As a 7.3 owner I have to agree with all of this. With that being said, if you offer me a sorted 6.0 or even a new 6.7 I would still keep my 7.3. Also

I paid 9k for my 03 7.3 160k miles - runs smooth as hell. Nice matte black exterior, lifted with 37s. Get complimented at least once a day. I put some work in, more maintenance like sensors but did all my own labor and its a beast. It's all about the luck of the draw on what your buying.. As far as mechanics, I got all the mechanics on youtube i need and forums with great guys to walk you through every step of the way as long as you can handle your end of the labor.

Like the video sir but I'm stand behind my 7.3 with 600,000 just can't find another standard beast like it

I'd take a 7.3 OBS or NBS for the right price on a heartbeat. I think part of the problem is when one owner doesn't do good scheduled and preventative maintenance. Everything will eventually add up and be a nightmare but if you can stay on schedule and replace the little electrical and plumbing things along the way it makes a huge difference. I've taught myself how to do a lot of maintenance purely out of a desire to keep it on the road and be more self sufficient. Some things obviously require a pro but a lot can be done at home.

You said you won't se them on the road I disagree,I do believe you won't see them for sale

I bought a late model 99' 7.3 for $4000 with 187,000 miles. Maintained by my grandfather who's been mechanic for 40+ years with all fluids, suspension, steering, etc, and engine work being kept up. Haven't had any significant issues considering mileage but I've had to replace high pressure oil lines and the rest is basic maintenance. Passenger side valve cover leaks slightly but that's all at the moment. Interior and exterior is in immaculate condition considering it was garaged for 14 years or so with the exception of moderate tearing in the driver seat which I'll repair. Have to admit the 7.3's are extremely reliable, but definitely over-emphasized, and in my case I'm extremely lucky to basically own a new truck. 😄

Really the only reason not to own one is if you can't work on it yourself. Other than that they are incredibly easy to work on and diagnose. Parts are still readily available and for the most part, not that expensive. It doesn't take much to turn the engine into an impressive powerhouse that will pull dang near anything. For the right person, they are a gold mine. But if you are a guy who uses a mechanic, it's probably not for you.

Nice video. I just sold my 6.0 after 11 years, bought a dually 7.3 for the new tow pig. The 6.0 gave me hell.. last straw was coming home with a brand new car hauler and it broke down. Hope the 7.3 gives me better luck.

Yeah, if you can't work on your own stuff, I think any older truck is for you. I can understand a transmission, or engine block rebuild. Replacing Sensors, or fixing the short that happens at the valve cover, or even replacing the turbo is pretty straight forward. Suspension is similar to any other older vehicle. If you catch yourself saying "Going to take it the shop" often probably not the truck for you I think. Or have a list of shops. There's so much information about these trucks, that I'd be interested to find out what problem you can have that hasn't been covered multiple times on youtube, forums, etc. As far as parts becoming rare, riff raff diesel has everything from turbos, to oil pans and all the sensors and wire harnesses in between. Even the argument for the suspension being lessor than the 2005 or newer, one it's a truck, two if you really feel that way, there's plenty of dead 6.0s in the junk yards your can source that suspension from and it's mostly bolt on, many videos on this also. I have personal experience with the 6.0 from brand-new to 120k never would I ever recommend that truck. Repairs in just parts can be 10k, many parts will have to be replaced beyond that as they seem to fail along side the usual EGR short comings cylinder heads need to get resurfaced if they're not cracked 6.0 in my life broke it's own block when the oil pressure regular broke the block, go ahead and watch a video of a truck getting Bullet Proofed from beginning to end by the actual company Bullet Proofed, if got money like that, I feel like you'd be in the market for a brand-new truck. 7.3 is for those that don't want a payment, don't mind or have the drive to work on their own things. As far as hotshot towing, it would have to have a built transmission, also what's your plot in life? Are you just starting? Maybe a truck that might be 4K (Don't need a crewcab, but rather a dually in my opinion ) with a 5K transmission is more logical than getting a 80k truck for a business venture, maybe you've been at it for a while, and you know you can afford payments, higher insurance, and everything involved with a newer truck. But if you're a guy that tows on long weekends, and using the truck for what a truck is meant to do and don't need a flashy "fast truck", towing less than 14k 5th wheel, or 10k tow behind, I don't think you can do any better.

