Trading 7.3 (Godzilla) for G.M.C gas

lsttype · June 18, 2023

So as the title says we're in the process of trading our 22 F250 Lariet 7.3 gas for a GMC gasser. Wasn't planning on trading it or getting rid of it but after seeing all the lifter and cam delamination issues, I'm not taking the chance. The thing is, I wasn't on the internet or YouTube looking for issues with the 7.3 at all. Unfortunately if you do any search on the Godzilla it pretty much brings up some sort of article or video of the engine failing. Yes I'm aware of the 6.6 potential for using oil. However I'd much rather have to add a quart of oil to a truck than be 1000 miles away from home towing with a family of 5 and a dog then have my motor start knocking and have to figure out how I'm going to get us all home!!!! I know that anything can happen when towing etc but these Godzilla issues are far too numerous!!! To make matters worse the dealership stories related to the 7.3 failures are Horrific. I currently do have a Chevy 2020 6.6 gas and I couldn't be happier so I'm guessing I will love the 6.6 mated to a 10 speed. Thanks for letting me rant everyone! Luke

Doodle · June 18, 2023

5 hours ago, lsttype said:

So as the title says we're in the process of trading our 22 F250 Lariet 7.3 gas for a GMC gasser. Wasn't planning on trading it or getting rid of it but after seeing all the lifter and cam delamination issues, I'm not taking the chance. The thing is, I wasn't on the internet or YouTube looking for issues with the 7.3 at all. Unfortunately if you do any search on the Godzilla it pretty much brings up some sort of article or video of the engine failing. Yes I'm aware of the 6.6 potential for using oil. However I'd much rather have to add a quart of oil to a truck than be 1000 miles away from home towing with a family of 5 and a dog then have my motor start knocking and have to figure out how I'm going to get us all home!!!! I know that anything can happen when towing etc but these Godzilla issues are far too numerous!!! To make matters worse the dealership stories related to the 7.3 failures are Horrific. I currently do have a Chevy 2020 6.6 gas and I couldn't be happier so I'm guessing I will love the 6.6 mated to a 10 speed. Thanks for letting me rant everyone! Luke

I wouldn’t worry much about 7.3 gas. Internet causes people a lot of grief Most of the time shouldn’t worry about. I have a 2015 LML with 130K and people act like they are all destined to blow fuel pumps. I know it happens but it’s a small percentage just like lifter failures on 7.3’s. If it happens to you then yeah it sucks, but the chance is likely small. Having said that, I’m happy with my 24 gas and it is a great platform. My 23 didn’t use any oil and I don’t have enough miles on the 24 to report if it uses oil yet.

Ry Guy · June 21, 2023

I agree with Doodle that I wouldn't worry much about the internet amplification of the 7.3, but I also think you should do what makes you happy. Congrats on the new truck!

Dustin Marshall · June 23, 2023

I used to have a 2022 F-250 Lariat SuperCrew FX4 w/ 7.3L

*F-250 was taken out (totaled) in a violent hail storm last spring. We're talking golf ball to baseball size hail. Horrible. So thankful for Insurance!

After a lot of research and shopping, I decided to buy a 2024 GMC 2500HD AT4 w/ L8T ('Allison' 10spd).

Here are my observations now that I've owned both Ford and GM Heavy Duty gassers w/ 10 speed:

The drivetrain in the GMC is a bit smoother. The "Allison" transmission shifts smoother, feels a bit higher in overall quality. Shifting from Park -> Reverse, Reverse -> Drive, Drive -> Park, etc is smoother in the Allison vs the Ford 10R140. ALL the shifting is very very nice in the Allison. I didn't have any issues with the Ford 10R140, but the Allison feels like an upgrade. I do wish the GM would display what gear you're in (Ford does this). Definitely a transmission win for GM!

The ride is a definitely smoother in the GMC, as it has independent front suspension vs the Ford's solid front axle. This makes a very noticeable difference in daily driving a HD truck!

Exterior and Interior design (personal preference of course): I like the GMC AT4 better. Especially when you consider the 2023 Ford Super Duty design. I feel Ford missed on the 2022 -> 2023 redesign. Again, this is just personal preference and opinion.

The 6.6L L8T revs quicker and is quieter. Not that I was looking for a quieter V8. Just an observation.

The mpg seems to be about the same between the two (~ 14 mpg average in city/hwy). Highway in my area is 70 to 75mph speed limits....so not pokey (ie not ideal for fuel economy). Also I drive a lot in stop/go traffic.

I can feel the -29 hp reduction in power with the 6.6L (not horrible, but I think the Ford was a little faster). Off the line acceleration = GM is faster (but that is mostly due to 3.73 gears vs Ford 3.55 gears (2023+ F-250 offers 3.73 or 4.30).

The 2024 GM 2500HD is a heavier truck (7472 lbs) vs the 2022 F-250 (6800 lbs). So my GM is 672 lbs heavier!

