Okay, I have a 2001 F250 3/4 ton with a 7.3 that i've done lots of mods to and really enjoy. But, I'[m about to go full-time RV and need something with a bit higher tow rating and definitely a higher GCVWR. I'm looking at a 2 wheel drive DRW 2006 F350 super cab. But, I know early models of the 6.0 had issues with turbos, head gaskets etc.

How reliable have the 06 models been and what is their track record. People keep telling me to hang on to the 7.3 but I can't find a good f350 or 450 with a 7.3. Thoughts or suggestions on what to look for? I know an Oasis report is a good idea, any thing else?

Thanks - Mike

 

You need an oasis on the truck you want and read lots about what to watch out for. Only the 6.0 in the 03 and 04 years had problems, I think if you stick to 05 or later you should be ok. Its possible to get a problem child but check the oasis and you can avoid that. I have an 05 and have been very happy with it. Looks like you are do for a new truck so you can do some new mods anyways. The 6.0 makes probably about the same power you are making with all that work on the 7.3. So, when you do mods you have to be more careful. For chips and other HP mods I think you need to do head studs first. I have not done these mods yet but would like to chip mine but I still have some engine warrenty left.

 

thanks Mike, that helps!

 

From what I have seen the 2005 and later became much more reliable, and the 06 and 07 were even more reliable. Since you are looking at an 06 it seems to be one of the best years because most of the needed refinements were done by then.

I am quickly learning that the key to a reliable 6.0 is directly related to the dealership that services them. I had to go thru 3 dealerships to find one with REAL diesel mechanics that understand the 6.0. Ironically the dealership the prior owner used was one of the ones that didn't know it very well and my OASIS report shows it pretty clearly. That also brings to point that while an OASIS report is great to get, it may not tell the real story of whether it is a good truck or not. It usually tells you if the dealership that services it was or is good or not with 6.0 diesels.

An example is according to the OASIS report my 05 has had an EGR cooler once a year since it was new. The last one was just in June before I got it. This was just inexperienced untrained mechanics just throwing a band-aid at a problem because of the "buzz" about EGR coolers. Since I have owned it the last 3 months it has continually had a coolant loss issue and my fan would come on all the time and oscillate up and down, even at 70mph cruise empty on an interstate. Of course my local dealer checked and it test drove it said it is OK and said "that is just how the fans are on these trucks". Luckily this week I finally found a dealership an hour away that has 4 certified diesel mechanics (3 Master). After looking at my OASIS report themselves they were literally chuckling at what they saw. They got me right in and in less than a half day they torn into mine and found the oil cooler to be the root cause. They also said my fan coming on so early all the time and oscillating up and down was a clear indicator of an oil cooler issue. Since this problem had been ignored they are being very aggressive and replacing the oil cooler, EGR cooler, AND head gaskets along with new Fan clutch, new belt, belt Tensioner etc. (I also complained about occasional belt squeal with the fan running so much). The mechanic also called me personally today and TOLD me to order ARP studs and have them sent to him. He said I would be crazy not to do them since the labor would be free and everything would be covered under warranty (except of course the ARPs) . He also told me to get a 4" Exhaust for it because it would make the engine last longer. He said he would make sure he and the dealership had my back with Ford on the warranty concerning the ARPs and the 4" exhaust.. I LIKE THIS GUY and this dealership.. they will definitely be on my Christmas Card list this year :-)

The bottom line is find a good Ford "DIESEL" Dealership to service your truck if it is still under warranty and you will most likely have a very reliable truck.

 

Unfortunately the 03/04 were the worst, but there are plenty of the later models with chronic issues as well. Likewise, there are earlier ones that have done very well. Step up to the 6.0 craps table....

 

If you drive it frequently on longer trips with load you probably won't have problems with it. The turbo problems occur when you they sit for weeks on end and when they do a lot of short trips around town and don't get warmed up properly. EGR problems also occur with the short town trips.

 

i just picked up a 03 excursion with the 6.0 in it.. has 96k miles on it and it seems to be doing good right now, i did a little research before buying it but i got a good deal on it so i am hoping it isnt one with them problems, i am just going to do everything i can to take care of it and make it last as long i can...

 

when you get your new truck go to this thread and post your email or you can PM either myself, bismic or Sarge and we will send you some spreadsheets that bismic has put together with all kinds of information on the 6.0L. trust me when i tell you there is more information in these things than you could ever dream of. literally days and days upon days of reading and watching.

also with proper and regular maintenance these things will last you as long as your willing to keep it. there are are a few mods that you can do that not only give you a little power and better economy but also add to the reliability of the 6.0L. all of these mods are posted in the spreadsheets. let us know man and enjoy

 

MY 04 is running great I got 99,500 on her and the only that gone wrong is the EGR cooler at 98K. Some of the 03/04 are running great.

 

Saying that the 03/04 trucks only gave problems and the 05-07 didnt isnt a very good statement. I do however strongly agree that the 05-07 trucks have much less problems, and especially the 06-07 gave less. I did a TON of research before I bought my truck, and had determined that I was without a doubt looking for an 06-07 truck only. I ended up with my 06 that has a build date of 03/06 and have had zero major problems. Have a squeeky belt and or pulley that I cant get them to fix right, but thats not a huge concern of mine. I do have the turbo fart and am pretty sure the turbo is sticking, but when I get time Im gonna take it in and get that fixed as I still have PLENTY of warranty left. Only other issue I had was the CAC (charge air cooler) pipes seeping oil, they replaced them and cleaned it all up and its been great since. I do service my truck regularly, probably more often then I need to but its cheap insurance. Racor oil filter and motorcraft 15-40 every 3K miles, racor fuel filters every 12K miles. Replaced ball joints at about 40K miles, but thats not an expensive project and its something that you will encounter with any super duty, regardless of year. But being that your interested in a 2wd Im not sure if they have the ball joint issues like the 4x4 do.

 

If PastorMike is going to full time and pull a big trailer lots I think the drivability issues you guys are worried about like the EGR and Turbo are mostly going to be non issues. Given he is on the road, dealer choice may be tricky but like some have said, Master Certified Techs are the way to go. I do agree an 07 better than 06 better than 05 better than 04 or 03. That being said, the issues most have after 05 seem more to not working hard or driving enough. By hte way, an oasis on it with nothing but recalls is better in my opinion that one with stuff on it where the techs couldn't solve the problems. I would buy a truck with those issues resolved IF the solutions were found even if after several tries but I would like an oasis like for my truck a lot better. IT shows the recall to program, degass bottle, nothing but oil changes until I took over all serviceing. I guess the only other thing for Mike to think about is what kind of deal can he get on a new 08 loaded with what he wants versus used when he is trading in his 7.3? Seems some really good deals are out there.

 

Can I get one of these spreadsheets mentioned by mxer0022?
e-mail: pfouts_richard@comcast.net

Thanks in advance

 

I am also interested in the spreadsheets
usarmyfirefightr@aol.com thanks mike

 

pfoutsr and mikestoke,

just sent them your way. anyone else who wants them go to the link in my previous post so we don't get off topic here. no one likes a hijacked thread.

crap i just noticed that i didn't even put it up. here it is https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ew-owners.html

 

pastormiketkd

i agree with what's been posted above. have you ever drove 05+ 6.0 before? you will love the coil spring front suspension and torque shift tranny over the 7.3's. i know i did.
also if you are worried about reliability you can purchase and extended warranty that would cover the engine for 200k miles and 7 yr's. i think it's a good buy because almost any thing that goes wrong, injectors, head gaskets, egr, or turbo would cover the price of the warranty.

GOOD LUCK