So looking to buy, wonder if I should get an 05 over an 03. All being equal, differences. I mean if I get an 03 that is babied, low miles (100k), am I loosing some thing big? Hope that makes sence.

 

Bismic took the time to write this up. It's on the first page here. Read all of it. It should answer a lot if your recent questions and help you in your search.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...used-6-0l.html

 

05+ trucks are just better all around with the updated front ends, coil springs, factory trailer brake controller, and a lot of other things. Motor wise, the HPOPs on the 05+ are more reliable than the 03-04 pumps. Lots of little things would put me in an 06 or 07 versus an 03 or 04.

 

The biggest thing in my op. is the front coil suspension. There are also a few more diagnostic and function tools available on the 05 and up. That being said the 03 also has a few advantages such as the egr cooler being more robust and no stc fitting to go out. However the newer water pumps and hpop's are more robust. Go to the tech folder and start reading. It'll keep you busy for a while. I personally would get the latest model you can afford that has been taken care of up thru 07. I would steer clear of the 6.4 totally.
JMHO. Enjoy the reading and get a 12 pack to get you thru it.

 

I see an 03 pretty good price, but I like the look of the 05 a little better. So just wait for an 05? Let chance of all the breakage aswell, right?

 

I ment it's a 2004.

 

As far as the engine goes, follow the advice in the "buying a 6.0L sticky" to find a solid powertrain. Some people will say "pick the truck you want" then make sure it's reliable, some would say find a reliable one configured to be useable to you and forget the aesthetics. Depends on the purpose of the truck, if it's for work or pleasure, things we can't answer for you.

I'd personally find an 05-07, but my decision would be driven by wants/needs other than in the powertrain. I'd find a nice truck, then figure out how much to take off the price for the condition the engine is in.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...used-6-0l.html

 

It's for pleasure! Soon I will hail a trivial trailer, and I just want to last, look nice, fast, lol. As many goodies as I can get!

 

05-07 have the best grilles next to the 11+

Better dash, coil springs, iTBC, etc

Josh

 

03 and 04 are attractive if the hpop has been replaced. The 05 up is attractive if it has the upgraded dummy plugs, standpipes, and stc filing on the hpop.

It will be unlikely that something with 100k miles on it has had this work done.

Most important thing to look for on the 6.0s is a plugged oil cooler. If the coolant, system is clean and has been maintained, it likely won't be an issue. Make a $25 investment in an OBDII Bluetooth reader and either Torque for android or dashboss for ios. U can read the coolant and oil temps with these. It the oil temp is over 15 degrees higher than the coolant, the oil cooler could be an issue. Take readings after full warm-up (20 min minimum), and running 65 on flat ground.

 

Ok I will get that. For iOS, I got the app, where do I get the plug. It says I don't have the required equipment to use? Is that what the Bluetooth is for?

So pretty much, get a good deal, check oasis report and autocheck, take it to ford after I look at everything. Then go from there.

If I buy from ford, under 100k you get a 3 yr warranty after 100k you get 3 months. Is that worth the extra money? This lady I was working with had a truck, waiting to get it out of the shop. It didn't pass, so they would sell it to me. I thought that was cool. Haven't bought from dealers to much.

 

DashBoss is all inclusive and uses its own Apple approved OBD Bluetooth gateway.

Josh

 

05 and up has a boost gauge in the dash that is suprisingly accurate . It actually is about the only gauge in the entire stock line up that is actually reporting what is true, earning it the most valuable gauge award for the 6.0 and should be regarded in any super duty purchase decision of equal contenders

 

'05 on up for me. Besides what everyone else have mentioned: things like the whole front suspension change and commensurate tighter turning, there was the bigger brakes and upgraded capacity (11,400# for an F350 SRW 4x4). BUT the integrated brake controller is waaaay cool compared to anything you could add aftermarket. We tow alot and it works so well...

And I have to agree I like the looks....

 

Agreed, I will get an 05, I have seen 1 06 in my range.