You dont have to do head studs on a 6.0 unless your wanting big HP and use a tune that will boost over about 29 psi. I have 210k on my 6.0, no studs, no HG issues and I run a mild custom street tune.
The cost of bulletproofing is all in the labor. If you can get the EGR off yourself and install a delete kit, your only out a couple hundred bucks. The do a coolant flush and change it to red ELC coolant. Another $150.
Done.

Why not get a trailer?

True, but many 6.0 end up with HG failure even without tunes and thus one should set aside (or at least expect) another $4-5k (or half for DIY) in repair cost should it be needed.

This is the best idea in my opinion. Having a pickup is great, but the EX with a trailer is cheaper, and more useful IMO.

I dont know of a single one. To say "many" is a stretch. Of course any engine can have a failed HG for whatever reason but the #1 cause of 6.0 head gasket failure is excessive cylinder pressure from custom tunes. Factory tuning simply can not lift a head.

I didn't tune my 6.0 until after I had my HG and studs done. I had replaced the oil cooler and the EGR and still had coolant stains all over the engine compartment. So now you know at least one...

I used to flip cars and trucks a few years ago (check out my profile) but the X I paid cash for and never had any intention of selling. The only reason I put it up was just because the first day I had it I was overwhelmed by the size and thought I would never get used to it and was afraid to drive it. I put it up for sale and the wife took the keys to my Blazer. I had to run to the store and so the X was the only real choice, never had an issue since. I drive this thing like a little Miata now :D I do NOT have money for bulletproofing/rebuilding/head studs or anything of the like. I have no way of doing it myself to be honest, I can work on my 5.4 a little but am much better suited at 4cyl, old school import trucks and turbine engines (seriously). The EGR I can probably handle but other than that I'm out. I would really like a diesel but I am not going to go out on a limb and risk what I have for it, my 5.4 is nice :) I think I'll have to pass on this one unless there is something to save it. The overwhelming response on here speaks for itself!

Just got a few pics via email from him (Kinda small and not very detailed really) and a brief description so I thought I would post it up:


2003 f250 lariat, 4x4, 6.0, 152k, bed liner, tow package, leather, Michelin tires, 1/2 tread or little less, no issues what so ever with the 6.0, I know some people don't like that engine.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...s56293f29.jpeg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...sabe33402.jpeg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...s1162051e.jpeg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...s7349199b.jpeg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...scc74ff2f.jpeg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...s50dcdd71.jpeg

Whew, good job guys, nice stick save.

We kept him in the "fold."

The fact that their small phone pictures and that he didn't take any of the rear seats, back of the truck, bed of the truck is a little odd. If it was as nice as he claims it is he should be taking all the pictures he could.

Welcome back to the dark side, MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Shouldn't diesel be the "dark side"?

Yep, and the only one. And you know for sure it was a blow head gasket causing the degas bottle to puke and not just the weak cap?

No pics of the engine bay, probably because there's coolant residue from boiling away. I would never touch a 6.0 unless I had detailed paperwork showing what was done, there's too many variables with no history.

Good call on keeping the EX, most places now rent 6x12 Dump trailers for hauling dirt, rocks etc.

Unless you absolutely need a 4x4, your 2wd 5.4 Ex is a good vehicle. If you really need more power, just re-gear it to 4.30 and keep stock size tires. It will have plenty of power. There is nothing wrong with a 5.4 Ex. Especially when it's paid for.