350 Tremor - Diesel or Gas?

[Apples]

The compression on a diesel requires much more stout construction than a gasser.

Yes, typically, therefore you are right on the money.

HOWEVER... The Godzilla, while it still does not compare to the vaunted 6.7 H.O. Powerstroke, is no slouch. The Godzilla has one of the stoutest gasoline engine block and crank designs ever for this weight class of truck. It really is an amazing gasoline V8.

 

[PlumasTremor]

I was right there with ya on that same fence.

After living with the 6.7 for 8 months and 18,000 miles, i can highly recommend it.

I've seen a few people with the 7.3 regret their choice.

I've never seen that kind of regret from a 6.7 owner.

it has 3x the torque, gets double the fuel mileage, and will very likely double the longevity of the gasser.

Here at 10,000 ft, I can attest that it doesn't care about sub zero starts at all.

I've never once had the thought... "I should have gotten the Godzilla".

Towing or not. it's better in pretty much every way.

Personally, i LIKE the dpf system.

The damn thing is whisper quiet and unbelievably fast.

Exactly what he said... plus diesel engine braking is a huge advantage.

 

[nmp1]

how an engine is driven determines its lifespan far more than what it is. most wear happens before the engine reaches full operating temperature so vehicles with short heat cycles wear much faster. manufacturers love to promote their vehicles when it hits 1 million miles and they are always ones that do all highways miles all day long.

 

[majorbison]

how an engine is driven determines its lifespan far more than what it is. most wear happens before the engine reaches full operating temperature so vehicles with short heat cycles wear much faster. manufacturers love to promote their vehicles when it hits 1 million miles and they are always ones that do all highways miles all day long.

 

[nmp1]

View attachment 264677

sorry to burst your bubble

 

[majorbison]

i assumed anyone on this forum knew the importance of proper operating temps before hammering on an engine regardless of fuel type

 

[LetsGoBrandon]

Both work and both are fine. If you want a diesel you should buy one. If you want a gas engine instead you should buy that. From the short description of on the grain farm it probably doesn't make any difference.

All of the "but muh 1,200 ft-lbs" is great when you're super loaded in high elevation and up and down mountains. Other than that nobody cares, it's still slow.

 

[avocadofarmer]

That's an assumption alright. As a farmer who's machinery and pocketbook are inextricably linked I have often (very often) been shocked by what total rubes some people are with regard to their treatment of equipment. Yes, some dim witted women get a pass (as long as they're destroying their own shit) but a grown-ass man hopping into an ice cold truck and whacking the throttle open for no good reason really makes me wonder.

 

[Apples]

I am surrounded! by my associates, here, all of whom seem to share a similar, necessary quantity of mechanical sympathy.

I rejoice.

 

[2020Tremor]

I was right there with ya on that same fence.

After living with the 6.7 for 8 months and 18,000 miles, i can highly recommend it.

I've seen a few people with the 7.3 regret their choice.

I've never seen that kind of regret from a 6.7 owner.

it has 3x the torque, gets double the fuel mileage, and will very likely double the longevity of the gasser.

Here at 10,000 ft, I can attest that it doesn't care about sub zero starts at all.

I've never once had the thought... "I should have gotten the Godzilla".

Towing or not. it's better in pretty much every way.

Personally, i LIKE the dpf system.

The damn thing is whisper quiet and unbelievably fast.

Definitely doesn't get 2x the fuel economy between the gas and diese anymore. Same route with buddies 6.7 HO and my 7.3L seeing only about 37% difference in fuel economy same trailer in the last several trips we have taken. Empty the gap is bigger at about 45% better if keeping under 80, over the gap starts shrinking again. This is on the summer blend fues on winter blend fues the gap is a little smaller but not drasticly smaller. The diesel is amazingly quiet, especially when towing. 7.3L likes to sing a-lot more doing the same. Both engines get the job done with the capabilities of a SRW truck. If towing at the top end of the ratings would recommend the 6.7L HO if under CDL (26000lbs combined) territory take your favorite pick since the 7.3L does amazingly well for a NA motor. When the weights get past CDL point in the mountains you start to see the limitations with 40% the torque of the HO in the 7.3L. In my opinion the SRW platform doesn't have the capacity to really push the limits of the HO. Out on the forest service roads the lighter front end on the gasser is extremely evident. Where I live diesel avrages 25% more in the summer and 35%+ in the winter so cost to operateis isn't as drastic as one would think. Good luck on your decision.

 

[nachosNcheese]

When it comes with a speed limit and a torque derate, you don’t have a choice. I was on the phone with my sympathetic engine counterpart who couldn’t help me, even though I had their tool on my PC. EPA be serious yo.

