I read this after researching and talking to a Ford Service guy who is a friend.
The 6.7L was designed specifically so that all major bolt-on engine components could be serviced without removing or lifting the cab.
What's deceptive with the 6.7L is that from an initial look, yes, the underhood packaging is quite overwhelming. However, once you remove the upper intake, the whole top of the engine opens up. It's quite amazing, so if your bored one day and have a few minutes...
Design for service was a priority when the 6.7L engine design was still a blank sheet of paper. Moving the fuel injectors outside the rocker covers, relocating the high pressure fuel pump to the front of the engine, eliminating the 3 bolt flanges at the turbo up-pipes in favor of an accessible marmon type flange/clamp design were incorporated to improve serviceability. The location of the EGR cooler assembly on the RH valve cover allows for it to be removed and on the bench in approx. 20 minutes if needed.
There are many other subtle details like thermostat access, engine sensor locations, the quarter turn (120 degree) oil drain plug or the label on the oil cooler to let you guys know that there's an internal fastener before someone tries to pry the cooler loose once the external fasteners are removed. These design aspects were incorporated to provide a highly serviceable engine package.
The only repair that cab removal is still the primary method (but not the only) is for a complete engine rebuild with either a long block or short block. The reason being that you can't lift the engine high enough for the cast upper oil pan assembly to clear the #1 cross member before the turbo hits the cowl.
However, there are situations where the cab is unable to be removed for major engine service. These situations typically arise with major conversions such as lift trucks or other instances where either a box, camper, etc. have been added that overhangs the production cab. In these situations the engine CAN be service without removing the cab but requires a little more service time as you must remove the upper oil pan first.
It's probably helpful to know that you can actually remove the upper oil pan without removing the engine mounts. This is quite nice as you need no upper engine support while working with the truck on a hoist.
