I came across a 05 F250 4x4 XLT Auto 6.0l 4x4 Super cab with an 8 foot bed w/99,000 miles for 13,500.

Carfax says it is a one owner vehicle.
No accidents or Airbag depolyment and the odometer checks out.
Detailed history shows nothing done to it at all except routine maintenance.

When I spoke with the sales person and they stated that the truck has a leak in the exhaust manifold, needs rear shocks and the e break won't hold so it will go out the door with no sticker or warranty. I told them that everything I have read about the 6.0 scares me and I know I will need to spend a few k just to get it dependable. I also told them I am taking a big risk and have found that at aution they would be lucky to get between 8 and 9k. He actually agreed with me so I offered him 10k out the door assuming they can get it up here for me to look at and it passes my inspection (It is on a different lot). He didn't seem offended at all and said he will propose my offer to the manager when he returns tomorrow.

I do know the history of the 6.0 and from my research looks like will need to do the following to make it a reliable truck:
Oil cooler rebuild
New standpipes
Dummy plugs
New STC fitting
Coolant filter
Head Bolts
Optional would be a EGR delete

This truck will be used for double duty as a DD (100 miles round trip in winter) and be used to pull my camper. I also have somewhat of a heavy foot and am over 50.

Also to be up front I have posted this question in a "Overall Diesel Forum" which is where I received the above info but want to go straight to a Ford Forum for your input.

I realize with the mods above and other stuff I will be sinking in a few k to make it a reliable truck but would like input to see what those of you who have been there done that have to say.

 

Everyone I know personally who has had issues with the 6.0 either modified the engine without bulletproofing it, abused it, didn't do the maintenance religiously, or some combination of these. I have seen one 6.0 with over 300k on the clock with the factory head gaskets, which some will claim is impossible.

The 6.0 engine got a bad rap just because it followed the 7.3 and everyone assumed that since they could just throw a chip in the 7.3 and beat on it for 500k miles, the 6.0 would take the same abuse. Well cared for, the 6.0 is a good motor.

 

If they accept the offer and I don't find anything wrong I will first be sure to make all the recommended mods to bullet proof it then some mods such as a performance tune, exhaust and intake. I would like to do a lift but will probably pass as I need to keep the MPG's as reasonable as I can.

 

I wouldn't throw parts at it right away. Get the truck, get the maintenance caught up correctly, do the minor updates (fuel pressure blue spring mainly), and get your gauge set up figured out. From that point you can take a needs driven approach to decide what to actually do next. Get the right fluids and filters in it, with correct filter caps, clean the EGR valve, then actually drive it before you **** $5k into parts because of what internet forums say about the engine in general.

And skip the intake, all it'll do is add a turbo rebuild to your parts list. At 99k I'd be more worried about the trans than the engine, get the right fluid and a new filter into that thing now, it should be on a 30k fluid change schedule but seems like the trans either gets overlooked or the wrong fluid put in.

Don't get us wrong, all the things you posted are legitimate solutions to very real problems, but you don't know if you actually have the problems until you've driven the truck and baselined maintenance.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...09&postcount=6

 

Have you also gone here? 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

I'm with bryan. I will add to the mix get the vin number, go to the ford dealer and ask for a oasis report. Review what ford has or hasn't done under warranty. As for repairs and the hype. Get some gauges and drive the truck. Change the fluids oil, coolant, tranny diffs. Change the fuel filters etc. It got 100k and it puts you at a good starting point. From there drive it. If you need a oil cooler at that point it would be wise to either get a bullet proof egr or do a egr delete and do studs. A coolant filter isn't a bad idea either. Tuning is up to you but I'd recommend running tow tunes when towing, when not towing do what you want. My 04 had tranny issues at around 125k and got traded, the 06 I currently have has had a race tune on it sink 43k about 3yrs ago and is now at 97k and I still have the stock egr, oil cooler and head bolts as delivered from the factory. I've towed heavy, I've played around and done pretty much anything I've wanted. At some point I expect to put the studs I bought 3yrs ago in the truck but until it needs them ill save the cash. Heck I will probably buy a new one before that happens.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!

 

I am interested in this as well..

I'm going to look at an 04 6.0 dually. It's over 200k miles but it runs beautifully. Has and EGR delete and a "bullet proof" kit on it. Truck is gorgeous, but the 6.0 scares me.

 

Well the Ford is definately out as the dealer will not go below 13,500 and they also said the tranny may be going. It has been on their lot for 2 years. I offered 5k but the answer was no.

 

There is plenty of these trucks out there. If it does not work for you then dont get it. I bought my second 6.0 from a whole seller. There is better deals out there if you look. I dont know where you live, but on ebay theres a whole seller from parker co. Just for you to look to see what others sell them for. I love the 6.0 and would never look away from one personally.

 

I loved my 6.0 I just couldn't turn down 16500 for my 05 lariat the with 125k two bad injectors and some other problems.

 

Properly cared for, a 6.0L PSD is a good engine, but visit the 6.0L PSD engine forum and read what those guys are doing. As stated, most 6.0L problems come from modifying the engine, improper maintenance, improper or misdiagnosed repairs, abuse, or driving the truck like it is a gas engine (frequent short trips, inadequate warm ups).

No one should dissuade you from getting that truck, just make sure you know what you are getting into before you purchase it.