I’m not looking for arguments but I would like to hear suggestions on used diesel trucks for pulling a 5500 pound tractor and for hunting. . I have a 99 7.3 and may need another truck soon and was wondering what you guys suggest?

F250 Crew 8' bed w / class 5 hitch and tow pkg.

If you're not pulling very often I'd go gas motor

5500 is not too much for most v8's these days

Otherwise just buy a Duramax and you'll never know you're towing anything

With truck prices you may think about just fixing yours if a mechinical problem.

Whats wrong with your current truck if you don't mind me asking?

Nothing. I was just thinking ahead as to what I should look for when this one is tired.

Unless you really want a diesel truck .
I'd consider a good gas pickup, I use to run diesel pickups.
But when I needed a new pickup I just can't justify a diesel anymore.
Think my 5th wheel camper is 6500 lbs. Or better.
And my 2500 Chevy 6.0 handle's it just fine.

Nothing like the Duramax before but wow what they cost
Is outta of this world.

I bought my last truck in 2019.
Literally my last truck because it will outlast me.
In many decades, I have had many trucks and could not be happier.
I use it to near capacity and smile all the while. It may be more than you need or want, so adjust accordingly.
2019 F-350 Super Duty, 6.7 Power Stroke, crewcab, shortbed, with many options for performance (me) and luxury (wife).
2017-2019 were the same, so the bugs were all gone. 2019 was the last year of the 6 speed transmission. In 2020 they used a 10 speed which some guys like and others don’t.
2020 also brought a slight increase in horsepower and torque.
The price was high, but is much higher now, so maybe sell some extra coon pelts.
Have fun shopping.

Well considering there is nothing wrong with it, I would say to just plan on fixing it if it breaks. If you don't want to fix it, then I would lean towards a gasoline unless you have to have the diesel. I have had a diesel for a long time now and love them, but man the maintenance cost, higher fuel price is just a killer sometimes. I have an 2004 F350 CCLB 4WD 6 speed manual 6.0 Powerstroke that I will just fix until I can't anymore, I'm not paying new truck prices.

But if you were going to buy a new one, a 2017-2020 F150 with the max tow package or 2017-2020 F350 with the 6.7 Powerstroke. Don't waste your time with an F250, only like $700 for a lot more payload.

Matt

Older Cummins, I got 449k on mine

X2, got 4 at the house with over 1.5 million miles on them combined. All 4 still trucking. For the love of everything good and holy don't buy a Ford diesel unless its a 6.7 or 7.3. A duramax is a car with a truck bed. If you're looking for comfort that's your best bet

Yep, older Dodge with the Cummins. Will outlast these newer ones.

I agree that the duramax is a car with a truck bed. Even the 3500. I have a 2019 f250 with a 6.2 gas and it would do what you are asking with no trouble at all. If it’s diesel or else go with the 6.7.

Yep, I switched from the Diesel to gas and never regretted it. The new gas engines are over 400 hp and alot cheaper to run and maintain. They get stuck less, too.

I had a 7.3 2001 , wish I would have never sold it, if I was looking for a truck , I would fine a 7.3 and have engine and tran, rebuild and put in a new body , heard some company in wis. was doing this , I have a 2014 f-250 and get 9 miles a gallon , with my 7.3 and a chip I got 20-23

Budget is the determining factor on the diesel subject. Fords 6.7 is a great engine though the DEF system and fuel system can be finicky and pricey to repair. Current dodge diesels are in the same category on the fuel system and DEF repair front.

Pre 2007 diesels (Ford, Chevy, and Dodge) have been increasing in value currently due to the new vehicle shortage we are experiencing. Though, shy away from a Ford 6.0 diesel. This engine is fuel finicky and can have egr cooler issues and head gasket issues.

If I were in your situation I would repair your 7.3 whether the issues are bodywork or mechanical. Replaced injectors combined with a Hydra tuner for heavy towing will liven the truck up and make towing a breeze.

If wanting more than factory with a tuner; Replacing the factory injectors with 160/0 injectors, a KC stage 1 .84 turbo and a hydra tuner would give you 350HP and 700 ft/lbs torque. Note a torque converter upgrade would be needed to handle the increase of power. 700ft/lbs is plenty for towing and not far behind modern diesels.

Should none of the above be of interest, research the value of your truck before you decide to list it for sale.

I'm not a Ford fan, but I would try to keep the old truck running as long as you can.

Once you've had the 7.3 Powerstroke it's all downhill from there.

To pull something weighing 5,500# many gassers could cover that but you asked specifically about diesels. If looking at a used Duramax run away from 2004.5 or earlier LB7 motor, injector's were a nightmare and pricey to have a shop replace. I know because I run a 2003 Duramax that has had injectors replaced on dealers dime and then again on my own. It is my hunting / trapping / plow truck and love it for that purpose. Body is showing it's age but mechanical side is solid so just keep driving it. HP and Torque is good but doesn't compare to the new diesels.

Dave