Anybody here have any experience w/ Ford SD 6.0 PSD?

[Dargo]

I have the Tow Boss + 4:30 gearing on a dually, crew cab, king ranch 4x4.

Highway, unloaded at 72mph - 15 mpg.

Mixed driving, unloaded: 14.1

Loaded with a Bigfoot 10.6 camper: 11 - 13.5 depending upon terrain, wind and how fast I drive.

Heavily loaded: 2880 lb trailer with - JD 3320, 300cx loader, rock bucket, rear blade, box blade, and 600 pounds of material in the bed: 11.3 @ 72mph.

I thought I'd post a quick update on the truck. I have to say my compliments to swines. He was dead on for what I have experienced in about 3500 miles of driving. I tip my hat to his accuracy. I can also happily say I've had zero issues with the truck after taking it to the dealer who had a tech that is well respected for his knowledge of the 6.0 diesel. Besides running perfectly and delivering reasonable economy, it really surprised me when I towed a 20k load about 150 miles with it earlier this week. I did push in the "tow" button on the gear shift, but otherwise I drove it like normal with the huge (for that truck) load and it had plenty of power and handled the load well. After driving it a bit now I realize how much better not only the brakes are but also the ride and drive as compared to my older truck.

I was quite annoyed when I first bought the truck because research indicated to me that the 6.0 PSD was Ford's most reliable engine built in 2006. Even a quick look at Wikipedia will tell you that "in the 2006 year model the 6.0 had the lowest rate of warranty claims across the board for Ford Motor Company when compared to all of Ford's gas and diesel engines". I was not pleased when I had troubles right out of the gates when statistics and research told me that '06 was the best year for the 6.0 PSD. Perhaps now that I had a qualified and competent Ford diesel tech make the repairs it needed it will prove to be not only smooth and strong as I have already experienced, but also reliable.

Cheers and happy trucking to you with whatever brand of truck you drive!

 

[CJ4]

Dargo,

Read this post and the last reply was in August. I'm considering an 04 King Ranch with 104,000 on it and the guy says he just spent 2,500 on the EGR and oil cooler but he has had no other problems with it. I'm probably stupid considering this 04 6.0 but the truck is beautiful and more than half the price of a new one.

My question is now that you've had yours for awhile longer have you had any more problems?

 

[Dargo]

Dargo,

Read this post and the last reply was in August. I'm considering an 04 King Ranch with 104,000 on it and the guy says he just spent 2,500 on the EGR and oil cooler but he has had no other problems with it. I'm probably stupid considering this 04 6.0 but the truck is beautiful and more than half the price of a new one.

My question is now that you've had yours for awhile longer have you had any more problems?

Sorry, I missed this post. I read that most of the problems resided in the '04 model year, but other years obviously were prone to some issues. Really, other than the minor annoying issues I had right off, I'm extremely pleased with the truck. Although it had all the power I needed completely stock, I bought a programmer from a member here for my truck. Holy mackerel!! Talk about something quick and easy making a huge difference! I would have never thought that a nearly 8000 pound pickup could be made to run with a Mustang with just a bit of tuning. Doing so caused my one custom home builder friend who has an '07 GMC Duramax dually to go out and buy products for his truck. I never 'raced' him before, but I did let him drive my F350 after a custom tune was uploaded. He only asked what brand tuner I used and stated that his truck didn't run anything like that.

I'd say that I'd still be cautious with an '04 and want to see the Oasis report with everything that has been done to the engine. The top quality tech who worked on mine said that most Ford diesel mechanics are just cross trained to be able to work on a diesel every once in a while. He is a dedicated diesel mechanic...working at the Chevy shop of a dealer who owns multiple franchises. He's the one who told me that the 6.0 has a few problems that need to be addressed and then it can be a very powerful, efficient and reliable engine. His personal vehicle is an '06 King Ranch PSD. He has his pumped up a bit more than I ever would with tickets from 1/4 mile runs in the low 13 second range. I know he installed some different gaskets, did something with the EGR, something with the air intake and exhaust as well as ARP (?) head bolts. He admits that he drives his like a sports car and has never had a transmission or differential or other powertrain issue.

