2004 6.0L
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New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
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2004 6.0L
I own a STOCK 2004 f350 6.0L with 75,000mi on it and have never had a major problem with it (knock on wood). I never did an oasis report so dont know exactly where and when it was built. This forum has been a lot of help and I do the maintenance on this truck religiously, which seems to be a big part of keeping this truck healthy. I ran into an old guy the other day and he said he had a 03, which he used to pull a 5th wheel. Said it was the biggest piece of crap he ever owned and said I should sell my truck before it starts having problems. My question is, where does the 04 stand in the 6.0L pecking order? Was it an OK year and did they correct the problems with it? I know this forum has a lot of negative press about the 6.0L, however its a place people come when something goes wrong so it's expected. Just thought I'd post something positive for a change. I like my truck (for now) 
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Taylorsville, UT
Some things were moved around on the 04 to make things easier to get to, such as the ICP sensor. They moved that to the valve cover verses behind the turbo. But if it is an early year 04 it will be the same as the 03.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Boulder City, Nevada
I have an early model 04 and like you I worry about it. I have a full set of gauges and when the truck was about 4 years old I noticed the turbo was boosting more than 30 with heavy throttle. It ended up stretching the head bolts and with a month left on my warrenty the dealer did more than $5,000.00 in repairs. I did end up with ARP studs which I paid for. I'm happy with my truck now but like you I believe maintenance is the key to a long life. Gauges, a fuel additive, and synthetic oil would probably help too. I have read that the 03 and 04 have the best EGR cooler.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,890
Likes: 3,606
I have an early model 04 and like you I worry about it. I have a full set of gauges and when the truck was about 4 years old I noticed the turbo was boosting more than 30 with heavy throttle. It ended up stretching the head bolts and with a month left on my warrenty the dealer did more than $5,000.00 in repairs. I did end up with ARP studs which I paid for. I'm happy with my truck now but like you I believe maintenance is the key to a long life. Gauges, a fuel additive, and synthetic oil would probably help too. I have read that the 03 and 04 have the best EGR cooler.
This is some good advice!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
When your truck is warmed up, what's the temperature spread between oil and coolant? How about when your towing? I don't think the 03 EGR cooler design had as many issues as the later design, at least what I have read.
