7.3 Power Stroke… good choice for a first truck?

I know someone selling a second-gen Dodge Cummins, and they told me to avoid Ford Power Strokes because of high repair costs. I’m guessing they weren’t great with maintenance, which might explain their issues.

I’ll be using the truck to tow a travel trailer (5,000-10,000 lbs) about 4,000-10,000 miles per year in the Pacific Northwest. Planning on full-time RVing. My income is limited, so I need a solid and reliable truck.

I’ve heard maintenance on a diesel is more expensive than on a gas truck, but it might be worth it for better towing comfort and durability.

Questions:

  1. Can I find a reliable used diesel for around $15k? Preferably pre-DEF.
  2. Should I even go for a diesel in my case?
  3. What kind of repairs should I expect for a truck in that price range?

The 7.3 is nearly indestructible but doesn’t have the power of newer diesels. If you’re towing, consider a Hydra tune chip with a towing tune.

For $15k, you can find a good used diesel, but stay away from 6.0s unless they’ve been bulletproofed, and avoid 6.4s entirely.

@Sterling
A lot of the trucks I’m seeing for $15k have 150k-250k miles. What kind of repairs should I expect with that kind of mileage?

Pax said:
@Sterling
A lot of the trucks I’m seeing for $15k have 150k-250k miles. What kind of repairs should I expect with that kind of mileage?

Under 250k miles wouldn’t scare me on a 7.3, but expect to rebuild the front end and maybe the transmission if it’s an automatic. The auto transmissions in those older trucks weren’t great.

@Skyler
Ford autos have always been hit or miss. My Ranger came with a new transmission, so I lucked out. If you go with a 7.3 auto, plan for a rebuild at some point.

Pax said:
@Sterling
A lot of the trucks I’m seeing for $15k have 150k-250k miles. What kind of repairs should I expect with that kind of mileage?

The engines are tough, but rust is the real killer. HD trucks are built stronger than half-tons, so even with high mileage, they hold up pretty well.

Pax said:
@Sterling
A lot of the trucks I’m seeing for $15k have 150k-250k miles. What kind of repairs should I expect with that kind of mileage?

I’m on my third 4R100 transmission at 260k miles. Heat kills them, so upgrade the trans cooler if you plan to tow. Keep your transmission temp below 220, and it’ll last longer.

Pax said:
@Sterling
A lot of the trucks I’m seeing for $15k have 150k-250k miles. What kind of repairs should I expect with that kind of mileage?

Mine has almost 400k miles. The only major repair was replacing the clutch at 270k.

Pax said:
@Sterling
A lot of the trucks I’m seeing for $15k have 150k-250k miles. What kind of repairs should I expect with that kind of mileage?

Look out for high-pressure oil line leaks and a failing water pump around 200k miles. Injector cups can start wearing out too. None of these repairs are too expensive if you stay ahead of them.

My 7.3 ran great for over 110k miles (sold it at 230k). Only major repair was replacing the injectors.

Basil said:
My 7.3 ran great for over 110k miles (sold it at 230k). Only major repair was replacing the injectors.

How much does an injector job cost?

Pax said:

Basil said:
My 7.3 ran great for over 110k miles (sold it at 230k). Only major repair was replacing the injectors.

How much does an injector job cost?

I did mine myself, so it wasn’t too bad. If you’re paying a shop, expect around $1,200 for all eight.

Pax said:

Basil said:
My 7.3 ran great for over 110k miles (sold it at 230k). Only major repair was replacing the injectors.

How much does an injector job cost?

Injectors are harder to replace on a diesel than on a gas engine. You need to check for cracked cups and be mindful of O-rings. There’s also the risk of hydrolocking if the oil leaks into the cylinders.

The 7.3 is reliable, but it’s a 20+ year-old truck. You’ll need to keep up with maintenance like replacing sagging door hinges, fuel lines, and steering components. The transmission is usually the first major thing to go. I’d look at a mid-2000s gas truck for your needs.

The 7.3 is a solid choice for a first truck. Just keep in mind that maintenance costs will be higher, and things will break—it’s the price of owning an older vehicle.

I daily a 7.3 with 362k miles. Repairs have been minimal: injectors, brake calipers, and a starter. The engine is reliable, but the 4R100 transmission is the weak point. Consider getting it rebuilt with upgraded parts if you plan to tow often.

I have a 99 7.3 with a 6-speed manual. It can pull most anything but lacks modern towing features like trailer stability or advanced braking. If you’re towing a lot, a newer truck might be worth considering.

Having a good diesel mechanic makes all the difference. I had to switch shops early on after the first one botched repairs. It’s worth the extra drive to find someone who knows these trucks inside and out.

Whatever you buy, keep it stock. Everyone I know who tunes their truck ends up spending way more on repairs.

I daily drive my 7.3 with 340k miles. Repairs you should expect:

  • Injectors: ~$1,000
  • Good trans rebuild: $2,000+
  • Consider a 6.0 trans cooler if you have an automatic.