Opinions on Diesel Trucks???

[Anonymous Poster]

didn't I say in the original post that problems have to be worked out? Like anything that is new, there are going to be problems with it. In my view, the 6.0 is pushing the limits particularly with computer programming. As I said before, like getting 75 hp out of an 18 horse Briggs and stratton.. Things like this help produce all these little problems that crop up. A new truck down for maintenance is down and hurtfull regaerdless of brand. On the plowssite, there are a few that have these for a living. They're not happy campers when they can't make a living. Can say the same for Chevy/GM/Dodge in the past and most likely, the future. In any case, I am quite happy with my HO Dodge and wouldn't trade it for the world, unless for the newer pressurized fuel rail set up which is much quieter

 

[cowboydoc]

You're wrong about producing the 75hp out of 18hp. This motor can actually produce over 500 hp. It's detuned not tuned up for hp!!! This motor was completely redesigned from the ground up. It's not just somethign that was slapped together. If they had wanted more hp they would have done that with the 7.3. This motor was designed to meet hp and torque capabilities while at the same time meeting fuel emission and improving fuel economy.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Richard,

"You can no longer buy the 7.3"....

My understanding (from the owner of a Ford Dealership and a recent sales slick) is that you can still purchase the 7.3. The sales material even has a handy towing comparison between the available gas and 2 diesel options.

If the 7.3 is no longer available--when did this or will this happen.

Bob

 

[cowboydoc]

Bob,

The 7.3 ceased production last year in November. You can in no way order a 7.3. There are still a few floating around from last year that I see at dealers every now and then but they are not produced anymore.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I thought the 7.3 is still being produced though in smaller numbers to be used in E series vans and other vehicles.

You just can't get it in the 2003 pickups anymore. The still have the 7.3 in the 2003 vans. In 2004 the vans get the 6.0 as well.

 

[Bird]

Yep, Ford's web site listing their trailer towing specs still includes the 7.3, but with the following footnote:

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( (1) 6.0L Diesel replaces 7.3L Diesel effective with Fall 2002 production. )</font>

And it appears that their towing capacities are the same for either diesel engine.

 

[cowboydoc]

Lawman,

The vans have the engine but it isn't being produced. The plant was converted to 6.0 production last year. The problem with the vans was they couldn't make it fit. They made a bunch of engines to fill the van orders for the coming year.

 

[smilingreen]

Ok...I'll chime in for the Dodges. I have a 99 Dodge 3500 flat bed/ Cummins 24 valve turbo diesel with 140k miles on it. Only problem has been a faulty thermostat. I have 3 different trailers I pull with mine every day, with varying loads on the trailers and sometimes as much as 10000 pounds on the back of the truck and pulling the trailer with tractor, implements, etc. But, on the other hand......I like my diesels to sound like a truck....LOUD!!!!! I think they invented the quiter diesels to gain more market share with women.......whats your thoughts?

 

[cowboydoc]

I think they invented the quiter diesels to gain more market share with women

I'd have to say no. When I was a kid it was cool to have a loud car or truck but as I've gotten older I certainly enjoy the quieter diesels. I can carry on a conversation without yelling. I can actually listen to the radio without having to have an amp. I can talk on my phone without saying what every other word and actually use my hands free set. I can pull into a drive-thru and order without having to turn the truck off. I can pull alongside somebody and talk without having to turn the truck off. I don't have those dull aching headaches from 12 and 16 hour drives that I used to have from the constant racket of the diesel. This and many other reasons I'm certainly glad they've made them quieter.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I think I stirred up a Diesel powered hornets nest...LOL
Great opinions and discussions on the different models. I did drive another new Ford with the 6.0 powerstroke in it today. Great running truck but the dealer was very BAD. So I am going to have to find another dealer who is not so pushy. I told this guy we were looking around and just wanted some bottom line figures and he actually seemed mad and didn't even give me anything concrete. It's unreal to me they expect you to make a $40000 purchase decision in 5 minutes. Needless to say I won't be going back there. If the salesman can't push it on you hard enough to sell you they send in one of the Veteran Sales Manager's. It's unreal some of these dealers still love to play these games and stay in business. Anyway I wanted to vent a bit.
Love all the info I have gotten so far and I can't say enough good things about TBN and its members. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif