I'm wanting to get a suv that can haul me, my wife , 2 kids still at home & the married one with his wife + 2 kids, Don't let me forget about the two sled dogs and the 23' toy hauler with the snowmobiles @ 8500 lbs. This kind of vehicle would keep me from taking both trucks out every week-end.

Is the 7.3 the way to go? I know the early 6.0s were having several problems but was wondering if the 2005's engines were good enough to even consider.

Does anyone know what year the towing capacity went up to 11,000lbs

I even have a call into Ford-Cummins about getting them to do a gas to Cummins conversion for me. ( a guy can dream can't he?)

Lastly what packages (options) are on the short list to look for?

db

 

I would go with the 7.3 and an edge box.... thats my personal preference... stay away from the 6.0... once worthless, always worthless..... As far as the other stuff, get what you want. Ford makes a good truck, even if their engines are not always what they are made up to be..... 7.3 is a good engine.. a very good engine...


just my $0.02.

 

7.3 is an excellent engine. I had one. Loved it. Get one.

Or buy a high milage gasser cheap and swap a ISB in.

 

I'd say the last year of the 7.3s would be the best choice.

 

I work at a Ford dealership repair shop. Want to know why? So I will always have work...

But seriously, the worst problems I have had working on vehicles so far have been with fords. They are truly a nightmare of engineering these days so if you go for one, go for one from many years ago. And never, ever, ever get a 6.0. The are underpowered for there tow rating so they upped the boost on them to give it the HP they wanted to see. That is just a bad idea all around.