Warning, only proceed if your really bored.

So the lease on my truck is coming due in a little bit and I need to start considering options, the most appealing of which is a 6.0, specifically an 05+ 250/350, 4x4, SRW, crew cab, SB, 3.73+, lariat. Admittedly though, there are lots of hurtles to jump before it becomes a viable option, and that’s where you lovely bunch of people come in. Questions! But first a little background on my driving habits. I drive about 10,000 miles per year in heavy stop and go. I use the truck primarily as a tool crib, but also tow multiple trailers randomly, heaviest of which is 5000ish lbs loaded. The temps here range from -30* to 100* Fahrenheit, and snow fall can be in excess of an inch per hour. I live about 100 to 300 feet above the rest of the city, so lots of hill climbing. First trip of the day usually only lasts 10 minutes and it’s mostly just coasting downhill at 60mph, just long enough to get the 5.4 up to temp in single digit weather, after that it really depends on what I’m working on that day. Some days I will just park it and leave it till quitting time, other days I will make many many short trips, 10 – 20 minutes long, 10-30 minutes apart.

1. How well does the 6.0 handle heavy stop and go? Better or worse then my 5.4?

2. I know diesels don’t like short trips, but given the fact it will never really get a chance to cool off will it be alright?

3. Are the fuel additives that important given diesel is B10 around here, I
understand the anti gelling in the winter, but what about in the summer?

4. I currently get 9-12 mpg city depending on the time of year, is it reasonable to expect an additional 4 mpg from the 6.0 under the same conditions?

5. Winter starting and driving. Chances are very good I won’t always be able to plug it in, can I rely on it to start consistently at -10*? How long should I let it warm up before driving?

6. Head gasket, injector and turbo failures scare the crap out of me, not so much the failing bit, but the costly bit there after. I’m hoping all the hill climbing will give the turbo some good exercise, but what about the other stuff? If I keep it stock do I really have to worry too much about it?

7. What other common problems should I be concerned with? Other things I should consider?

That’s all I can think of right now.

If at this point you find yourself asking why I’m even considering it, well I love diesels and the 05 generation super duty is just about the best looking truck to date in my opinion. So don’t judge :P

P.s. Storm, love your truck.

 

Your driving habits sound more suited to the V10. I have a 6.0L and if I hadn't gotten a steal on it I would have gone V10 because of my driving habits.