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

2003???

Run - don't walk - from that model... MUCHO problems with the first year's and early-built second year's models.. They only became relatively decent during the late-built 2004s... My previous truck ('04 F-350 DRW CC LB PSD) dumped the turbo at 11K, but once that was replaced it ran perfectly for seven years.. BUT - I had a EGT and trans-temp gauge installed in a cubby mount under the dash so I could keep track of temps.. I did NOT EVER consider putting a chip in it - that was a sure-fire way to have problems and void any warranty..


Bad seals, bad turbos and fuel problems nearly made the 6.0 as popular at the old 5.7LD that GM had in the '70s...

If you're really looking for a PSD, get an '05 or '06..


added: (then I read further and found out you're towing a 19 footer)..

I shoulda read more first..

???? A puny 19 footer?? You can drag that with a Civic..

You don't need a diesel for that Les - seriously.. Most F-150s will tow that w/o a hiccup - just check on how they're set up.. You'll save a lot of headaches.. Anything over 5K, (if this is a TT ) make sure you have an anti-sway hitch installed..

My '11 6.7 PSD is rated to tow a 26K 5er.. My 30' 5er now is a 12,500 GVW camper.. I'm looking to trade it for a toy-hauler of 35' and a max GVW of 16,000.. This truck won't even know it's back there.. Saw one beauty at the RV show in Murderapolis on Saturday..

A 41 footer - max GVW of 19000. And a pricetag of $111K..

completely agree- one of my cousins has been pulling a 30' Jayco (not a fifth-wheel) all around the country with an F150 for the past six years since he and the wife have retired. He gets all of the factory tow gear and Reese hitches, and has had no problems whatsoever. I think he trades every couple of years since there is a Ford dealer owner in the family back in Ohio.
I've kept my 7.3 only because it's paid for, runs great, and pulls well when needed. I certainly wouldn't buy a 6.0 PSD- equipped Ford, especially for what your towing requirements are. The newer F150's are great trucks and will work just fine for you.

I know a couple people who had '03 6.0 trucks and had problems, but I had an '04 and '06 F350 with that motor and put over 100K on both with absolutely no issues what so ever.

I am currently driving a '09 F450 with a 6.4 and have 80K on it with no problems.

I have heard of good and bad in every brand and with every motor.

The early 6.0 had some injector problems. I haven't experienced them. I love my 6.0 F350

I've had 2 and driven thousands of trouble free miles towing my 36 ft fiver on both. No complaints here.

Hey Les, just get what you want. Want a Diesel, buy a diesel.
You may not have just a 19'er with growing girls in the future.

The 7.3L was a better engine, specifically in the fuel economy & longevity areas. That said, I've a 6.0L which has been 'ok' but did have more problems which were corrected under warranty than the 7.3L. Right now given the cost premium on diesel I wouldn't purchase a diesel pick up unless you really need the pulling power as with federal clean air requirement and low sulfur diesel most don't give the fuel economy earlier models did. My 6.0L does NOT give the fuel economy that my 7.3L did. My (albeit limited) experience for what it's worth to you.

My buddy had a 05 6.0, he put 2 transmissions, 3-4 turbos, a few EGR's, and finally the head gaskets let go at just over 100k. He finally gave up on it on sold it. He was pulling a 4k delivery trailer around town, not much of a load for a 3/4 ton. Normally they get 200k-250k out of their trucks.

My dad has a Ford 3/4 ton with the V10 gas and has had very few issues at 100k. Good truck, bad engine.

Stopped buying Fords when the went away from the 7.3.

Life is too short for all the [bleep] produced by the 6.o.

For everyday work trucks that actually get used every day, the 6.0 is a good engine if it's been worked over. I would look for one that's had the bugs worked out.


The '08 6.4L pickup has already been worked over and should be good to go(still under warranty).


The '03 has run great all Winter. Rear lug nuts on the duals will work loose though.

Agree with others about gas/diesel. 10k loads and under, stay with gas.

A hundred yards from my front door are around 12-14 trucks. All GM.
Engines range from 4.6 v8 to the Duramax. Years from '04 to '11. 1500's to 5500's.

Loads avg. 5k to 20k trailers.

No more Fords or Dodges for me. Been there, done 'em all.
Overall cost per mile( fleet use) GM wins, by a lot. The little crap is a pita. Headlights, door locks, window cranks etc. Something every day.

In the last 8 year the GM's have lost one cam(4.6l) and 2 injectors in a '04 Duramax.

I have driven all of them and for my personal use, I go with Toyota.

I have several employees with Dodge and Fords and every week or so someone is down over a trans or something.

I tried a 6.0 for about 6 months and traded it in on a 3500 Duramax.