Well, as I continue to chase down what I'm looking at with the transmission and rear end, my thoughts are wandering off into 6.0 Land. I've been chatting with a number of guys there about the pros and cons of "upgrading" to a late model 6.0. I will not consider a 6.4, and I just cannot justify the money for a 6.7 option.

With my current 292K mile truck, I'm looking into the mouth of the following items:

- new front suspension gear (tie-rods, links, bushings, ball joints, etc. because I have over 100K on the units in play today) - $300-$400-ish
- VSM (have known of a growing issue for over 100K miles and it's just progressing too far) - $200-$300-ish total
- ignition switch and blinker switch (tired and ready to retire) - $roughly $250
- water pump (current one has over 100K on it and has indications of s slight ooze beginnign to show) - $150-$350 depending on box store or IH replacement
- rear end and/or tranny anywhere from fluids only which I have on hand upwards of $5-6K (assuming BTS and both units)
- if transmission gets replaced, a 4Wd conversion will be included for even MORE money and heartache
- injectors already need shimming, and I don;t know how much longer they will last afterwards (they already have the 292K on them)
- HPOP is original (as is LPOP, PS pump, and A/C condenser), and either of these items WILL be costly, and every day is another day closer

So, you ask, "What are your goals?"... See below... not necessarily in order of priority.

1. NO to Chevy , Dodge, or Ford 6.4/ 6.7/ V-10.
3. Diesel, 4WD, CrewCab.
3. Less than 150K miles, thoroughly and responsibly bullet-proofed.
4. Quieter running engine for better conversations with passengers while on the road. Though I like the sound of the 7.3 clatter, I'm tired of the clatter volume and how it makes conversations with passengers more challenging.
5. LONG term... 2011-2012 KR interior.


SO... what kinds of input do you have?

 

If I were in your shoes I would hate to have the uncertainty of going from a 7.3 that has some known issues and you are aware of them to a 6.0 that may or may not have some issues that you may or may not know about.

As you know Pete, anything mechanical and/or man-made can fail at anytime. Does changing years and engines of a truck really make that much of a difference to you in the end?

I will not speak to your problems because you know them best.

Do you personally know the history of the 6.0 truck you are considering? If not, I would strongly caution you on the purchase.

Those are my thoughts, I wish you the best of luck in your journey though, wherever in the FTE it may land you.

 

Sous:

I have the same internal wars going on within me. I've had my baby for almost 11 years, ever since it hit "diesel puberty" at 114K miles back in 2006. For the most part, I certainly know what I have and what to expect. I do NOT have anything like that level of intimate knowledge about any 6.0 vehicle whatsoever, but am willing to get there with it as well. You bee sure, though, that I will not take the plunge without a thorough understanding of the vehicle and it's potential (or existing) issues). I have absolutely no trucks in sight at this point and am just throwing spit ***** at the wall to see what sticks, getting input from various perspectives, and taking advantage of the time I have ahead of major expenses to choose my direction carefully.

I really don't want to make the change, but I also don't want to stay where I am. Admittedly, another option could be another 7.3 with lower mileage and 4WD which I could later mod to host the upgraded interior, or let it simply be a "hold pattern" until the price of the 6.7's come down enough for them to be viable options at a later date.

REGARDLESS... I want to end up in my retirement years (12 years away) with that newer KR interior, and from what I've read thus far, it's an easier swap into the '06-'07 platform. I also want some noise reduction and 4WD in the meantime, too. Also, the replacement 4WD 7.3 option does not address my growing dissatisfaction with the level of noise from the 7.3, even though I know that the 6.0 is only slightly quieter. I know I can install the Fatmat or equivalent, but again, that's even more money into what is already now a 15 year old truck.

From my conversations with several 6.0 owners who have come from the 7.3 platform, the response has been virtually unanimous in saying "I love my 6.0 and would never go back." They've also been very honest about the 6.0 issues and what's been developed to resolve them. Shoot, my boss just paid about $4200 to bullet proof his '04 6.0 dually.

I've chosen to ask my question here at "home" in the event that I can find other voices who made the switch and then switched BACK to the 7.3 to get away from the 6.0. Some of my favorite "customer feedback reports" to read are the ones which are highly negative about a product.

I'm really sitting pretty much at a crossroad and am going to have to invest money regardless of which path I choose. I just want it to be the smartest money possible and to not be overly influenced by fluff idealizations in either direction.

 

Well, for what it's worth, the 6.0 guys are a good bunch and extremely knowledge. I would have one under the following guidelines...

1) known good previous owner
2) GREAT maintenance history
3) 2007 only due to upgrades
4) either bulletproofed by a very, and I emphasize very, well known and knowledgeable Bulletproof mechanic... As in the guys in Mesa Arizona
5) if not the above, have the cash set aside to do such a job which requires about 5 to $6,000

If the above requirements were met, I would get one in a heartbeat and not look back. We had a really nice 2007 that we used for ranch work and deliveries and it was a fantastic truck. But....BUT, the money had been spent to bulletproof it the right way and it had been a good truck for 3 years after that with zero issues and had an absolute crap ton of power.

 

Yeah, I hear ya' Byron. The '07's are really the only year model I want to consider due to all the upgrades which had landed at that production point. I need to stop including the '06's as part of my consideration because I've already ruled them out as an "ideal"... that said, if push came to shove and I couldn't afford the time to locate "ideal", I would probably consider the '06 as well. Any required bullet-proofing efforts will be included in my choice for final purchase price, even if it's only for a few remaining bulletproof items which may have not been done by the PO.

 

Pete, based on what I have read from your additional posts it seems like you have already made up your mind and for good reason. I would start getting your truck ready to sell for when the right 6.0 comes along.

 

Understand your instance.

I've been on a 7.3 from the onset but opted for a well cared for southern crew srw 6.4 lariat xlt.

My 7.3 is my love. The 6.4 sits patiently in the garage. I'm taking my time to delete the dpf (done), the EGR coolers, and am in the throws of a rad replacement. (everything including mish hoses on hand as well as therms. Body mounts on the nose are in order as well.


The above para is a list of TSB's on the rig.

The 6.4 is only as bad as people that bought and don't maintain them and run them until a problem surfaces makes them.

It is a very solid platform if you do maintenance and will pull the teeth out of everything out except the 6.7 (which have they're own issues).

I'm taking care of everything ford won't admit to being an issue before it is one in the form of TSB's.

If you don't own or haven't driven one. Give it a look. They are in a great price range because everyone has a bad read and it has a very dismal rep only because the 6.0 was it's pred and the 6.4 is the red head stepchild because the emission setup is the failing point.

If addressed, very cheaply in my ho, they are a very nice platform and quiet and comfortable. Jump to the 6.4 forum and you will find that the forum is the size of a pea compared to others because they only jump on when lightning strikes. (and very few reply or have continuity in the forum as the 7.3 crew does).

Not trying to steer you off your path but diligence tells me that if properly maintained and deleted, (without having to stud it...etc. they are great engines if deleted) Maintenance is key. Let's just say if your a pilot, you always check water in fuel before roll out. (on a 6.4 just a monthly blip for a few seconds seals the deal).

I jumped into the 6.4 because I do my maintenance, love the comfort and power, and it will literally pull my 7.3 sideways down a dry road Asphalt) with the plow down. (ask me how I know when my fuel pump went south in the 7.3 500 feet from my driveway without help).

The only reason I replied to the thread is to give you a sideways glance at possibilities.

I've owned many (bulletproof, proven, great rep years and names that were purportedly great for 100's of thousand miles only to have them take a crap as soon as the street lights came on).

Before I bought the 08 6.4 I digested more knowledge about everything as you are and couldn't find a single thread that scared me. It was either a post from someone who bought an ill maintained one, or the poster couldn't spell turbo. (kinda told me something reading between the lines).

Worlds your oyster. Shell it and eat it.

Best wishes on your decision


Denny

 

Sous... decision is not yet final, though I will admit to a strong leaning. If I end up finding that my trans fluid change and little shot of Ford friction modifier in the rear end resolve everything I've been feeling recently, I might just pull back again and sit tight for a while longer. The truck does run awfully nice and rides wonderfully. There is a part of me, though, which would love to sell it while it's sitting in an honestly great running condition so I can honestly tell a buyer that "I still love this truck, and am only selling because I want something newer with with more plush and a 4WD".

