I am looking to buy an F-550 and am bebating back & forth about purchasing one with the 6.0 diesel. I have heard numerous warnings about the 6.0 from oil leaks, eratic idleing, shutting down while driving to blown turbos, etc... so I have shyed away from it. I have also been told the 7.3 is near perfect, almost legendary, & while it will not perform as well out of the box, it will last forever, trouble free, as long as you have a couple of trannys on hand. Maybe some of you could give me the insiders view on the situation, some facts about the real pros & cons so I can make an informed descision, not one based on rumor & gossip. I was warned I may start a war with this question, but what the hey anyway.

 

if you go with the 6.0..you will need to get a 06 or 07 to get a good one..all 7.3 are good and very reliable when treated right..if you get an auto..put in a BTS and you will have no more trouble..but i would try to find a stick..

 

Does the 6.0L you're looking at have a warranty? I'd love to have more out of the box power without a concern about my drive train. I have an '02 F250 with a 7.3L and a manual 6spd and I'm happy with it. No issues after 150,000 miles. However, I've ridden in several 6L's and the power difference is clearly noticeable.

I was in the same shoes you are now and I ended up with a 7.3L. The 7.3L is tried and true. Good solid engine...

 

What is a BTS?

 

Brians truck shop.. http://www.brianstruckshop.com/

one of the best trans out there

edit: i see your on the west coast..that case i have heard great things about John wood trans for you guy's out there..i dont have a link for them..but i am sure some one here will post it for you.....

 

Even if the 6.0 has a warranty I wouldn't trust it. A friend of mine has one and like most it has problems and Ford is completely ignoring it

 

tractorrick, a friend of mine works for the Lower Colorado River Association, and his assigned truck is a f-550 with the 6.0L. The truck right now is back in the shop for the THIRD set of head gaskets, and its already had the motor replaced. he said it will get up and go, but it is truley an unreliable truck. oh yeah and its got 40k on the odometer.

 

Oasis report is highly recommend on any 6.0 or 7.3 your lookin at. If Ford did any work on it, you'll know.

Cowboy Steve

 

Seriously, look into what repairs the motor has already had and check for recall information. I'm sure there are plenty of people that have had issues but that shouldn't discourage you really.