I've been searching trying to find out what years were mentioned to have the best diesel engines that Ford built (and what the engine was).. I've been toying with picking up a used diesel to tow. Can anyone tell me which one it was, before all the issues started coming up with Ford?

7.3

Thanks Rob..

You can't go wrong with a 7.3L PSD.

1999.5 thru early 2003 model years. Mid-way thru 2003 they switched to the 6.0L.

I'd also aim for a 2000, not the 1999.5 given a choice. They corrected a few things.

I own a 2006 F250 diesel I purchased new and have had great luck with it.

Exactly. They went up on the injectors, and corrected a few things with the turbo that caused a little turbo surge in 1999. I ran a 2001 for several years, and the 7.3 never missed a tick.

Only thing to watch our for in the 7.3's is Crank position sensor failure. I always carried a spare in my glovebox!

I appreciate the feedback.. I've been passively looking to see what is out there. I'm aiming more and more towards pulling the trigger on one at some point. My 1500 tows okay, but you can definitely feel the load on it, especially when you start putting people, a full cooler, all the gear etc in the truck..

7.3 is good except the cps fails so carry one with and the turbo pedastal mount will leak over time, the later 6.0s with the egr fixes and a coupl elittle things will make em last as long at not jamming the programmers to it. uncle has an 08 6.4 and no trouble out if but he drives it like he stole it and is all stock with80k on the odo...

7.3 WAS THE BEST.... the new motors are top notch for sure. I have a 6.0 and after doing $4k of preventative maintenance I have an extremely solid truck with no issues

another vote for 7.3
had 250k on my 97 when I sold it, new owner has it up to 350k now
with just normal maintenence