Edit: back in the day, the EPA mandated a gnarly speed debate that would drop you to 5 MPH.

That’s not waiting for a regen that’s failing super basic maintenance and running yourself out of def when the stuff lasts thousands of miles in these trucks and is available basically everywhere

 

[Lapadog]

I was in your shoes until I recently (last month) purchased a used (29k miles) 2024 Lariat Tremor with 6.7 HO diesel. Frankly, I was leaning towards the 7.3 for the following reasons:
- The gasser is lighter and therefore more nimble on the fields. Being lighter, if also has higher payload (for those round bales);
- No need for engine block heater in winter;
- I run relatively short trips (15 min) into town for supplies;
- Easier maintenance;
- Less likelihood of an expensive failure (e.g. grenading CP4 pump);
- The farm is in VA, so grades and altitude aren't a real factor locally.

I went with the diesel for the following reasons:
- Total mileage wise, I'm towing more than I am hauling or hopping;
- I got a great deal on a truck with mods I was going to install, anyhow (Carli E-Venture);
- Sharing diesel with the other farm equipment was not a big factor. I also have gas equipment.

I came across this comparison of diesel vs gas over 20,000 miles at a ranch:

. Bottom line: cost wise over 6 years, the cost is nearly identical. The choice is based on YOUR use occasion. The sway factor for me was I will spend more miles towing than anything else. If hauling and short trips were my primary use occasion, I'd definitely go with the 7.3.

As far as used vs new, for sure, you're going to save with used. $20k is still $20k. I ensured my truck had a good service record and will get a Ford ESP before the 3 years / 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty runs out to avoid the "expensive failure" risk.

At some point in the future (ex warranty), I'll strongly consider weight loss.

Good luck choosing!

 

[Optimus🤖]

I was in your shoes until I recently (last month) purchased a used (29k miles) 2024 Lariat Tremor with 6.7 HO diesel. Frankly, I was leaning towards the 7.3 for the following reasons:
- The gasser is lighter and therefore more nimble on the fields. Being lighter, if also has higher payload (for those round bales);
- No need for engine block heater in winter;
- I run relatively short trips (15 min) into town for supplies;
- Easier maintenance;
- Less likelihood of an expensive failure (e.g. grenading CP4 pump);
- The farm is in VA, so grades and altitude aren't a real factor locally.

I went with the diesel for the following reasons:
- Total mileage wise, I'm towing more than I am hauling or hopping;
- I got a great deal on a truck with mods I was going to install, anyhow (Carli E-Venture);
- Sharing diesel with the other farm equipment was not a big factor. I also have gas equipment.

I came across this comparison of diesel vs gas over 20,000 miles at a ranch:

. Bottom line: cost wise over 6 years, the cost is nearly identical. The choice is based on YOUR use occasion. The sway factor for me was I will spend more miles towing than anything else. If hauling and short trips were my primary use occasion, I'd definitely go with the 7.3.

As far as used vs new, for sure, you're going to save with used. $20k is still $20k. I ensured my truck had a good service record and will get a Ford ESP before the 3 years / 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty runs out to avoid the "expensive failure" risk.

At some point in the future (ex warranty), I'll strongly consider weight loss.

Good luck choosing!

I watched that video as well and there's many inaccuracies. Just read the comments. They failed to mention the cost of the diesel engine as well as saying "2021 trucks like this one" when it's a 2023+. There's many inaccuracies in other videos as well.

While the voice over might be a human, the info with images are AI created. Just watch "his" other videos. The profile pic doesn't match the thumbnail person and we never, ever, see "RJ" the mechanic.

It's not a knock on the content but just be cautious of it. Ask me how I know

 

[OldFart]

I got too used to my 1995 F250 with the 460 and a garden hose for a fuel line. I went with the 7.3 just for the simple reason I can actually work on it with room to spare under the hood if it needs any...so far, it's been an excellent fit for me since I don't tow heavy. To each their own though...the gas or diesel issue will always be a volatile subject on these forums...do your homework and buy it on YOUR desire/needs and not someone else's. It's your money.

 

[JoeCO]

I think it is rubbish to insinuate that the diesel is going to last longer than the gasser or vice versa. The real likelihood is that (barring some odd ball mechanical/engineering failure) either engine if properly maintained will outlast the rest of the truck (or at least your interest in it). I'm still in the diesel camp, but it is all about the fuel economy to power ratio. It is rare that you get to have your cake and eat it too so this is what tips the scales.

I'm lucky in the vast majority of my miles are highway (48k miles, 59 idle hours so far!) but if things were the other way around I'd have looked harder at the gasser. Diesels like to be driven, not putted around waiting to come up to temp. Use like that makes it the wrong tool for the job.