Denny... thanks for your input, which is the first positive I've ever seen posted in regards to a 6.4. What you say makes some good sense to me, and I will certainly give it some serious consideration and investigate further. I do like the strategy of taking advantage of market fear to get a really good deal on something which doesn't have to be so fearful. That may just be an option since I really don't push my truck at all, nor do I really anticipate ever needing to. The one I have now has always been a road princess, and the only real reason I want 4WD is "just in case" because I'm really not into back woods hunting or off road exploration.

I appreciate the input from you guys.

 

7.3 or bust! Don't leave us! I say this with the sentiment of you being such a positive influence in these forums and have helped me with mine throughout the years. I know - being selfish here. If we must share you with the 6.0 world, so be it. hehe. As long as you stay in a Ford, right?!

 

Bulletproof is the key. Make sure you understand what the cost of that is before you jump.

The niece just brought me her 6.0 on a trailer due to a no start from a high presure oil leak. For some reason, international decided that the HPOP, ICP, & IPR would be better off hidden underneath the turbo rather than the easy to access spot up front. There's also the possibility of stand pipe or injector o-ring leaks.

FICM's are another problem. If it's original, I'd plan on having to replace it. Suspension issues are a little different. The 6.0 has the death wobble issue, so if the truck doesn't have a dual steering stabilizer, I'd add one.

 

Thanks, Chris... all of those on on the potential bulletproof list I've been compiling from multiple conversations and tech threads in the 6.0 forum.

Carl, you're too kind. Thanks. I'm not going anywhere at all, though, even if I do change truck platforms. You guys in here have been like a Ford family for me for almost 11 years, and I couldn't think of not stopping in on a very regular basis.

 

Since I haven't done the math, what's the cost of a bulletproof now?

And just for the record, my old 02 2wd has 560,000 miles on it and the son in law is using it as his daily driver. 292k is barely broke in.

 

I wouldn't even touched a 6.doh with a yard stick, we had a couple of them at work and even with good maintnace they still failed, injector failures, HPO leaks which were the most common and leave you stranded, IPR failures, clogged oil coolers, and leaks, boy did they like to leak oil.

 

To those saying the 07 6.0 has a bunch updates, making it the best, you're only very partially correct. Very little changed between the 05-07 years, except for some small commonization changes in the heads of the 07s, in preparation for the production of the 6.4. if anything, the 07s can be a pain to find certain head-related parts for.

The 6.0 got a major update in late 04. The problematic HPOP was redesigned and the late 6.0 HPOP almost never fail. They often are replaced, due to misdiagnosis. There were over 200 total changes they made to the 6.0 engine.

2005 is when ford updated the suspension, brakes, towing capacities, body style, etc.

2005-2007 are the years to look for when shopping for 6.0s.

 

Well I've had 3 6.0's. one 06 new that I owned until 99,800 miles. Dumped before the warranty ran out because f all the issues I had. Lost a ton of money to get rid of because it was at the low point of the 6.0 market in 2010. Sold it got back in a 7.3. In 14 I bought an 05 figuring they all can't be that bad. It had the headgaskets done, egr delete etc. two days after I bought it I spent the next two weeks trying to find a high pressure oil leak. Sold that went back to a 7.3 again. Bought another 05 last fall. Low mileage one owner dealer maintained. Had that truck about 3 months and sold it. Loved it but always felt like I was watching over my shoulder to see what was going to break. Never had an issue with it though. Now with that said I currently own 3 7.3 trucks. A late 99 6 speed, a 2002 excursion, and just bought a 2002 ccsb 7.3 that was a rollover that my son and I are going to fix together. LOVE my 6.0 when they're running right but they're expensive to fix and my experience is you will have to fix them. I do all my own work so labor isn't usually expensive. I'd buy another if the right opportunity came along. But for some reason I keep coming back to a 7.3. I've had at least 15 7.3's and they've all been great trucks.