7.3 owners ever regret not getting the diesel?

[Redoggs]

I ordered the 7.3 in March of 2021, it got pushed to a 2022 model and for the most part it does what I need and have had no issues (40,000 miles so far) but I drove the new diesel HO and my goodness what a motor, it’s heads and tails above the 7.3 for towing and I’m kind of kicking myself for not going that route in the first place. I also don’t like the look of the 23-24 trucks yet… I know first world problems that really isn’t a problem…

 

[Lunch Box]

I ordered the 7.3 in March of 2021, it got pushed to a 2022 model and for the most part it does what I need and have had no issues (40,000 miles so far) but I drove the new diesel HO and my goodness what a motor, it’s heads and tails above the 7.3 for towing and I’m kind of kicking myself for not going that route in the first place. I also don’t like the look of the 23-24 trucks yet… I know first world problems that really isn’t a problem…

I have always told people are comptemplating what engine to choose, drive both. Most will choose the 6.7.

 

[MiTremor906]

The 6.7 definitely is going to be more powerful and likely fun to drive (I haven't driven one) but I have never felt under powered or regret getting the 7.3.

Yes the 6.7 would be bigger and better but I don't need it. I tow less then 10k and only occasionally.

 

[Harrycomes]

I'm happy with my 7.3. I've towed 15k with it and it was fine. All my fuel is paid for by my company, so I really don't care what mileage I get. The $8-9k upcharge wasn't worth it to me.

 

[soulezoo]

I have a 900 hp diesel in the driveway so I know the difference. No regrets at all for the 7.3. It's plenty for everything I do including towing my fiver through the mountains. Do I wish it got better mileage? Yes. But the benefits of gas over diesel outweighs the mileage for my uses.

 

[Modman]

I've driven both, no regrets with the 7.3 for my usage. Not planning on towing more than 10-12k (current TT is 10.4k GVWR). Feels pretty good to me. Of course it would be an absolute joke behind a diesel and strictly for towing the extra weight of a diesel is a good thing. For my setup it tows great, though, so it's bit like splitting hairs at this point.

 

[4wheels and a hitch]

I like my 7.3. I have driven the 6.7 and it is a monster. I will continue to drive my 7.3 and smile every mile. I love the big gasser.

 

[Donnie With A Dee]

No regrets. 65k on the odometer and I'm still waiting on my first regen!
I've pulled 20k several times on the gooseneck over the Sierras and Rockies, no problem. Did I go up it at 75, no. Did I need to, no.

 

[Chris-DTA]

No regrets. My camper is on full-time and this is my daily driver - well, except I do not drive every day. On longer trips and up the mountains, it does everything I need it to do. And with the 58-gallon tank I can go long ways before having to worry about fuel. But I also wanted the 7.3 because once I go into middle and south America the Diesel situation is not great for modern Diesel engines.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

If the damn Diesels weren't so complicated and expensive to fix and maintain. The regular 6.7 is a frigging beast, can't imagine a HO 6.7.
My 7.3 does what I need and isn't as heavy.

DA

 

[Test]

Sometimes I wish I would've got the 6.7. Sometimes I wish I would've kept my F150.
In the end the 7.3 is perfect for my needs.

 

[RedZilla]

At 26k miles I’m still in love with my 445 big block. I would never consider any of the aftermarket mods to increase output either. It’s plenty of truck and engine for all my needs and having owned diesels in the past, glad I don’t have to deal with the additional diesel requirements. There’s just so much conversation on the internet about things to stay abreast of with the new diesels. I just drive my truck and change the oil every 5k, kind of like my wife does her Subaru Outback. Pulling the camper is a joy.

 

[ccw]

I can see the ground from the top-side of the engine bay with my 7.3L. 'nuff said.

