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I am looking for a 7.3l but there are not that many out there. I am alittle scared of the 6.0l from what i have read. Are the 2005 6.0's any better than the 03 and 04's.
Some people say they are, but I think the reason for them seeming better is that the techs had by then learned for the most part what caused the failures and instead of just replacing the failed part they fixed the cause. There are still a lot who just keep fixing the failure and not finding the cause though. I would not hesitate to buy another 6.0 no matter what year it is. I drive a 2003 which has been great for me.
Many folks say the early 2003's are pretty darn good. Then some problems crept into the late 2003's and 2004's. Some problems were fixed and others were introduced in 2005. The 2006's and 2007's have been pretty reliable.
I have the info from the tech that posted this and will track it down in a bit. It had a few more details to it.
I work on these every day , I would own an early 03 model before an 04 or 05, I do less work on them than 04 mostly , but are not plagued with high pressure oil issues like the 05, I'll break it down even more by year and problems 2003 - rear main seal leak , some injector issues,an icp sensor may crack and leak also , the updates from ford have made better 2004 - several different oil leaks , some injectors issues , egr valve problems , a wiring nightmare , turbo sticking , head gaskets, egr cooler 2005 - every problems 6.0 ever had is seen in an 05 model, wiring problems were less than o4 but i do more work on 05 models than any other 06 and 07 , seen some slight problems but not bad at all.
If I remember correctly, the 2005 6.0 is hte last of the Excrusions so, if you want a diesel, then an 05 is going to be your lowerst mileage and overall better condition. I am sure there are problems with any truck, so buyer beware, get an oasis, car fax and really look at the vehicle before buying.
My 2005 SD has never had a problem and there are lots on the road with no problems with way more miles. I am at just over 50k miles with no troubles at all. I think if the oasis is clear, you should be good to go but thats a happy 6.0 owner. Also, you get the torqueshift 5 speed over the E4OD auto with the 6.0 as well. 320 HP, 565 Ft Lb versus about 230 HP and 450 Ft LB for the 7.3, 4 speed auto, its no comparison in my opinion. Also, the better front end with 2005 Ex.
My '05 has been trouble free. Get the Carfax and the OASIS. The Excursions had the same suspensions on the front right through the end of production at the end of '05 but the grill, bumper, headlights, etc. changed in '05. The power stayed the same on the 6.0 in the Ex. for all years - 325 hp / 560 tq.
My 2005 just did not hold up. Had it a year - then had to get a new one (current 06) after two and a half complete revolutions sideways down an embankment off of a wet highway curve going approximately 55 mph.
Very blessed! One small scratch. Left the house mad about some things that morning - learned that the things I was upset over really weren't that important in the overall scheme of things ..............
Sorry to the OP for the hijack. Back on the subject - I would try to get as new a truck as possible, but be sure to get an OASIS report as mhoefer said. Lots and lots of good 6.0L's on the road (and for sale).
Funny how that happens sometimes, isn't it? Been there, done that so I feel your pain. Actually, I really feel your pain. Back in '03, the wife was driving me back from outpatient surgery. I had agreed to go see the Doc on have your husband spayed or neutered day to save her having to. Got about 35 miles from home in a monsoon of a rainstorm and she hydroplaned. Hit a rock embankment next to the interstate at about 45 MPH head-on. Totalled our Tahoe. Told her that was one hell of a way to thank me! Would have been different if I had refused and she was trying to get back at me.
Sorry for the hijack also OP.
Last edited by powerstroke72; Mar 6, 2009 at 11:54 PM.
Reason: added info
Jason get the 05. Ours has been just fine. The most common problems are egr/egr cooler/oil cooler (normal for any year 6.0), the stc fitting on the HPOP and the HFCM. but more importantly you will get about 14mpg in the city and can run in the low 20's on the highway. Plus tow anything you want and have plenty of room for anything you want to carry. If i could fine a low mileage one i would get it in a heart beat.
I would get the 05. I have 126,000 miles on mine and it is doing great. The 2005 early production EXs have the 2004 engine. Look for a build date after late 1/2005 to ensure that you are getting the 2005 MY engine which has many improvements over the 2004 My engine.
thats what i will do then because i like the looks of the 05's
what mpg can i expect to get towing a 24' enclose trailer.
I here the 7.3l would get in the low to mid teens
thanks