I'm searching for my next truck and I'm looking at the 05-07 Super duty's (6.0 of course). I have been reading LOADS of info on the 6.0 and am educating myself about them. I think I'm pretty confident to own one after reading about the common problems and how to fix them correctly.

So...I'm looking at an 05 6.0 with an 11/9/2004 build date that is in my price range. I guess my question is...Is an 05 6.0 just as good or could be made just as good as an 06-07 6.0? I feel like there are a lot of updates and changes to the 6.0 between 05-07 but the 05 model year has seen the most problems between the three years (so I've read). I plan on updating all the parts if they haven't been done so (oil rail plugs, stc fitting, etc..), so would that make it up to par with an 06-07 6.0? Or are there any other problems that an 05 might have that an 06-07 won't? Sorry for all the questions, I just need someone to answer for me instead of reading someone else's questions.

Would you still buy an 05? Or just wait and buy an 06 or 07?

Looking for opinions as well as experience.

 

I Cant answer all of those Questions guys that have bought the 05/06 seem to like the truck guys that went from 03 to the late built have some benefits like not pulling the turbo just to get to the ICP but the 03 has the better EGR cooler and the late 04 and thru 07 changed to squire, I have the late build 04 with around 160thou and some change and very happy with the over all truck there is some upgrades in the near future thou. and I don't drive it like I stole it( well some times) the doctor says I need excersize.xxl

 

I think the '05 can be a great truck and if it's the right deal I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

On the negative side it does have a weaker EGR cooler but many trucks are doing just fine with it, including some fairly modded trucks. It's really a matter of how much abuse it can stand. It's not going to be a commonized engine so if repairs are required in the future original style parts may be hard to find so you'll have to get a few more parts, if you need a head for example you'll also need head dowels, rocker hold downs, and injector clamps but not a giant increase in price.

On the plus side is the tighter turning radius of the coil spring front suspension. I can't find production dates for it but I believe it will have V4 cast iron HPOP instead of the early swash plate style aluminum pump that was a bit more failure prone and shockingly expensive.

All that being said, I really don't have a favorite. Any year of 6.0 has the same bottom end and they are proving to be pretty stout. It's more a matter of finding one that's been kept up well. Good preventative maintenance and not beating on it before it's up to temp seem to be the two big issues.

One last point, all of these trucks are getting some years and miles on them, don't get hung up on it being a 6.0 and forget to check the steering and suspension, brakes, U-joints, and corrosion on the underside.

Good luck in your search!

 

Thanks for the response Rusty. That's what I needed to hear.

Maybe a will wait around a little longer and try for an 06 or 07. I'm in no rush.

 

Lover my '05. Replaced the oil cooler & BPD EGR cooler right off the bat because of a 25 degree delta. While in there, it got updated dummy plugs, stand pipes, STC fitting, Blue EGR hose, Blue spring mod, and banjo bolts. I tow my 10,000 toy hauler around like nothing else.