I just bought a 7.3, Short bed extended cab for 3700, with 270k miles. Underneath is super clean and runs like a champ so far, can’t wait to drive it till a million

Got mine from a family member with 189k miles for 1000 bucks, didn't run been sitting for a couple years, all it needed was a couple sensors and injector O-rings. Since then I've done 205/30 injectors and Kc300X stage 2 turbo and been slowly bringing her back to her former glory. Cant get anything better than these 7.3 powerstrokes just gotta take care of them

I got my 7.3 at 498K, replaced the engine with a 20k mile engine, mine was really clean honestly it’s been great

I just saw an OBS 7.3 crew cab pulling a double deck car trailer with 6 cars on it. Pulled it right up a huge grade going 65 mph

we had 3 7.3's that towed 6 days a week for almost a decade did really well

As a new 7.3 owner I can agree, bought it at 352k 2 weeks ago. 5k. CCSB lariat 4x4 for 5k, 2 dents on the driver door. No paint fade, seats are not torn at all. No rust. And ZERO blow by. I think I got a steal. Either way, first things has has just been preventive maintenance, oil coating the undercarriage and under the body. It’s definitely been maintained very well. I love it to death.

Lucky my truck has had all the brake lines etc replaced already so I have another 20 years until it goes bad again, but my obs 7.3 I had had so many electrical issues from it being rigged up like the headlights only did hi beams all interior lights stayed on etc

You hit the nail right on the head. I still wouldn't get rid if my 7.3 though.

I like this guy. I was shopping for the 7.3 here in the northeast. Find nothing but rust for 10 grand. Then I find a 02 f-250 with an overheated engine that will no longer start for $5000. The no-working temp gauge was the cause of the engine problem. Electrical problems. The thing is I was thinking 5 grand and all I need is an engine. This guy is right. Where does it end. I asked our good diesel mechanic at work today about this video. His reply was that video you watched has a very good point of having one lager problem rather than many smaller problems. Now I am shopping for a mid 2000s 6.0 truck in the 5 grand range. I'm seeing 6 grand in mostly rust free and that is in still running condition. The 7.3 starts at 15 grand with little rust. Thanks for the good advice. Makes sense to me and our mechanic. Like I say you don't know unless you've been there. This guy in the video has been there. He sees from the other side. The expensive side.

Purchased my 02 with 63k on it 6 years ago, now has 85k. Few minor leak fixes no major issues besides northeastern rust. Plenty of that. Going for a possible body and cab swap someday soon. You are right acrossed the board. But I'll pour some money into mine before I dump 60k on a new emissions truck loaded with propblems.

I can’t wait to see your review of your new 6.7 after you sell your 7.3

Ive been driving my same 2000 supercab XLT 7.3 auto for the past 18yrs and I wouldn’t trade it for ANYTHING newer. Towed cars and equipment all over and was my daily for years. Only issues i ever had were RUST. I recently rebuilt it with all rust free parts from down south and i pulled the trans and had it rebuilt. Its a absolute rock solid workhorse. I would hop in and drive across country with a trailer to go pick up anything and never question it. Never has left me stranded, never has emission issues, no DEF issues, no power derate, no drama. Has a tune, exhaust, intake, and it does just fine. Its not a race truck like a new one but it also would win most long distance races because it would actually make it there without emissions failures and drama. Unfortunately drama with new trucks is actually “normal” nowadays. I’ll keep my ole clacky 7.3 😂

Hell yeah, man. You're clearly a very logical thinker. Think just like me man. These are 20 year old trucks so yeah shits gonna be leaking, and breakin, and wearin out, that's just a matter of fact. Pumps beginning to fail, sensors beginning to fail. Electrical issues may be startin. It is what it is. But if you don't mind something rough around the edge. and dont mind doin your own wrenchin you can get a great diesel for a great price. I got VERY lucky on mine. Rust free southern truck, 200k miles, crew cab, 4wd. Fair price No real issues, jut some cosmetic stuff here and there. Yours is not bad for the mileage though, great vid, thanks man. 7.3l is still way more cheaper to own than a 6.7l and they're full of emissions bullshit and electrical shit

this video needs to get around, it would help the truck market all over

I don’t know if I agree with a lot of what you say here... I own a 2000 f250 and yea I’ve had to replace a few little seals electrical things wires etc. when I first bought it, but since then it’s been trouble free. Pop the hood every once in a while clean your connections, get under the truck inspect things, take care of these trucks and they will take care of you. Unfortunately, the fact that people think these trucks are bulletproof is what leads to a lot of 7.3s just being absolutely thrashed, people think that they don’t need to do maintenance because hey it’s a 7.3 and it’s bulletproof!! Yes, but only if you take care of it, clean the interior use it daily. A sitting truck is the worst A rolling stone gathers no moss

I have 3 99's...use one for hot shot trucking. And who needs a mechanic to work on 7.3's? That's one of the best things about the 7.3!

I have a 7.3 with 300,000 on her and she pulled a trailer all the way to California back to Texas. The only problems were problems that I created myself, oil leak first day on a hpop bold that I didn't tighten down enough, second one was bad tires. This truck is a beast but I chased leaking oil for over a year.

I have a 2002 7.3L 6 speed. 142k miles gave $11k for it. Pull a 50ft living quarter car hauler with it. Pulls it just fine. Only problems I’ve had is had to do a clutch and trans rebuild. But still beats paying 80+ for a newer 6.7L.

Now that’s a 7.3 with character. Most of the stuff I saw looked like a quick fix from the shift linkage to the bodywork. DuroFoam even sells the new foam and cover for the drivers seat. I did mine in just about an hour.

I got my 2002 f250 from $4950 and had 312,000 miles on it. It now currently is sitting at 434,000 miles and still running strong. I'll keep it until the wheels fall off. Lol

I'm glad to be a mechanic. I save myself a ton of money, and I keep my 7.3 tip-top.

Just bought my first truck, 01 7.3 f250, got it for a hair over 10k with 186k miles. Everything works on it with redone seats and a mint interior. I love it already.

I got a 02 F250 for free with a good bit of body rust and lots of problems. It needs a lot of tlc but I intend to keep her on the road for as long as I can

Have a '96 F350 dually w 7.3...mileage is just over 200k. Other than a new tranny, absolutely zero issues. Take care of your 7.3 and it will take care of you!

i think it just comes down to who you buy it from. if they just beat the living hell out of it you’ll have problems. the best bet is to buy a stock truck from a grandpa that hasn’t been tuned. i made the mistake of buying mine from someone who tuned it, reemed the hell out of it, and didn’t know what they were doing when working on it. mostly everything wasn’t tight, and the trans flare shifts. the transfer case had two of the top bolts holding it in. had a bunch of driveline issues as well. there was so much vibration in the driveline that it cracked the bell housing. i haven’t had an issue with the motor whatsoever other than alternators n stuff. it has overall been a great truck, but if you’re gonna buy one know who you’re buying it from.

I just found one for 10.000 cash 2002 superduty supercab 7.3 lariat with 200000 original miles, used easy only pulled a trailer 40 times. Its clean no dents but it needed tires. It came with a tuner and a cold air filter to but I set it on stock settings. Also came with a 5th wheel and tunnel cover that rolls up with lock.

The biggest problem you mentioned is the use of a mechanic! Your exactly right it’s cheaper to buy a new truck however if your passionate about working on your truck the 7.3 is a fantastic platform

I bought mine used, a 99 F250 7.3 from a Ford Dealership and to does have quite a bit of rust, but one of the major I had to do was a front axle swap.. Whomever worked on it shouldn’t have.

