Okay, I've also found a 2002 F350 crew cab 7.3 4x4 with 240,000 miles. What are your thoughts on this one?

 

The LBZ is the least problematic of the duramaxes in my opinion, from an engine stand point. Any power adders and you can plan on building a trans. Also if you tow or offorad at all, the IFS front end sucks. I would be in an LBZ right now if they came with a straight front axle.

Depending on what you want to do either can be a good choice. The 7.3 is a reliable engine, but don't let people fool you into thinking they don't have their own issues.

The 6.0 has issues too, but they can be fixed. The 6.0 will respond to mods much better and be easier to get power out of for less money, even if you factor in doing headstuds. 7.3's are just an old platform.

Engines aside, the 05-07 superduties are light years ahead of the earlier trucks. Interior is nicer, better creature comforts, coil sprung front end for better turning and ride, heavier front axle, etc... lots of nice things.

 

Okay,
I really like the 2007 Duramax LBZ but the 2002 F350 has much more room in the back crew cab which is what I was looking for. Don't want to shoot myself in the foot by making a choice on which has more room on the back. I'm not going to do anything extreme with it, maybe mod it for more fuel mileage and power, pull my 22 foot boat down to the coast from Austin, TX and maybe some over the road travel or light 4x4 off road. I'm kinda leaning to the 2002 F350 side. Am I making a mistake? Keep in mind, I've never owned a Diesel truck although I'm very good at auto mechanics and repair with gas engines. What to do, What to do??

 

As long as it's a good deal. People seem to want an arm and a leg for a high mileage rusted out 7.3 these days.

 

Texas trucks don't rust

 

go with what you really want as long as the durmaxx drives well the tranny is good didnt mean to scare u about the durmax's they arent a bad truck for what your doing. i know a guy who has a durmax that pulls a 30fter boat never has a problem. my buddy on the other hand over pulled with his. both trucks are good 7.3s from my experience are easy to work on. im guessing durmaxes are the same honestly go with what you feel most comfortable with. both of them sound like they will work. and about the millage on the ford i got 260k miles on my motor and its still pulling like a champ no problems

 

Thanks for all the info.
I went with the 2002 F350 7.3 Crew 4x4. Looks like a good truck and motor. Hope nothing explodes in the next month or two. LOL

 

Nothing to worry about if you maintain it properly! Good luck man!