As I've stated before, I bought the truck because I personally preferred the Ford over the Dodge and GM offerings at this time. I've had both Dodge and Chevy diesels in the past. However, I drive the whole package, and not a particular transmission or particular engine that may be popular on internet chat sites. It was Ford's 'package' of drive, ride and overall quality feel that made me move to Ford this time. Overall, after the honeymoon, I'm still very pleased with the truck. I plan to run it 8 to 10 years like my last diesel and then compare what's available then to decide what I'll go with at that time. Good luck.

 

[deereguy]

I have an '04 6.0L and the EGR is a PITA. I was advised to not let the truck idle for more than 5 minutes or so, even in the winter and I find that hard to do. I would talk to the diesel mechanic that worked on the KR and maybe the dealer can type in the VIN and see what work has been performed on it. Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 1948-2009 Ford F150, Super Duty & SUV owners community and information source. Covers F100, F-150, F250, Bronco, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, Lighting, Escape and More is a helpful site.

 

[Dargo]

I have an '04 6.0L and the EGR is a PITA. I was advised to not let the truck idle for more than 5 minutes or so, even in the winter and I find that hard to do. I would talk to the diesel mechanic that worked on the KR and maybe the dealer can type in the VIN and see what work has been performed on it. Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 1948-2009 Ford F150, Super Duty & SUV owners community and information source. Covers F100, F-150, F250, Bronco, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, Lighting, Escape and More is a helpful site.

You know, when the trucks are no longer under warranty, I've heard that some of the EGR systems have gone missing. Before anyone goes nuts on the EPA side of things, I know of several guys opting to void their factory warranty on the '08 trucks to make the DPF go away. It's my understanding that some software changes can be made to turn off the EGR most of the time as well as changing the way the DPF works. Still, as long as they are there I also hear that those items are troublesome. With requirements now for diesels to emit no smoke and meet the same emission regulations as gas engines, these problems seem to occur with all makes. Isn't it the Germans who inject urea rather than fight some of the DPF problems. I know I've heard that GM has been considering urea injection for their Duramax engines. It sounds like a bit of a PIA, but it has to be better than clogged DPF filters and the extreme expense of scheduled replacement of those filters. I think I'd rather have to fill a urea injection tank every few thousand miles than have a DPF.

 

[CJ4]

Thanks for the info guys.

I talked to the service advisor at the Ford dealer that did the work on the truck. He immediately said "that's a good truck he's got". He went on to explain that the work he just performed was the "problem child" that they have experienced on these and after that is done, it should be ok" The owner also had ball joints and some front end work done which I will get all of these receipts. The dealer said they couldn't find anything else wrong with the truck.

I pulled a Carfax, for what its worth, and it only showed the items the owner mentioned being done. You gave me an idea Dargo, I think i'll call him back and see if his computer system will pull up by VIN all of the work that may have been done in the past. I wonder if that might pull up all work done at other Ford dealers??? That would be interesting.

On the chip issue, I don't care to have a "hot rod" but will these chips be harmful on anything???? Which brand did you get and how much? What did it do to your fuel economy???? Interesting. I may be asking for trouble but this truck is so darn beautiful I can't keep from buying it.

I'll keep in touch.

 

[CJ4]

Thanks Deereguy, what problems have you had?? Do you like your truck?

 

[ScottAR]

These comments are encouraging... I too am looking at trucks probably for the spring/summer.
I have heard of the EGR delete but am unsure of the steps...

Also, When did the torqushift show up? Six speeds are like hen's teeth seems like and
the 4r100 is not well liked in the heavy tow crowd around these parts.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I run Quadzilla in both my 6.0's. I have 3.73 gears and can get 17 average in town and on the higway no load 23.6 It pulls great and the power is unbelivable. It took my F-250 to the strip once and in 4 high it would run 14.1 in the quarter at 98mph. I have not had the F-350 at the strip but its slightly slower.

The Torque shift showed up in 2003.5 with the introduction of the 6.0. It was matted to the V-10 in around 2005 for the Superduty trucks.

Chris

 

[ScottAR]

So this '03 F550 I'm looking at could have it and it also could not have it... I'll have to investigate... Wish I could find a six speed and 4x4 and reg. cab in the same truck.