Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Thoughts on the Ford 6.0 Diesel

There's the important question.

Les,
Been driving a 2003 F250 with 6.0 for 9 years and have had no major problems. They did down rate the engine PCU the first time I took it to the dealership for service-which I never did again BTW-which may have contributed to the engine's longevity, as the down rate cut the HP from 325 to 260. It's still adequate for what I use it, but not the head snapping accel that it was prior to the "fix".

Ergonomically, the truck is the most comfortable pickup that I have driven to date, but I haven't been in a newer one recently, so they may have come up with something better. Plenty of room, comfortable seats, and buttons in easily accessible places. In all, I like the truck, which is good, because all the newer diesel trucks require the Urea "cat pee" injection system for EPA requirements, and that adds complications and cost-and the truck won't run without it, so I won't have one.

If the one at which you're looking has all the mx records and one owner, I would consider it a buy. If not, I would probably look to an earlier year model, or the same year with the 7.3L PowerStroke. The 7.3 is probably the best engine Ford ever put in a pickup. I had an '88 which I wish that I had never sold.

We drove by the Toyota dealer yesterday evening, I slowed down and said " I like that white Tundra" My little son (18 years old) replied that Ole Blue would probably still be going when that one died. Don't even think about it! 96 F-250 2wd Crew Cab 159,000 miles. Garaged and more cherry than most trucks that are under 4 yrs old. Batteries, oil changes, an alternator rear bearing, starter rebuild, had the transmission gone through while it was still OK in order to prevent major damage later on last year, carry a 10mm wrench and a $25.00 spare cam sensor. Every time I get to thinking about selling it I fix or upgrade something such as leather flaking on the top of the steering wheel (new ford piece $170.00 5 yrs ago), window tint dulling (replaced last year too). Factory CD player acting up (new Pioneer system about 4 years ago), faded TSC Tool box (put on a new Weatherguard). I run Optima batteries, Rotella Oil, Stock sized Michelin LTX's and all the thing does is go.

A friend at work had a 97 Super Cab 5spd he traded in on a Dura Max, traded that one it in on a Ford 6.4 Dually...told me two or three weeks ago he should have just kept the 97. Either of the two he replaced have spent more time in the shop than the 7.3 which was only once for a air box recall and a cam sensor.

I have heard bad things about the 6.0 but I think the way I take care of stuff, I would be alright. Maybe when Blue gets to 250,000 I'll consider replacing it or somebody has to have it more than me. I ordered it in late February 96 and it has been all over the country on vacation. Hasn't pulled anything large since I sold the 24 ft enclosed trailer and the rear engine dragster back in late 97. All Utility trailer stuff since I think but who can remember everything you do with a truck!

Especially this time of year.

I miss my old F150 for most things unrelated to work, way smoother ride. More like a big car compared to the F350's.


Blackie.

SamO;

Want another F150?

I have a 2000 7.3 with only 110k on it. Both inside and outside look almost factory new. Every so often I think of getting rid of it but then I think what it would cost to replace it.

I kinda got the maintenance thing down...still running a 1994 Ford Explorer with 315,000 miles on it and a 1996 F250 with 115,000 miles on it. 2004 F250 SuperCrew has 32,000 miles on it and never takes a short hop. Run Power Service in every tank of fuel and regular oil changes. No power chips as it has power to spare.

Two acquaintances on the Front Range had them as company trucks. They frequently made fast blasts up and down I-25, sometimes several times a day. Both engines cracked the blocks with less than 20k on them.

Conclusion was the engines weren't up to 80mph runs........of course Les, you would never drive 80mph.......


Casey

I want my wife to trade her Honda car off on one. But she knows I'd drive it all the time and get it dirty....grin

Only truck we(the fam) will own is a Ford. Local dealers are friends and neighbors plus Ford makes a great pickup.

Hey, my 2000 Silverado just clicked 200K no worries!

Highest maintenance cost, worst economy, and most down time of any engine I've ever had in the fleet. I thought the last of 'em were gone (thankfully), but danged if there isn't one left - in an '04 F550 service truck. That one doesn't get the miles on it that our day-to-day service trucks do.

The 6.4's -- which replaced 'em -- were equally as bad. I'm hearing (and reading) better things 'bout the current diesel, which I think is a 6.2, but I'm not wadin' in 'til they are proven.

In short from the last of the 7.3's ('02?), 'til now, Ford's diesels are a catstrophe looking for a place to happen.

My 91 Silverado had 285k when sold--I never opened the engine on that truck. Just the usual water pump, alternator replacement stuff....but the aluminum case tranny was junk.

96 Silverrado has 185K and the engine has been flawless too.

Now, my 01 Silverado only has 40k on it, so I'm withholding judgement........


Casey

Pre 2005 is better as the EGR valve problem is easily fixed in those models. Son-in-law has a 2005 that he left here as he is stationed in Korea which the EGR failed on. Put the blocking kit in it but the turbo failed 100 miles later. Pricey. I,m still driving an '02 Duramax with zero problems. Pre 2005 you can just unhook the EGR....

Be for pulling an 19 foot Camper.

6.7

It's freaking amazing!


(so far)

BTW - Les, it's about damned time you actually looked at getting a real truck.

Gonna keep my little Dakota, still really like that truck, but the camper is almost too much for it.

Look at your phone.

After my dad and I both got rid of our GM diesels, all I have are gas motors. My 01 GMC (I mistakenly called it a Silverado in previous post but it's a Sierra) with the 5.3 pulls my 26ft camper (probably 6k loaded) suprisingly easy even up here at altitude. MPG won't be as good as a diesel when towing, but otherwise everything else will be cheaper....a lot cheaper.

I've pulled three horses in a 4 horse trailer and was surprised how well it did too. My 5.3 is rated at 285hp. Empty on the hwy I can get 18+, even up here at altitude.

Casey

Les;

Just buy my F150, and you'll be fine...