ford f350 6.0

deerefan · Aug 4, 2011

I had an 04 and an 06 both with the 6.0. The 04 had some minor issues but the 06 was flawless. From what the Ford tech advised, you have a 50/50 shot with the 03/04s, but the 05s and up is more like 80/20.

gghb · Aug 4, 2011

anyone know whats the cut off date for the 03 6.0 have an july model 04 f450 that is developing injector issues ford tech says po didn't change the filters regulary

thanks Greg

Peacock · Aug 4, 2011

You couldn't give me a 6.0L truck. I've worked on enough of them from '03-07 to see what they really are. If it has to be a Ford, then the 7.3 is the only choice. Or you could buy a gasser and swap in a Cummins.

sandman2234 · Aug 4, 2011

Peacock said:
You couldn't give me a 6.0L truck. I've worked on enough of them from '03-07 to see what they really are. If it has to be a Ford, then the 7.3 is the only choice. Or you could buy a gasser and swap in a Cummins.

If that is what your going to do, then why not buy the six point nothing and when it goes out, drop the Cummins in place of it. Staying with diesel makes fuel changes easier, plus radiators and battery boxes and a host of other reasons.
Just remember, the Cummins exchange requires several things, a donor engine, a boatload of money, a good mechanic, and a lot of downtime with your truck. Other than that, it is a piece of cake...
David from jax

SLHawkins · Aug 4, 2011

Of your two choices, I recommend going with the 7.3. The 7.3 (powerstroke or otherwise) is a great motor. Although, the 'powerstroke' 7.3 (94 1/2 through '02) will run circles around the IDI 7.3s (badged 'turbo diesels'). But, again, both are great workhorses and very reliable. I had an early '94 turbo diesel and an '01 powerstroke. The '94 just couldn't pull the hills. My '01 cruised at 70 mph with a 29,000lb load all day. Only on the steepest of grades would I have to drop out of 6th, and even then, still pulled the grade at at least 55 in 5th. Yes, stay away from '03 and '04 6.0 liter powerstrokes. I know a fella who had a fleet of them and they stayed in the shop. If you can find a later model 6.0 powerstroke, you'll do ok. I had an '06 powerstroke. It too would run all day with a 29,000lbs load. However, I always felt it worked harder at it than the 7.3. The 7.3 felt always felt like it wanted and could do more. I think Ford actually held back on that motor.

chrisdvorak · Aug 4, 2011

I am now rethinking diesel and unless I can find a 7.3 i'll stick to gas, what are the good gas engines in f250/350 ? I am not going to use it to haul everyday but I want it to easily pull round bales and my compact tractor (not together)

Diamondpilot · Aug 4, 2011

chrisdvorak said:
I am now rethinking diesel and unless I can find a 7.3 i'll stick to gas, what are the good gas engines in f250/350 ? I am not going to use it to haul everyday but I want it to easily pull round bales and my compact tractor (not together)

Ford V-10 hands down is the best gas engine ever put in a pickup followed by the 8.1 GM V8. The 3 Valve motors are better. That will put you 2005 or later.

Chris

Wolfy · Aug 4, 2011

5.8L V8, 5.4L V8, 7.5L V8, 6.8 V10, all good Ford Motors. The 3 valves do make quite a bit more power. Be sure to check the manifolds, however.

PoorMansCat · Aug 4, 2011

I would have to agree with others, I have some experience with the 7.3 and a little with the 6.0 and 6.4....
While the 6.0 and 6.4 can be made extremely reliable, it take $$$$ to do it... If you are jsut wanting a part time puller, find yourself a 7.3 turbo diesel,. hp will vary with year, but all are relatively cheap to repair, extremely reliable even with high miles, and aren't prone to sudden catostrophic engine failures...
I would suggest you find an older Dodge with the Cummins, but if its like this area, GOOD luck!!!... Finding a 12v or 24v Cummins for sale is more rare than the elusive "Snipe"!!!

Diamondpilot · Aug 4, 2011

pilot-werx said:
would like to see a picture or video of this 25000 lb load going down the road....

I will take one this fall when I pull it from the lake. 25,000# from a dead stop on a 30 deg boat ramp. Pull it at 55 mph 30 miles to the storage barn. Walks up the ramp in 4 low.

I guess you live in town or something. I can drive 10 miles from my home in any direction about any day of the week and see someone pulling a big load with all three makes of trucks. Nothing to see a guy around here pulling a dozer or a BH on a Pintle trailer.

Chris