 

[Explorerinil]

I ordered the 7.3 in March of 2021, it got pushed to a 2022 model and for the most part it does what I need and have had no issues (40,000 miles so far) but I drove the new diesel HO and my goodness what a motor, it’s heads and tails above the 7.3 for towing and I’m kind of kicking myself for not going that route in the first place. I also don’t like the look of the 23-24 trucks yet… I know first world problems that really isn’t a problem…

No… I daly drove diesel trucks for 20 plus years, I switched because of the 7.3. I prefer a simple, cheap, reliable engine. The new modern diesel trucks are simply not as cost efficient and are not as reliable as older diesel trucks.

 

[Raspy]

I ordered the 7.3 in March of 2021, it got pushed to a 2022 model and for the most part it does what I need and have had no issues (40,000 miles so far) but I drove the new diesel HO and my goodness what a motor, it’s heads and tails above the 7.3 for towing and I’m kind of kicking myself for not going that route in the first place. I also don’t like the look of the 23-24 trucks yet… I know first world problems that really isn’t a problem…

You may be missing the point. We ALL want more power, more torque, stronger towing ability. ALL of us do. So why not get the diesel? Here's why for me: It is crammed into the engine bay in a way that makes it virtually impossible to work on. The emissions system is extremely complicated, the cost is about $10,000. higher. It has a CP4 injection pump and the CP3 won't fit. Repairs to the injection system are extremely expensive. The better mileage is approximately offset by higher fuel prices. It requires DEF and has EGR.

I love diesels, but their magic is largely gone. And since I intend to keep this truck for a long time, I don't want to deal with the certainty of expensive problems. I am off-road a lot in remote areas. No small shop is going to be prepared to pull the cab off to work on it. And I don't want to have an expensive warrantee for the entire time I have it, just in case.

The 7.3 has been able to pull any load I've put behind it, at the speed limit on any grade. It is a simple workhorse that can be worked on if needed. It is better off-road because it is so much lighter and doesn't overpower the front suspension when going fast in the rough. I can have another complete engine, delivered to my door, for about $7,500. or that was the price when I bought the truck. That is about half the price of replacing just the injection system on the 6.7.

There are some very good reasons to get the 7.3 that for me, outweigh the torque value of the 6.7. And the 7.3 is not slow, or weak.

Now past 80,000 miles and I would get another 7.3 without the slightest hesitation if it came to that. Best truck I've ever had. And again, I'm a diesel guy with about 600,000 miles on three Ram Cummins.

 

[Raspy]

I have always told people are comptemplating what engine to choose, drive both. Most will choose the 6.7.

If you only go by the driving experience, yes. No one is disputing the torque advantage. But there is so much more to the decision than that. To me, it's important to base the decision on the whole story.

 

[Rockshot]

I love the 7.3 engine. If diesels had less emissions equipment and cheaper fuel system I'd be in one of them for the torque fun factor.

 

[Cux211]

If you only go by the driving experience, yes. No one is disputing the torque advantage. But there is so much more to the decision than that. To me, it's important to base the decision on the whole story.

Nope all I need to know is horsetorques lol seriously though I’ve had diesels for 20 years ish I tried going back to a gasser once and that lasted maybe 6 months felt like a tinker toy. The maintenance is nothing to me I’ve been doing it for so long it’s second nature at this point and if someone is that paranoid about the cp4 S&S has a dcr pump conversion out now

 

[Mister Bevilaqua]

My only advice is not to drive a 6.7 HO if you are easily swayed. This motor is nuts, the acceleration for a factory diesel is insane.

 

[PlumasTremor]

Raspy articulated a very compelling argument and viewpoint. The economics, and potential need for repairs if you frequent backwoods locals are probably the strongest points. However, for me, my 22 6.7 Platinum Tremor is my preferred travel vehicle, and I'm fortunate enough to own a Porsche Cayenne. I'm a big guy and my truck is just what I'm most comfortable traveling in. It's not a work truck, it's purely for comfort, command of the road, versatility, and it will do anything I'd ever need a truck to do. I'm betting that solid maintenance practices will allow me to avoid the pitfalls of newer diesels with DEF associated emissions.

New trucks are darned expensive, regardless of whether you buy a diesel or gasser. So for me I'd rather have the most capable, and best possible driving experience...that's a diesel.