calling all ford owners

lucasland wrote:
I'm only interested in a ford. Please tell me what model/ year ford truck you use to haul your truck camper.

I'm looking at this used 2003 f350 dually, but i'm concerned with many negative reviews I've read about the 6.0L Diesel engine

I'm not sure what your budget is, but I'd either opt for a '03 or older 7.3 or an '11 or newer 6.7. The 6.0s can be quite reliable if they have been bullet proofed, but I'd avoid a 6.4 at ALL costs.

My previous truck was a '96 7.3. Although it didn't have much power, that motor never let me down, and the valve covers had only been off once around 100K miles to replace the glow plugs. I sold it last summer with 205K miles and it was still running strong.

My current truck is a 6.7 and it impresses me every time I drive it. The ride, quietness, and power are leagues above my old 7.3. The 6.7 is also proving to be a pretty solid motor; about as close to the reliability of a 7.3 as you'll get.

SidecarFlip wrote:
Navastar had the 7.3 down to a science. When Ford decided to build the 6.0, issues began.

The 7.3, 6.0, and 6.4 liter Powerstrokes were all built by Navistar. Due to the poor reputation of the 6.0 and 6.4, Ford decided to take the motor in house and designed and built the 6.7 that premiered in 2011 and is still in use today.

My 2005 F-250 6.0 was a great truck. It hauled my lance camper and then a TH FW for over 40k miles with never an issue. 2005 suspension was updated for heavier loads compared to 03 and 04 models. I am amongst the minority as I wouldn't run from one. Price is usually low enough that you can "bullet proof" if necessary. May also get one like mine that needed nothing. If I hadn't switched to the MH I would still be driving the 2005 6.0.

6.0 is a crapshoot. Some are fine some need work, Some stretch head bolts, some perforate head gaskets, some have EGR issues.

Myself, I prefer the 7.3 which I own. No issues whatsoever except the cold start turbo bypass which I eliminated with a Riff-Raff delete pedestal.

Navastar had the 7.3 down to a science. When Ford decided to build the 6.0, issues began.

Obviously, lots of people responding who don't own a 6.0, Ford, or ever did. Anyway, I currently drive a '10 F450 6.4 and did have a '06 F350 6.0 for 8 years. The 6.0 turbo vanes did rust once from sitting too much during one winter. Otherwise, no issues.

Don't go by what the youtube guy says or what the rv.net experts say. Instead, research Fords at Ford-Trucks.com or powerstroke.org. Even then, keep in mind that various engines go in and out of vogue. You need to look at posts from a few years ago as well.

All of the 6.0 issues are well documented. The '03 was the first year and had the most issues. However, it is possible to get a good one. '05 also saw a suspension change as well as other changes that make it better. If I was looking for a 6.0, I'd like for '05 or above.

6.0s hate sitting and like being run with fuel additives. The 6.0s are very easy to steal and don't have a chipped key. That's probably one of the biggest issues. Apparently, the thieves didn't get the memo that the truck was awful and not worth driving. :)

2010 F-350 Crew Cab, Dually, 4WD, Boss towing, full leather, nav, etc.

It was 2012 and my F-250 wasn't enough to park my 14,000 BBQ trailer on our mountain property. Went online and found that the 2013s were already released - at about $65,000! Then I found a small dealer about 3-4hours away with a BRAND-NEW, fully-loaded F-350 (the one I have) - only 25 miles. He had bought 6 exactly the same and had sold 5. This one attracted a lot of buyers, but they always ended up going new. He had to sell it to me for 3-year-old bluebook! BUT, I got all the warranties, etc. for a new truck! Got it for $45,000. Wouldn't have gotten leather, etc., but it came with the truck and the price was unbeatable.

Moral of the story - SHOP the INTERNET. :)

Bill

You may get a good 6.0 or 6.4 power stroke, but the odds are higher that you won't, compared to most all other diesel pickups in that era.
The remainder of the truck is tough as nails and it's valid argument that the 5 speed Ford auto is up there with the Allison at the time.
That said, if I wanted a fun screamin diesel to daily drive and wanted a bargain and the risk, I'd run a bulletproofed 6.0.

X2 what Ranger Tim says.

Ford diesel, 03-10, don't bother unless you are a mechanic or enjoy large repair bills, which your not or you wouldn't be asking.
There are 2 better options out there in that year range.
Ford gasser in that year range, go for it. No different considerations than buying any other older used vehicle.

Without being too pro or con I will try to give you good information in this reply. It is easy to slide into, "This is my truck and it's the best!" Feel free to PM me about it.

The 6.0 diesel is well documented. You can find tons of information on them at ford-trucks dot com. They have their own forum there and it is where most 6.0 owners hang. I work on my own motor and have enough info gleaned from the web that I can do almost all my own work on it. Often I choose not to, but I am armed with enough info I can keep the mechanics honest.

The 6.0 motor was introduced in 2003 and had significant problems that led to a poor reputation for durability. Most of these can be addressed by owners with repairs and upgrades. In the end most either love 'em or hate 'em. I really like my truck -- it has 180K and I expect it to go another 150K at least. That said, it is probably not a truck for those that have no access to a shop familiar to 6.0's or those who don't want to perform maintenance themselves. It is also a motor that requires monitoring for best results -- I use an iPhone app to watch my motor's vitals. This may not be something that you are interested in doing.

If the truck is available at a really good price (many 6.0's are great bargains because of the stigma) and has had specific upgrades/repairs done it can be a dependable vehicle. However, there are those who have had the truck and would never own another. Your outcome with this truck entirely depends on its maintenance record and condition of the motor, along with installing any proactive upgrades needed. Beware the 6.0 that has been chipped and run really hot and hard. They are tough but they do not like to overheat. The best scenario would be a motor that has been "Bulletproofed" and run with regular maintenance. Fluid changes including coolant are critical.

At issue with the 6.0 motor is its design that relies on an EGR cooler and an oil cooler that can cause problems that cascade to injector, turbo, or head gasket failure if not caught in time. Additionally, the 2003-2004 years had a weakness in the high-pressure oil pump. There are after market parts and delete kits available to address these problems, but these are not inexpensive repairs. I have spent almost $5000 over the life of my truck on this work, but about one third was labor costs. I don't find this excessive considering its age (eleven years). And it runs so well now : )

As far as routine maintenance, the 6.0 is a breeze to change oil, gas filters, and there is plenty of space under the hood to do the work compared to late model nightmares. I appreciate not having to worry about DEF fluid and exhaust systems that cost as much as another car. Trucks are getting so expensive they are requiring first borns as down payments!

Most folks simply avoid this motor and go with another. That's why 6.0's are easier to find and harder to sell. The older 7.3 is well regarded as is the gas V10.