Thats a big reason I got the 7.3. I work from home and the most I typically drive is 5 miles to the gym 4x a week and 5 miles to meet a buddy for a beer every Friday.

And I tow a <7000 camper -5 X a year.

For My use case I’d rather have the $10K sitting in my bank account than in my driveway.

 

[Rh71rdu]

- Gas Engine is a lot (>$12,000) less expensive to buy.
- Gas fuel is a lot (40%) cheaper than diesel.
- Gas engines doesn’t require dpf fluid, which is a pain and is expensive.
- Gas is about 700lbs lighter (less heavy?), so offroad you’re much more nimble in gas (not that a 6565lbs truck is “nimble”)
- Gas has higher payload
- Both tow about 18,200lbs
- Diesel will get better range on heavy tows but cost is break even because diesel is more expensive (unless you illegally run heating oil )
- Diesel will probably last 500k miles. I plan to get 300k miles from my 7.3l gas.
-diesel has a LOT more torque but gas tremor comes with much higher rear differential ratio so probably a wash. Maybe better for diesel because it’s smoother.
- Btw I have read a lot of users say the tremor f-250 and tremor f-350 are structurally identical but get different ratings for gvwr. They say only the sticker on the door is different. in some states f-250 is cheaper to insure and tax; in other states f-350 is cheaper to insure/tax.
- whichever one you get you will LOVE it and not even remember why you considered the other.

 

[Slem351]

I was right there with ya on that same fence.

After living with the 6.7 for 8 months and 18,000 miles, i can highly recommend it.

I've seen a few people with the 7.3 regret their choice.

I've never seen that kind of regret from a 6.7 owner.

it has 3x the torque, gets double the fuel mileage, and will very likely double the longevity of the gasser.

Here at 10,000 ft, I can attest that it doesn't care about sub zero starts at all.

I've never once had the thought... "I should have gotten the Godzilla".

Towing or not. it's better in pretty much every way.

Personally, i LIKE the dpf system.

The damn thing is whisper quiet and unbelievably fast.

I wouldnt say youre wrong. But, i would say youve never driven a boosted Godzilla

 

[Canyon Trekker]

I watched that video as well and there's many inaccuracies. Just read the comments. They failed to mention the cost of the diesel engine as well as saying "2021 trucks like this one" when it's a 2023+. There's many inaccuracies in other videos as well.

While the voice over might be a human, the info with images are AI created. Just watch "his" other videos. The profile pic doesn't match the thumbnail person and we never, ever, see "RJ" the mechanic.

It's not a knock on the content but just be cautious of it. Ask me how I know

You are right on here. There are so many "AI" videos now that you have to be observant and look for nuances to determine if it's real. The way these happen is that someone writes a scripted paper, adds a computer-generated voice and visuals they deem "accurate" (like JR and the engine parts), add visuals of any prop to make the point, and most people drink the Kool Aid. I am learning to hate these videos; not because they fool me perse, but because they fool so many. Anyone can develop these things, expert or not. They're click bait for entertainment. Take the info with a grain of salt.

It's been said many times, get the truck that fits your needs or desires. Prices be damned. This is not a question of price "over time", it's simply what you want or need. You may not "need" a diesel but just want one. Just be ready for the cost difference. In the same breath, you may not "need" the 7.3 but just love NA engines and don't want to fuss with the diesel maintenance.

People should get what they want and stop worrying about everyone else's choices. Either engine is a win.

 

[Optimus🤖]

You are right on here. There are so many "AI" videos now that you have to be observant and look for nuances to determine if it's real. The way these happen is that someone writes a scripted paper, adds a computer-generated voice and visuals they deem "accurate" (like JR and the engine parts), add visuals of any prop to make the point, and most people drink the Kool Aid. I am learning to hate these videos; not because they fool me perse, but because they fool so many. Anyone can develop these things, expert or not. They're click bait for entertainment. Take the info with a grain of salt.

It's been said many times, get the truck that fits your needs or desires. Prices be damned. This is not a question of price "over time", it's simply what you want or need. You may not "need" a diesel but just want one. Just be ready for the cost difference. In the same breath, you may not "need" the 7.3 but just love NA engines and don't want to fuss with the diesel maintenance.

People should get what they want and stop worrying about everyone else's choices. Either engine is a win.

I copied your response and pasted into my AI engine. It replied:

"I couldn't have said it better."

 

[Tremorlaw]

All depends on your use case. I had a HO 6.7, and it rarely got up to temp during the week/always was on the verge of 100% filter. Live high altitude, and short drives. On the weekend for hunting. Truck was just never happy. Burned through def so fast, and had more power than I needed as I never could get up to high speed.

I’m now waiting on a marsh gray 7.3 KR tremor and think it will do more than I need, with less headache.