7.3L Godzilla 430 hp, 475 lb-ft (2023+ 485 lb-ft)

6.6L L8T 401 hp, 464 lb-ft.

2024 GMC 2500HD CrewCab AT4:

*my specific truck

Payload = 3378 lbs

Conventional Towing = 16,000 lbs

2022 F-250 Lariat SuperCrew FX4:

*my specific truck

Payload = 2983 lbs

Conventional Towing = 14,500 lbs.

For those that work on their own vehicles, the one thing that I was surprised to discover was that GM 'wax dips' their frames vs e-Coat Paint. When working on the GMC (greasing front suspension) it is easy to get the oily wax all over your arms. Not a bad thing per say. Just wish GM would e-coat their frames (like Ford) and not use the messy wax coating that rubs off on you so easily.

Conclusion:

Overall I like the GMC better.

Nothing really bad to say about the 2022 F-250, EXCEPT that I did notice some rough idling on occasion in the 7.3L....the internet 'lifter' concerns were in the back of my mind when that would happen. Was it an actual issue? I don't know.

My 6.6L L8T is not using oil (as this is a reported issue for some out there). I think this is mostly on 2020, 2021 trucks?

I've read many people say their truck does NOT have this oil consumption issue. So it might just be internet amplification (like the lifter issue probably is on the 7.3L)?

I've been a loyal Ford customer for 20+ years...so going GMC was a big deal to me. So far I'm very happy with my decision to buy the GMC 2500HD (6.6L L8T w/ Allison)!

Edited June 23, 2023 by Dustin Marshall

lsttype · June 24, 2023

Thankyou for your reply. I totally agree with you on your comparison. The main reason the GMC is heavier is because the Ford has the aluminum body. As far as ride goes, my F250 Lariet is 2WD so is does have the front independent suspension but I can say my Chevy 2020 2500 rides Way smoother!!!

Also you are dead on about the Godzilla idle. Mine doesn't idle smooth at all imo. How did they mess that up??? I'm really not concerned that the GMC might be down 30-40 ft lbs of torque compared to the 7.3 Ford. I just don't want to be towing my camper and family hours away from home and have lifter delamination destroy my motor and leave me stranded. By the way its not just lifters failing. The cam lobes also can have a delamination issue. The F250 is a nice truck I just feel more comfortable going with the GMC. My 2020 Chevy pulls my camper great and it's the 6 speed so I'm guessing the GMC 10 speed will be even better!

Another JR · June 24, 2023

Check out the GM vs Ford hd truck frame twist comparison videos on YouTube. I suspect some of that extra 600 lbs is in the GM frame.

My 2021 L8T drops less than halfway down the dipstick marking range between oil changes at 3750 mile intervals, so I have not yet had to add oil between changes. I don’t tow heavy though.

Dustin Marshall · June 26, 2023

Another reason for the weight difference is that GM uses less Aluminum body panels vs Ford. GM 'swing panels' are now Aluminum (Doors, Hood, Tailgate). Everything else is steel. I'm actually happy that GM uses high strength steel on their truck beds vs Aluminum.

mrjulian416 · June 28, 2023

On 6/26/2023 at 4:19 PM, Dustin Marshall said:

Another reason for the weight difference is that GM uses less Aluminum body panels vs Ford. GM 'swing panels' are now Aluminum (Doors, Hood, Tailgate). Everything else is steel. I'm actually happy that GM uses high strength steel on their truck beds vs Aluminum.

Was that a change with the 24 MY?

Pryme · June 28, 2023

On 6/24/2023 at 10:48 AM, Another JR said:

Check out the GM vs Ford hd truck frame twist comparison videos on YouTube. I suspect some of that extra 600 lbs is in the GM frame.

My 2021 L8T drops less than halfway down the dipstick marking range between oil changes at 3750 mile intervals, so I have not yet had to add oil between changes. I don’t tow heavy though.

Here is my oil 3k into this one.

Dustin Marshall · July 1, 2023

Yes, I'm keeping an eye on my oil too. It's rock solid steady. So thankful it's not using oil.

Loving this drivetrain!

Dustin Marshall · July 1, 2023

On 6/28/2023 at 12:18 PM, mrjulian416 said:

Was that a change with the 24 MY?

Here is what I've found on the topic. I'm assuming the HD trucks are using the same body panels? I could be wrong on that.

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2018/01/16/2019-chevy-silverado-cuts-up-to-450-lbs-with-aluminum-closures-higher-strength-steel/

Dustin Marshall · July 1, 2023

3 minutes ago, Dustin Marshall said:

Here is what I've found on the topic. I'm assuming the HD trucks are using the same body panels? I could be wrong on that.

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2018/01/16/2019-chevy-silverado-cuts-up-to-450-lbs-with-aluminum-closures-higher-strength-steel/

I was wrong...only the 1/2 ton GM trucks have aluminum body swing panels (hood, doors, tail gate).

HD still steel. Here is a video showing this...