I would by a 7.3 for 15k then pute 20 into it, and still be a better reliable, looking and comfortable truck with the same or more hours power, you will always see these trucks, they won’t die, the will rise again. The 7.3 will rise again. There ain’t no doubt. Arguably one of the best trucks ever built yet period..

As a 7.3 owner.. he’s speaking the truth

7.3s aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Aftermarket support for these is through the roof and you can still go to the parts store and even the dealer and they have parts on hand for these trucks. If you bought a beat up truck to begin with that was ran to the ground before you got it sure its gonna be falling apart. Bought my 2000 f250 6 speed with one owner well taken care of. I got no rust, no body issues, nothings falling apart. If you take care of your truck shouldn't be an issue. If anything your video sounds more like your describing 10 reasons not to own a 1st or 2nd gen dodge ram. Now talk about body falling apart, rust, and wiring problems.

I bought a single owner 01 F350 crew cab 4X4 SRW 7.3 some small dents clean interior and completely stock with 171k miles for 6,000 flat.

I agree I got mine 2000 dully with 155k on it had to redo the wiring under the hood it whent bed then did the valve cover gasket nice big bill, after that the water pump whent, easy enough to change, but ya it gets expensive, anything old is ganna run you up in money it is what it is I still like it bottom line it serves my needs

the psd truck is a legend pick your flavor and take care of it, they love fresh coolant and oil along with regular maintenances , i just like upgrades done correctly.

What size of tires are on your truck?

Owned one 22 years, 658k pulled gooseneck stock trailer equipment trailers. take it hunting and fishing every year drive it daily 15 miles of dirt road every day .snow mud and alot of heat and dust, feed cows every winter off the back. Wouldn't trade it for any other pickup. Best 32 k I ever spent .this truck has been no bullshit ford tough.

7.3 were solid, but your right they are becoming out dated, I have a 6.0, brought stock for 14k with 128k and she still going strong with no bullet proof, but parts for them are getting harder to find now, but less emissions shit to deal with, but alot of places don't want to touch the 6.0 tho

Just because you bought a shit box doesn’t give the 7.3 a bad name. Bought my 2002 7.3 for 20k and has given me no issues and has been a perfect truck.

02 7.3 still running better then the new trucks.

i got a 2000 f350 dully flatbed single cab with a tilt bed leather lariet 7.3 with 110k miles completly stock other than a tune with zero rust how much is it worth?

I think we will continue to see the 7.3 on the road for another 10 years. engines are still available, rebuilding them isn't stupid expensive. No emissions crap on them. Down here in Texas they are still the working mans truck. Still see hot shots driving them, utility companies, landscapers all kinds of people. Will they make 6.0 power? no but do they cost 6.0 money to keep going down the road not even close.

97 with 230k. Imma be in this one till it blows up with me in it lol

I've never had an issue with any trailer but everything else makes some sence

I found a 7.3 with 150k on it. I bought it with issues, threw a few grand at it to make it right and everything else I’ve done to it has been for fun. I’ve had no issues finding parts for my truck either. Honestly for a lot of this I don’t agree at all. I bought my 7.3 because I watched my friends and family get financially destroyed by other trucks and end up in a 7.3.

I found a 2005 6.0 lariat in great shape studded for 5500 before covid.... Still can't believe it!

found a MINT interior/exterior single cab short bed 7.3 with 190k miles for 15k, is it worth it?

I found a 2002 F350 dully with 110,000 miles on it. Great body. It was taken care of. The 7.3 when taken care of will last a lot longer than its replacements. Especially if you live where brake lines don't freeze and road salt is not put out. I am not going to enter it into a race. By your own admission that truck is beaten up. Buy a 2003 Chevy Diesel and get back to us. What did you expect to get spending 3 or 4K?

Is it worth getting one for light work and occasional heavy towing just can't decide have my eyes on one for a decent price kinda

I'll take a no emissions truck over a dpf, Def truck any day. As a truck driver I hate the emissions components that leaves a driver in the shop on a regular basis

Just bought an unmolested rust free 138000 mile 2000 f250 it may be 22 years old but it’s rock solid!

