Im in the market to buy a used truck im looking for an f250 diesel what would you all recommend for a truck looking to spend under 20k what if any years had engine transmission problems?

 

05-07 6.0. In 05 the SD was completely redesigned. Bigger breaks, much better transmission, coil spring front end etc.. Do some reading in the 6.0 section, they can direct you on what to look for. I like my 7.3 but its dated, remember the newest 7.3 is 10 years old. Just get the newest lowest mileage truck your budget allows

 

Thats great advice kdr. With your budget in mind a 6.0 is what you'll most likely find. Surf the 6.0 forum. Good luck and be sure to post pics.

 

Mine threw a roller lifter.. at 35,000miles!! I loved the 6.0 before that. Now I have my apprehensions about getting another. Even if I do do religious regular oil and fuel filter changes, and even add some guages! I dont know if I can trust it after all the other horror stories I've heard, in addition to mine.. or what I'd do if I ever had to do another engine replacement in one of those. I might as well go out of business!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...placement.html

 

Check out my other thread I posted titled: "Any bad years to stay away from when purchasing a 6.0?" When i was still think of playing with fire.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ng-a-6-0l.html

Now I'm wondering if going with a Duramax or Cummins diesel would make more sense. Although I like the Ford cabs and ergonomics better than the Chevy. The 6.0 does fly too!!

 

This is exactly why the 6.0 gets a bad rap. just because a select few trucks have extreme failures and minor issues does not make them junk. Sure Ford tried to fix the problems from 03-07 but the number of 05-07 trucks with issues seems to be less than the Late 03-04. I was reading your post and Im sorry to hear what happened. Lets just put things into perspective, I have had 2 V10's replaced under warranty due to a piston slap. Does that make ALL 99-08 V10's junk because a few need to be replaced for a rare failure? On a forum you are reading about the trucks with issues. There are tons of happy 6.0 owners out there! The explorer (01) models were prone to sudden failure of the timing components causing engine damage, are all (01) 4.0 motors junk? The point of my little rant is the OP asked for advice not for another 6.0 horror story. There are lots of things that can happen to engine internals causing failure. If everyone thought about that no one would own anything mechanical because of a fear of failure. It just seems like the 6.0 gets bashed every time someone posts about getting a 6.0 or looking at one. It seems that lots of good, helpful info always gets drowned in pages and pages of horror stories. Greenstar, I wasnt attacking your posts btw, I figured I needed to vent my frustration

To the OP, a 6.0 will probably fall in your budget. I think most Ford dealers can still provide an OASIS report showing what work was done. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - Just bought 06 F350 FX4 6.0!!

The 6.0 tech folder is full of everything you need to know!

 

yeah, but most engines (from a "reliable" vehicle) will not just fail inadvertantly without warning, and then you're in the shop looking at a 6-12 thousand dollar expense to repair!

Apparently Ford and International were involved in billion dollar lawsuits because a lot of ambulances were outfitted on the 6.0 Fords, a lot of newer ambulances, and people were dying in these ambulances because of breakdowns due to sudden engine failures in newer trucks which should have been lifesaving trucks!

Granted I learned that on youtube. But I could see how it happened. Apparently there are a few design flaws in the engine.
The engines are Great on performance!, but have some design flaws, which compromise reliability.

IF I WERE TO BUY A 6.0L AGAIN: I would do some NECESSARY PREVENTATIVE mods to the truck so that I am not Found On Road Dead again!!

I have heard they can be reliable with these modifications done!

And again, they are super-fast trucks with tons of power, so it would be great to own another one someday, if I were able to get it at the right price.

 

Dont mistake an 8k pound truck for a race car. These things perform well at what they are meant for...pulling, hauling etc. If you beat on it it will leave you stranded.

Not attacking anyone here, just a happy 6.0 owner, and I went through a buy back in 05. My 06 has just under 70k, I use it mainly to tow a13k 5er, and my equipment trailer that I haul a Buick GN or a New Holland Bucket Loader. I have had issues, but nothing I would say is abnormal for a 7 YO truck.

I wouldnt be scared to buy another one if god for bid something happend to this one, but after my buy back I got educated real quick, spent some time in an F-150 and it couldnt do what I needed it too, so I went back to the dreaded 6.0, and I get that 6.0 grin everytime I drive it, and pull man this truck pulls like a dream.

So do some home work, get an OASIS, read the tech folder and ask lots of questions we will get you into a truck, wether a 6.0 or gas. Depending on what you are doing with it dont discount the 5.4 or v-10 both great engine, less cost on maint. and fuel, but remeber they love to rev. and there power band is in the upper rpms. Also in 05 they both got 3 valves and a torqueshift trans.

Good luck and just do some research, test drive, and ask we'll help.

Sarge

 

This guy has a lot of educational videos.
HOW TO BUY A USED POWERSTROKE DIESEL TRUCK - 1 OF 4 - YouTube

 

OK, Super Duty 101. This is for 4 wheel drive trucks.

The 1999-2004 trucks have leaf spring front suspension. The 2005+ trucks have coil spring front suspension. The col springs allow a tighter turning radius and somewhat smoother ride although the suspension geometry can cause the dreaded Death Wobble.

The 2005 and newer trucks have heavier frames, bigger brakes, and improved cooling. The 2008 and newer trucks have even more cooling capacity.

The 1999-2004 trucks (except the 6.0L Power Stroke) came with the 4R100 automatic transmission. Stock, it is a somewhat weak link. There are rebuilt 4R100s that are very good. The new Ford replacement 4R100 is also very strong.

The 2005 and newer gas engine trucks, plus the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Strokes came with the 5R110W Torqshift transmission. This is a very good transmission and is often compared favorably to the GM Allison automatic transmission used in the Chevrolet and GMC pickups (which should not be confused with the heavy duty real Allison transmissions.....but I digress).