i'm thinking about getting a 7.3 or 6.0 in the near future. i don't need a diesel, but i WANT one. my problem is my work is only 2 miles away, but if i had one and i let it idle for 10min. before i left home, drove to work, then let it idle before i shut it off again would i be ok even in winter? i would have longer trips out to the country once or twice a week to clean it out, would this cause problems or could i make it work?

 

If it were me I would buy the 7.3 then you will be problem free no matter how little or much you drive it. Mine sits most of the week and I have no problems with it at all ever.

 

You can't knock the 6.0's just because of the EGR Cooler issue's. They are great trucks, if you can afford to fix all the governments emissions mistakes.

 

if i bought a 6.0 and did an EGR delete and head studs would i be alright even if it doesn't reach full operating temp. all the time? and i wouldn't drive it easy all the time, so the turbo will get a workout every now and then .

 

6.uh oh.

old man has one and it seems to be doing alright for now...

personally I would go for the 7.3L if I had to choose a ford... 7.3L is a good reliable motor.
get the latest model 7.3L you can so you will have the updated body/interior.

 

Look, the 7.3 is a good engine but it too has its fair share in cold conditions unless it has a block heater or is parked in a climate controlled garage. My buddy has a 97 7.3 5spd went up hunting had a freeze and snow storm over night. He truck wouldn't start! This guy was very meticulous about his truck. He took care of that better than he took care of himself. We had to push start him to get him going. Had another guy with a 2000 7.3 has problems with the glowplugs. Me I have a 05 6.0 and yeah its been sitting for 2 years of of course a bad egr but! I'm to blame as well. I gave my stock truck, gave it in the pipes. I would race, tow heavy equipment and just beening stupid because I owned one. Just have a diesel mechanic do a diagnostic check and have him check for leaks. Take care of your truck and your truck will take care of you.

 

I'd recommend a 7.3 you can get a pretty good deal and they are rock solid reliable.