Just bought a 95 7.3 f250 4x4 199k for $2500. Runs and drives great, price isn't always a concern with these. Just have to be patient

I’m 12 and dad has a 99 f250 7.3 extended cab and I’m looking to do some tlc on it paint dents… I would get it for free and then will have some money to fix it should I go for it?

I bought a 01 f350 7.3 L with 172,890 miles around 3 years ago. I went through and replaced a lot of things. All brake parts and lines front suspension and steering then changed all the fluids for 2,000.00. I have learned a lot working on other people's 7.3 L. I have stopped and helped chevy and dodge owners pull there rigs up the hills in AZ and NM. Everyone is impressed by the power of 7.3 L to pull heavy loads.

Bought mine with some rust, 132k for just over 5k last year. Spent 4500 into it. So not bad.

I have a 99 7.3 dually 4x4 , has had issues within the first 5 months I owned it , but I’m a mechanic lol everything is cheap to me since all I do is buy parts and replace myself, but had I not known mechanical work I’ll admit I’d be a good 6-8k in mechanical work

good video. sorry about your bad luck my 99.5 7.3 has 208k got it for 5k never ben in shop done all the work myself and honestly ill have it the rest of my life going to my son. and ive seen countless 7.3s. put a spankin on cummins and 6.0 and 6.7s pulling. peraonally about 50% of the 6.0 i race ive beat on 20 mph roll starts to 80 mph. and 0 to 80 mph. an thats with about 6k in upgrades takes my total to 11 k in my 7.3 so far but i have yet to see a 6.0 in same or better condition for even less then 20k

I got a 2000 Ford f250 7.e for 400 got 197k on it and very few issues but the box Is shot and a solid frame good up state NY truck

Got mine for $4500 188,000k miles stock and no problems but Michigan rust and interior is clean only one tiny tear in the seat and found it 2 miles down the road

Lately it seems like the 7.3 pricing is getting up to just like a 12v

What would best the best ford to buy for work? Looking at starting a junk removal business. I thought about getting a OBS 7.3 but they are hard to come by

soo whats you're favorite matchbox car

Been having a 7.3 since i was 19. 27 now. Got it when it had alittle over 200k now 280k. Alot of usuall 7.3 problems and leaks. All fixed my self. Now transmisison went out at 280k miles. And for the past 2-3 years ive been plagued with my body control module failing multiple times. At this point not sure if i should sell it as is. Or fix it myself and sell it

Like the video Watching it while sitting in my 96 dodge w/272k on the clock

so i want to buy my first diesel truck and was thinking the 7.3 is the way to go. i don’t want a duramax, so i was thinking 5.9 cummins 12 or 24 valve or 7.3/6.0 powerstroke for my price range. what should i buy? sounds like a 6.0 based off this video

Just get what you want. I wanted a 7.3. I patiently looked until I found a cherry 99 super cab short bed, did NOT want a land yacht. Previous owner dumped 7 thousand into it 2 months before I bought it, every damn sensor NEW, 4 inch exaust, new fuel pump, calipers, batteries, new one piece drive line, and many other things. $9,000. All it needs is tires. I could not be happier. Keep your overly complex newer trucks, I am near 60 and will drive this unit till I am done.

I got my 00 f250 7.3 half cab long bed with 338764 miles on it for 3k. The issues where there such as horrible steering no ignition key (I had a file for a while) no door locks and a leak for the coolant which turns out the idiot used water so that didn’t end well and a leak from a transmission seal; was used for work right And yeah honestly the age on these trucks are just making me hate sometimes. But other than that I really love it even tho I’ve spent close to 2k already.

I just want that sound!!!

I put $16.5k in bulletproofing my 6.0, bottom and reseal, shit load of parts was over $11k in parts. All of the suspension has been rebuilt with new parts was about another 4-5k in parts. But does it drive nice and is it a great truck for work yes. 200k miles 4x4, if I wanted to sell it and get back I would have to list it for no less than $25k

Compared to a half ton around the same age would it pull better ?

