Ok, I don't want to start a huge debate here. But I've done enough lurking here and research elsewhere to know that the 6.0L diesel isn't exactly known for its dependability. But there do seem to be certain year trucks that were far more prone to engine problems. So, are there specific years which I should shy aware from with respect to the engine?

Also, same question for the tranny. I would much prefer the 5-speed automatic. And it debuted in 2005, right? Has the 5-speed been mostly trouble-free since it first appeared or are there certain years more prone to tranny problems?

I know the above 2 question are somewhat loaded -- an engine and tranny are only as good as the maintenance they've received over their lifetimes. But, for the sake of this thread, let's assume they've been well cared for.

My intended uses are hauling around a 4000lb slide-in truck camper, and pulling 2000-3000lbs of ATV's or a boat. I will NOT be hauling a 12000lb+ 5th wheel or anything like that. And I have no intention of chipping it for an additional 100+ horsepower or anything like that. I just want a good, DEPENDABLE truck.

Any and all constructive feedback is more than welcome. Thanks.

 

2012 make sure you have plenty alcohol

 

Sorry couldn't help it as I was drinking a beer after I just opened a shipment of 10,000 small rifle primers.

I brought one of the first 2003 6.0's I could lay me hands on and it was a bad dream. I will tell you all the story one day how Ford traded me straight across MSRP to MSRP on the 2005 I have now. But after that nightmare I would never recommend the 2003 and early 2004 but not all had the same experience I had.

My 2005 has treated me well and I love the towhaul for hauling down grade. I am planning on doing all the dependability MODS to it now and have no doubt it will continue to treat me well. As you said maintainence is the key.

 

I've had my 05 since new and love it. I have done some preventive mods. such as coolant and PS filters. Just installed a ScanGauge and the ect/eot's are looking good. Oasis and carfax reports are imperative as is good maint. with OEM only filters. If someone tells you a/m filters are just as good, now is the time to run. Good suspension and brake improvements in 05. Doesn't mean you can't get a good 03 or 04. I've had the original turbo replaced and bedplate leak repaired under warranty a couple of years ago. No prob. since.

 

The 5 speed tranny debuted at the same time as the 6.0 psd.

I would recommend starting your search with an 05 model year and up with the 07 having the most improvments during the history of the 6.0.

Also any year can develop oil leaks, so check the tranny bellhousing for wettness/oil drip, if so I would continue looking.

Good luck...

 

Like others say, don't be afraid of the 6.0, they sold a lot of them - there were some issues - but the people that had issues are the ones you hear most.
The later 06's and 07's apparently had a better warranty record than any year of the venerable 7.3's. They had the bugs worked out, and the mechanics were trained properly by then. Stick to stock - stock parts (filters) and regular maintenance - especially important with HEUI injection systems and you should not have to worry. I got my 06 3 years ago - not one engine problem, and she's a daily driver. (I did replace the alternator and batteries). It's been the same transmission since the 6.0 came out, they were designed together. It's a great transmission very smooth and reliable.

 

260,000 miles here on an 05...

 

Careful looking at the bellhousing. Be sure you are looking at a real leak. I bought mine new and it's had the wet looking stain from about 5K miles. I heard way back in the day that it was assy lube weeping out. IDK, but I've never had an oil leak and about to hit 100K miles on an 03 motor.

Looking at the vehicle OASIS/maintenance records will be your best indicator, along with the vehicles general condition. I honestly believe any year 6.0l motor can be made reliable. EGR valve and turbo threads used to overwhelm 6.0l forums in the early years, are and are what led to the 6.0's bad rap from the start. Between hardware and software changes, things are much, much, better now.

 

Please don't forget that the techs didn't have the proper training upon release and a lot of parts throwing existed the 1st year or two.

 

Yes don't let oil film around the bell housing spook you mine had an oil film on it from almost day one but never a drop on the drive way. Took it in for my last warranty check and the said the needed to replace the seals. I thought they where crazy but let them do it as they said it would be about 2200 out of warranty. Within a week it looked the same but no drips. Gandpa always said a heathly always weeps a little.

 

That would be a heathy seal always weeps a little.Bbetter quit while I'm ahead

 

Ya I felt sorry for the techs and service manger on my 03. FOMOCO really let them down.

 

This is all very good info. So...avoid 03 and 04, 05 is probably ok, and 06 and 07 are *generally* the best. Do I have that right?

And not much chatter about the 5-speed auto -- they must've been pretty good from the get-go?? Maybe I'll call around to a few of the local tranny shops and pick their brains on them.

 

The TorqShift is an awesome transmission. They can take a lot of punishment.

 

In a stock truck, the torqshift is the best. The only really troubling areas, and that's if you had too much hp or you add hp from crappy tuners, is the input shaft and the direct clutch. Those two seem to the "weak" areas when you start building hp.