlets? are the beds any different? Do the trucks ride any different?
Originally Posted by
OldMan
I might be wrong on this, but prior to 2000, the Super Duty truck had an Allison transmission in them. In my opinion, those are better transmissions than the 2000 and up. I would have preferred to have that transmission, but the 4R100 hasn't been that bad. I upgraded some parts and it has been a solid performer. I am not a fan of the way it shifts, but after 200K.... who am I to complain
exactly. 200+k on it and it is still going. makes me happy to hear.
I figure I'm going to keep it automatic for a while, but once the auto craps out, then I'll be looking at doing the swap. I thin k a stick shift truck would be fun to drive. It just isn't something I'm looking for right now. Wanna get everything else worked out first.
Originally Posted by
OldMan
I really wouldn't want to deal with swapping the motor into a 150 model. I really doubt the suspension would hold it, without major changes. I mean, if you have the skill, time, and money to waste....
I would just find the right deal out there. Dealers aren't moving these like a few years back. They have to be out there for a decent price.!
the 150 idea just seemed like a neat-o idea to pursue down the road. Make it a project type thing. I figure beefing up the suspension some would be in order. the idea was that the smaller truck would be easier to maneuver. maybe more comfy to drive. and since it weighed so much less, it should get better MPG. It'd be a work truck. The whole thing would revolve around towing a rather smaller, few thousand pound trailer. Not something I would be pushing for right now. Just an idea i was throwin' out.
Originally Posted by
OldMan
And if you are just going to be pulling an open trailer with a tractor or two, there is a guy in my area that has been that with a old 70s in line 6. It ain't fast, but he has to have saved a ton on his rig!
That was one of the thoughts I had, but from an overall stand point. Owning a work truck, in addition to a personal daily driver was just an unjustified expense. It works out to be cheaper to have one truck to do it all. So a strictly work truck might be an option, but down the road when there is enough business to justify it.
Which is why I'm looking for an awesome daily driver truck, that is fun to drive, but at the same time, has the nuts to be a good work truck.