06 55k on it now, I love my truck. I too thought about a 6.4 but decided to keep the 06 I like the ability to mod and not completely void the warranty. Yes I have had 3 issues with it since new but thats the way it goes. I am going to be with this truck for a long time...I am actually hoping not to buy another truck unless something really bad happens.

The only issue I have now is the turbo sticking but thats self inflicted, shes not a workr bee anymore but it doesnt change the love I have for my truck.

Sarge

 

Let me say up front - some people do get trucks with reliability issues from the factory. Also - some people have issues that are made worse by poorly trained techs (or ones who are not meticulous). There are enough of these issues that make it VERY WISE to be strict with your maintenance. This will give yourself the best chance for success.

I do recognize that some trucks will give the owner issues even when they do the proper maintenance. A few of the reasons are:

1. Initially there were poorly torqued head bolts (maybe even manufacturing issues with the heads themselves
2. There was a bad batch of EGR valves
3. Ford learned how to improve the computers over time (flash upgrades improved the EGR operation, turbo operation, injector operation, etc)
4. Components were upgraded to improve reliability from earlier model year issues (brakes in 2005, injectors in 04 and 05, EGR valves, water pump pulley, EP sensor, harnesses and wiring bundles, power steering pump, VGT control valve, HPOP, etc)
5. Techs became more proficient with experience, but these are complicated engines.

That being said, there are many, many trucks on the road with over 100k miles and no significant issues. Sometimes this causes people to think that they do not have to be strict with their maintenance, so they skimp on fluid change intervals, choice of fluids, choice of filters, they don't let the vehicle warm up before loading it out, they idle a lot, or get lax on the source of fuel, etc. Maybe they can get by with it for awhile or maybe not. Since it is so expensive to work on these trucks, it is financially wise to be conservative.

Things that I am sure help reliability:
1. Good fuel
2. Proper fluids (oil, coolant, tranny, differentials)
3. Proper filters
4. Proper filter and fluid change intervals
5. Coolant filter (yes I personally removed LOTS of trash from my cooling system).
6. Routine inspection of the EGR valve - cleaning or changing if necessary,
7. Flash upgrade to latest flash
8. Do not run out of fuel - do not let it get much below 1/4
9. Keep the batteries and charging system healthy
8. Gauges (watch fuel pressure, boost and EGT's especially)

Things that probably improve reliability:
1. Use of good fuel additives
2. CCV re-route

Expensive things that improve reliability:
1. ARP studs
2. EGR system delete and proper custom tuning
3. ITP return regulated fuel system

There are probably others, but I am convinced that doing the cheap and easy maintenance things (first list) should give most people a great, reliable truck.

 

Bought mine totaled with 12000 miles, put a new cab and bed on, the only thing I'v done is take it to get new updates haven't had a problem since. I'v got 56000 miles now

 

Mine ran awsome for 2000 miles had it fixed then ran awsome again untill 22000 had it fixed then ran great till 34000 had it fixed then ran ok till 90000 then had new heads put on it twice cause the dealer sucks then ran ok till 112000 mile then new injectors then ran good till now at 115000 mile and still trying to find out what the hell is wrong ! So i gues i dont realy have anything good to say about my pos truck ! Thanks !

 

Then you should not have posted in this thread and started a new one asking for some help...which we would gladly do. Sorry for your bad luck, I too had a "bad" one...but I think it was more the dealers fault then the trucks.

Sarge

 

My first truck was a POS but being the die hard ford fan that I am, I went for another one that is in my signature. I couldn't be more happy with this truck. It does everything I ask of it. From pulling tree stumps to hauling anything I can think of with ease. I wouldn't trade this truck for another, well maybe for the new 6.7L after its been out for a couple of years. If I had the money and know how I would swith out the interior for the 08 because that is the only difference on that truck that I like.

 

LOL!

Not laughing at your pain, but that's a funny way to put it!

Both my neighbors bought '04s, one had an Excursion and the other an F-250.

My neighbor with the Excursion filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and re-married to an '08 F-250. (his EGR cooler was bad and the morons fixing his truck all the time didn't know it and kept replacing the radiator)

My neighbor with the F-250 is still happy with his truck and can't imagine owning another truck. The funny part is all three of us are Chevy converts!

 

Mine's been fantastic; nearly 6 years and 63k (don't drive much but I drive it nearly every day). Just a couple of reflashes but no engine related problems. Does everything I need and then some.
I made the decision to marry her after paying her off - so she got "fixed" with ARPs and EGR block. I also did CCV reroute, coolant filter, and custom tunes. Happily ever after.

 

absolutlu right and i did post in another one but i had some good times with my truck and when im done with it this time its gonna be a bad mo fo fo sho!!!and that Dmax down the road will not know what hit him!!!
Russ Moore
camp Verde,Az
03 6.0 lariat moon roof 6 inc lift 35 inch tires arp studs afe intake and edge evolution !

 

^^ keep us updated on the build and let us know when you put a whoopin on that dura crap.

Sarge

 

74k on an '06 F350 6-speed manual FX4. Completely stock. Idles smooth, pulls hard - heck of a truck. Speedo gauge cluster somehow froze and broke coming over the pass from Steamboat Springs, with about 25k on it, and later that year I had the front stabilizer shock start to leak (a lot of rough oilfield roads in the Rockies...). Both were replaced under warranty with no hassle, and no other problems. Dealer maintenance every 5k-7.5k with full-synthetic oil change. Keep the RPM's up, don't lug it, use fuel additive and try to keep the short runs to a minimum, and I think everyone will get good service from the 6.0.

 

Good to hear about 6.0's that are running well. My 04 with a stick shift has 57,000 km on it (very low miles for the year) and runs great. Back in the late 90's when I had the 7.3 engined truck I used to check in on a Ford diesel forum and lots of p' & m' ing about that engine. Made me a touch nervous but treated the engine to regular clean oil, fussy about fuel, fussy about filter changes, avoid low rpm idles, and ran it with lots of rpm and no problems when I let it go with 320,000 km on the clock. I think treat this motor the same and I should be alright.

 

I love my truck no complants, I have replaced 1 egr valve,1 ficm but mine is a 06 with 111,000 on it.

 

My 05 still kicks butt. Love my truck. Seventy somethin Thousand Miles on the clock and purrin like a kitten.

 

97,000 just crossed the other day on my way back with a loaded trailer no problems at all.