I loved my diesel. Loved it. Like I loved my loyal labrador. She saved the day countless times for numerous people. Always ready to do whatever ridiculous task I demanded of her. Unstoppable.
Now she is gone. Chassis cancer with acute tranny failure. Her heart donated to a tow truck.
I am trying to find a worthy replacement, but they don't seem to make her equal.
The 6.0l trucks are, in my opinion, the sharpest looking trucks in my pricerange. I want one. One that is reliable for the long haul as well as long hauling. One that does not require yearly down time for major work or strand me in BFE waiting for Cooter to get around to it. One that can be half the truck that my 12 valve baby was.
Am I dreaming?
Should I just buy a gas guzzler and accept decelerating hills and 5mpg with my 5th wheel in a Utah crosswind?
Can I get a debate between the diesel doctors and the gas gurus on which 2006ish truck is better?
I appreciate any opinions I can get.
Thanks.

 

This is an endless debate.

Personally, with all of the options out there these days, I wouldn't buy a 6.0. Sorry 6.0 guys. It was a great engine in its time, you know once you fixed it. But the chances that it will leave you stranded are just too high if you frequent BFE, since BFE is often where we push the trucks to the limits.

What is your price point? Newer 1/2 tons have seriously closed the gap on these older diesels. Alternatively, you could get a 7.3 and easily swap the front end to the 05 front end. Thats what I did.

 

It is an endless debate. One that I am unable to find recently debated. If I am asking redundant questions please tell me how to find the last debate on the subject. I am new to the whole forum thing so not really sure how it works.

I am fond of the 7.3, but here in the midwest they are few and far between unless you are a fan of rust. 6.0 are everywhere, with various upgrades completed and looking sharp. I just can't find a definitive answer on wether a so called bulletproof diesel is reliable, or more problems waiting to happen.

My last gasser was a 95 f250, so I am sure things have improved. But gas trucks in my pricerange are pushing 200k miles or more. Usually more, with not much done along the way. Really not sure if that is a different problem waiting to happen.

I have been searching google, reading various forum discussions, trying to educate myself enough to make an informed decision. Now I am just confused. Information overload. I may be showing my age here, but the rule I knew was 100k on gas and a 5.9 or 7.3 never died. Seems the rules have changed, but no-one can agree what they are now. I figured it was time to sign up and ask some folks who own or work on the trucks I am considering. Manufacturers specs and motortrend articles be damned!

 

I have seen many "bulletproofed" 6.0s fail. The work done on them varies by installer and manufacturer, and just sheer dumb luck.

100k is nothing for a modern gas engine any more. There is no steadfast rule, but 200-300k can be fine.

 

Something to sleep on. Maybe I will dream of a v10 tonight.
Thanks for your interest in my conundrum. I appreciate your advice.

 

If you are looking for an '06 era SD I'd definitely recommend the V10. You'll get the look you want and it is no slouch either, especially if you can find one with 4.30's. Yes, you'll pay at the pump, but unless you can swing the coin for a 6.7 and it doesn't sound like you want too, that is your best bet.

 

Just a heads up, since you mention Utah. Mercedes Benz of St George has a 2002 F350 with a 7.3 for sale, as does Young Ford in Brigham City. I have seen both trucks, both are over priced, but I sense they will reduce price if they don't sell quickly.

 

Thanks for the info. I travel all over, but live in SW Missouri.

 

How many miles on your v10?

 

Anyone out there make 300k on a v10?

 

I personally would not touch a diesel unless I had a lucrative business that could manage the repair costs. A co-worker of mine bought a "bpd 6.0l. Found out 2 weeks after that it had an issue. Then forked over $$$$ to have it done again by a reputable diesel mech and himself, which he is a meticulous gearhead. It has an issue again and is up for sale. He is going to lose his shirt along with his religion! Cruise over to the V10 section, there is a thread that cover V10 mileage.

 

Thanks. I will check that out.

 

Well, that would get you a V10. IF maintained it will last. Even if not maintained, plop in a rebuild engine and be happy for another 200k.

Otherwise I'd say get a 2013+ 6.2 w 4.30 gears.

 

About 126K

 

Sorry this is not an easy subject. I've spent some time on the web looking at Powerstrokehelp.com. He's got all kinds of experience with all the diesels. It's of course in his best interest for you to get one and bring it to him. He does have quite a good track record. My take on this if you can find a 7.3L 03 or 04 you can't go wrong. If you can't the 6.0 is his favorite but it needs the full bulletproof job. I imagine this involves thousands of dollars but the end result sounds good.
Good Luck