What shop is in Cherryville?

317k miles and going on my 02 7.3. Original injectors too. Edit: I just changed my injectors and they were not the originals. So 340k miles now and the third set of injectors. Lol

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit I have a super cab e99 dully zf6 4x4 298,000 I agree it has some issues I got it for 9k with new long block does everything I need it to for now should I sell it damn ? I love the truck lol

Do a review of 6.7 in about 20 yrs😃👍

I work on my own 7.3. I have a 2003 f250 with the 7.3. In 12 years ive only put a radiator, water pump, tensioner, map sensor, starter, ebpv sensor and ipr. I still have original transmission motor and body. I have 315 thousand miles.

I have to disagree with you on some stuff. There’s a few Times I’ve had 17 or 18,000 pounds against My 7.3. 36 foot gooseneck car top full of fat cattle it performs great every time. It won’t drag at 75 but 60mph there’s no problem. And the simplicity of repairs on this truck versus my 6.0 I had there’s just no comparison how easy it is. The tolerances within the turbo and injectors are just so much better. It’s definitely the working man’s truck

I bought my early 99 250 in about 2011up here in Canada, I do all the work on it, its now got 600.000KM on it was beat to crap when I got it,"the guy serviced it when it went wrong type abuse". Between buying it and getting it on the road I had 13K in it. I'm still running it the bodies rough as heck with rust/rot on the outside. It's had water pumps, batteries/glow plugs & relay, tires, another set of steering linkage, and the first round of leaky O rings on the motor, now due for the next lot I didn't do the first time,plus some other stupid little stuff. It'll pull a 22000 big tex with a bigger farm tractor on like it's not there with an 80HP chip. I hit a deer last summer at 110KM the damage was bent bumper, slight bend in the fender, no broken lights. That thing earned respect right there, most other trucks would of been totaled and still sweeping bits up, I draged it sideways in the yard pulling the bumper corner out with a tractor so it didn't catch the tire ! I'm actually looking at updating to a 2003 7.3 with half the km's on, and don't really want to part with this one. It scares me the next one won't be as good even starting with better condition. Take care

What about 1/10th the cost of 6.7?

Great video good insight

This is one of the only truck builds that’s used to work and not show. A real build that doesn’t have those ugly useless dishes out rims and tires that are thin asf

Love it...❣️

I have a 7.3 is a beast of force

I bought a new F350 in 2000 and still own it. It currently has 190K miles. It currently is used to haul hay, wood and occasionally a stock trailer. Other than tires, brakes, oil changes etc, I have spent basically zero money on this truck. Still has the original glow plugs and turbo and it has spent it's life in the high country of Colorado. As long as I can get parts I will keep this truck....and yes it drives like a potato wagon LOL.

I have an idea buy a blown 6.4 then rebuild a 7.3 swap it in or a 6.0

I dont know.where your from but here in Missouri there people and mechanics all over that know how to work on and rebuild them.

Don't miss the 15 mpgs on a good day

its time to start a co that's makes all upgraded replacement parts for these trucks. and show them how its done

Great video

Better transmission and bigger intake spyder better axel more power compared to the obs

Just got my pretty mint 2001 for 11k with only 180k miles she ain’t perfect but she’s going to be pulling dump trailers Ik it ain’t fast but that’s not what it’s made for anyways, and a 6.0 ain’t cheap when you blow a head gasket and I know from experience had 2 6.0L one bullet proofed and the other stock biggest mistakes ever and our previous OBS 7.3 was one of the best truck we’ve ever owned

For the price of modernizing your 03 7.3 powerstoke, you can buy a 30k truck.. but when you got a 30k-40k 7.3 shit gets dope and it's way fun to play with all them Cummins and dmax boys... but another 20-30k in it and it would be better then dope, long story short its all the same price, pick your poison....

Looking to get a 7.3 to replace my 7.4 suburban. This guy says that it’s hard to get parts for the 7.3 just wanna know how true that is since I’m planning on getting one to last me for the next 15 years or so. If it is difficult I might have to go with the 6.0