I hear that the early HPOP are crap and should be replaced.

I am swamping up information to help me buy a truck next month.

I don't mind putting after market money in a truck to make sure I don't get burned by big repair money.

Any comparison advice between the 03-04 1/2 trucks and the 05-06 trucks would be appreciated.

I know that newer is better but if I buy the older model and put the money in after market upgrades would it be a better deal?

In order to sell it to the wife it hase to be comfortable, reliable and have epower seats.

I want to keep the price below 20K

 

I have an early '04, which from what I have read and exoerience are my take on the pros / cons of my truck vs late 04+

Pro #1 stand pipes and dummy plugs will never be a problem!
Pro #2 EGR cooler is the best they made
Pro #3 EGR butterfly hoopajoop was removed for only this time period
Pro #4 no plastic CAC tubes

Con #1 ICP is a real biatch to get to, but wont have to change that but 1-2x if you own the truck to 500k + miles
Con #2 HPOP weak/poor, I have not experienced this but seems to be a rumor going around
Con #3 MAKE SURE you mention early '04 it when buying parts makes a difference on alot of things.

Difference not sure if pro or con but the turbo has 3 more fins on late '04+

I am sure there is more on both side but that is what I have noticed so far. I have 232k miles last 32K are mine. I replace two injectors, y-pipe, ICP sensor and nearly entire AC system.

 

6.0L - Difference between model years

 

I'm really happy with my 03, don't be afraid to get one based on issues from year to year they all have some. If you find a good deal on an 03 or 04 truck you like get it. Now of all the things that I wish I had of the newer years would be the front coils and the tighter turning radius.

 

To me the biggest diff. between the 05 and up vrs. the 03/04 is the front suspension. Greatly improved IMHO.

 

Thanks for the responses

I am looking for a used truck and being a Ford man I am thinking about the 6.0 engine models.

I can't remember if it was Diesel Power magazine or Bullet Proof Diesel that had the article about the HPOP in the early 6.0 engines being a problem.

I do recommend the Diesel Power magazine for its articles on the 6.0 engine.

The advice I have recieved so far simply points to buying what you like and if it needs fixing then fix it.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas