2003-2004 6.0 Ford Diesels

[coachcw]

Most likely any thing he finds will already have had a bunch done to it . the key to the 6.0 is maintenance and never over heat it . id lean away from anything with deletes

[Skillet]

I'm a 6.0 fan based on my experience with my '06 that I purchased new.  But I maintain it religiously and keep a hawk eye on my EOT/ECT deltas through a Scanguage II.  I have a Bulletproof EGR cooler and upgraded my FICM, and have replaced my oil cooler before it was absolutely required. Plenty of power stock, never needed more, so never felt the need for head studs.
I have heard the 03-04 were particularly prone to problems with the EGR cooler leaking, so if looking at those installing the aftermarket version would be a must for me.  Remember, too, that the 05 was the first year for coilover front suspension, and made a huge improvement in turning radius and ride quality.

If buying a 6.0 of any year, I would get a Scanguage and plug it in on the test drive.  Read FICM voltage, EOT and ECT.  That will tell you more about potential engine trouble brewing than anything else.
 

[coachcw]

also if looking at scan data look at icp % under normal driving you will see 25-40% and 80 % wot . if its running 50% right of idle you can expect a internal oil leak .

[Mudman]

Simple answer is NO.  Better trucks out there.  Sorry but while some have good luck the truth is the reason they are cheaper is a good reason.  Ford should have lost legal battle and recalled every 6.0.  Good article...          https://www.drivingline.com/articles/73l-vs-60l-which-power-stroke-is-really-better/

[G-S]

I have an 04 f350 6.0 had it since 47k and currently has 197k love the truck never want to get rid of it. The most important thing about the 6.0 is maintenance of the cooling system. All of the problems i have had with mine were my fault. It is my daily driver now but has spent most of its life hooked to a trailer

[bullfisher]

I wouldn't drive a free 6.0. The risk is NOT worth the reward. Look at all the posts about how much people love the 6.0 after it's had a delete or a cooler redo or head gasket or injectors or a bullet proof blah, blah, blah. Ford makes a good truck, the 6.0 wasn't one of them. Sorry for the rant, but sugar coating that turd is a dis-service to diesel shoppers... 

[Skillet]

Have you owned one?

[jackelope]

For some reason, rebuilding the front end  or replacing the injection pump or injectors of a Dodge every 12 months or mod’ing one out to the max is better than replacing an egr cooler in a powerstroke.
And I worked for dodge for 10 years. Don’t try and tell me they don’t have those problems.

Typical Ford v. Chevy v. Dodge debate.  That’s all it is.

[JWEBB]

I wouldn't drive a free 6.0. The risk is NOT worth the reward. Look at all the posts about how much people love the 6.0 after it's had a delete or a cooler redo or head gasket or injectors or a bullet proof blah, blah, blah. Ford makes a good truck, the 6.0 wasn't one of them. Sorry for the rant, but sugar coating that turd is a dis-service to diesel shoppers... 

How many 6.0s have you owned?? Seems like you must have a lot of experience

[dontgetcrabs]

For some reason, rebuilding the front end  or replacing the injection pump or injectors of a Dodge every 12 months or mod’ing one out to the max is better than replacing an egr cooler in a powerstroke.
And I worked for dodge for 10 years. Don’t try and tell me they don’t have those problems.

Typical Ford v. Chevy v. Dodge debate.  That’s all it is.

   What are you mumbling about?  Where did Chevs and Dodges enter the conversation?   

[Harbor_hunter]

Thanks for all the input everyone.  I appreciate all the good info that has been shared. I agree 100% routine maintenance goes a long way with diesels, or any rig for that matter.  Finding a truck that has not been worked hard or towed with regularly would definitely be ideal.  If it was me, I would be leaning towards holding out for a lower mileage 7.3.  A lot more 6.0's available though.   

[jackelope]

For some reason, rebuilding the front end  or replacing the injection pump or injectors of a Dodge every 12 months or mod’ing one out to the max is better than replacing an egr cooler in a powerstroke.
And I worked for dodge for 10 years. Don’t try and tell me they don’t have those problems.

Typical Ford v. Chevy v. Dodge debate.  That’s all it is.

   What are you mumbling about?  Where did Chevs and Dodges enter the conversation?   

Oh. The guys who are crapping on the 6.0’s are Cummins guys.

[dontgetcrabs]

For some reason, rebuilding the front end  or replacing the injection pump or injectors of a Dodge every 12 months or mod’ing one out to the max is better than replacing an egr cooler in a powerstroke.
And I worked for dodge for 10 years. Don’t try and tell me they don’t have those problems.

Typical Ford v. Chevy v. Dodge debate.  That’s all it is.

   What are you mumbling about?  Where did Chevs and Dodges enter the conversation?   

Oh. The guys who are crapping on the 6.0’s are Cummins guys.

Hmmm OK.

[Crunchy]

I'm a cummins guy, but I like the Fords also.  23k on mine without a problem   Well occasionally the drivers seat moves slightly when giving her the juice, but I havent dug into that yet.  Each manufacturer has their weakness(es).

[Special T]

For some reason, rebuilding the front end  or replacing the injection pump or injectors of a Dodge every 12 months or mod’ing one out to the max is better than replacing an egr cooler in a powerstroke.
And I worked for dodge for 10 years. Don’t try and tell me they don’t have those problems.

Typical Ford v. Chevy v. Dodge debate.  That’s all it is.

I've owned 5 dodge Cummins  and put a lot of miles on them. ALL common rail diesels should have a 2 stage fuel filter  down to 2 micron.  In line 6 motors have inherent longevity and the only motor I would consider otherwise is a 7.3... but we take what we can get and deal with the problems as they come.

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