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

[Lefty_Kubota]

keep the 7.3 powerstroke.. best one ever built..

over 300k on mine and still trucking

 

[Lefty_Kubota]

My old 7.3L runs great but I need more room and the truck needs upper and lower balljoints and front axle seals/bearings. I also need 6 new tires.

.

you could fix all that stuff, for the price of a few of those new truck payments..

 

[JSUnlimited]

you could fix all that stuff, for the price of a few of those new truck payments..

I could not agree more. After cooling off a bit, I broke out the service manual and began the task of planning the attack on the front end. Going to go ahead and replace the axle seals/bearings, ball joints, have the front springs re-arched or leaf added as they are sagging a bit, and whatever else needs done. I'll call tommorrow and get the tires/appointment set up. I do like my truck and she's still in great shape. It's nice having no payment! Besides we have the Suburban to haul all of us around.

Thanks guys....just had to vent! Now after that project is done I need to split my TC24DA as the rear main is leaking. One thing after another! $$$$$$$$$$

 

[Diamondpilot]

I know this post has moved down a few pages but.....

I attempted to test drive a couple of 6.0 PSD trucks and here's what happened....BTW I'm looking to trade in my '03 F350 7.3L Ext. Cab 4x4 DRW with 177,000 miles.

Victim #1 2004 F250 (6.0) Crew Cab Lariat 102,000 miles. VERY clean truck, however had a tear in the leather drivers seat. Would not start when I got there (about an hour drive). They called a week later and stated that they replaced the high-pressure oil pump, a couple of injectors, egr and reflashed the computer. They wanted $19,900.

Victim #2 Same exact truck even the same color (BTW happens to match what I already have). 69,000 miles and also SPOTLESS!. Has bedcover and power rear sliding window, otherwise loaded. Drove down the street and noticed a very loud fluttering sound (wastegate?) after letting off the accelerator (even after slight acceleration). When attempting to get onto the interstate I lost complete power, almost got rear ended by a Freightliner while trying to merge in. Pulled over and after cycling the ignition it started. I was barely able to get back out into traffic again when she quit. Coasted to a stop at on the berm and it was no go. The state patrol showed up and sat with me until the hook showed. Meanwhile my mother stopped to pick up my little boy who was with me. They wanted $18,900.

My old 7.3L runs great but I need more room and the truck needs upper and lower balljoints and front axle seals/bearings. I also need 6 new tires.

I believe I'll be looking at a few GM's. I'm so aggravated at this crap! My wifes Suburban has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.

Sounds like your old truck told the new ones to act up for it. Really, you have bad luck on test drives. I have driven junk and never had problems like you have.

Chris

 

[Builder]

I know this post has moved down a few pages but.....

I attempted to test drive a couple of 6.0 PSD trucks and here's what happened....BTW I'm looking to trade in my '03 F350 7.3L Ext. Cab 4x4 DRW with 177,000 miles.

Victim #1 2004 F250 (6.0) Crew Cab Lariat 102,000 miles. VERY clean truck, however had a tear in the leather drivers seat. Would not start when I got there (about an hour drive). They called a week later and stated that they replaced the high-pressure oil pump, a couple of injectors, egr and reflashed the computer. They wanted $19,900.

Victim #2 Same exact truck even the same color (BTW happens to match what I already have). 69,000 miles and also SPOTLESS!. Has bedcover and power rear sliding window, otherwise loaded. Drove down the street and noticed a very loud fluttering sound (wastegate?) after letting off the accelerator (even after slight acceleration). When attempting to get onto the interstate I lost complete power, almost got rear ended by a Freightliner while trying to merge in. Pulled over and after cycling the ignition it started. I was barely able to get back out into traffic again when she quit. Coasted to a stop at on the berm and it was no go. The state patrol showed up and sat with me until the hook showed. Meanwhile my mother stopped to pick up my little boy who was with me. They wanted $18,900.

My old 7.3L runs great but I need more room and the truck needs upper and lower balljoints and front axle seals/bearings. I also need 6 new tires.

I believe I'll be looking at a few GM's. I'm so aggravated at this crap! My wifes Suburban has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.

I know I'm constantly hounded by some here as a "Ford hater", but 2 years ago, I loved Ford and never thought I'd be driving a GMC, but I am. Prior to that, I owned a dozen different F-250's & F-350's.

Ford had the diesel truck market all but wrapped-up back in 1990-2000. They had almost no competition from GM and Dodge had a loyal cult following, but couldn't come close to Ford's numbers.

Things changed. The other 2 brands vastly improved while Ford got sandbagged with the 6L. First impressions are lasting impressions and the 6L started off with miserable reliability problems. They were fixed in a few years, but left Ford's reputation injured. Meanwhile, the other 2 seized the opportunity to steal sales from Ford.

IMO, the only thing Ford has left is their past reputation and their loyalists and a few advantages over the other 2 brands. They don't have the vast advantages they used to. Once you free yourself from brand loyalty and just buy the brand that suits you best, you'll leave yourself open to the problems that come with refusing to buy anything but one brand.

I suggest you go look at all 3 brands and buy the one that will get the job done for you for the least cost.

 

[Dargo]

I have to admit that once I had the competent Ford tech fix my issues that mine has been perfect since. I can't recall if I mentioned it in this thread or in another one, but I did go ahead and add a programmer to my truck. Believe it or not, part of the reason was due to the urging of the tech who fixed my issues! He wanted to "prove" to me that my 6.0 Ford would run as strong as the heavily modified Dodge I had. I've since sold the Dodge so I can't run them, but I will say that my first words after uploading the "race" tune were "holy s***!!" I have run my neighbor who has a heavily modified '99 7.3 and it wasn't even remotely close. That 6.0 really wakes up with a programming tune!

I have only put about 9500 miles on the truck since it was fixed, but I'm thrilled with it. Most pf the miles have been towing loads weighing between 15k to 20k. Fuel economy isn't much better than the Dodge but I have it running with similar power as I had in the Dodge. I don't at all regret getting the '06 6.0 Ford over the same year Chevy or Dodge. They may be fine too, but I like what I have and think it would have been a mistake buying an older 7.3 Ford as I considered. Like the older Dodge I liked so well, the older trucks from all makes seem to start having chassis components wearing out. I'm too busy, and have lost my patience, to do much wrenching on my own anymore. Besides, it gets expensive to keep buying the specialized tools needed. I may give a later update, but for now I'll give my '06 Ford a rating of two thumbs up.

 

[JSUnlimited]

Yesterday just may have been poor luck with the truck I really liked....it's the one that left my boy and I stuck on the side of the interstate. I still really like the truck and has less than half the mileage than my current truck. I called the dealer this morning and they are going to send it to a reputable diesel shop today.

Now I mentioned earlier that I was going to just keep the 03 7.3 and fix the leaks and get tires. I also said that it was payment free. Well I was thinking of something else....I still owe another 2.5 years at $190/mo. After talking to the wife about it last night, she suggested not putting any more money into the truck we have now and get the 04 6.0 only if the dealer can warranty what the heck is wrong with it. Although I like the F250 that broke down and the dealer is going to fix it, do we really need an increased payment (ends up being $325-$350/mo. for 5 more years)? AHHHHHH!!! Oh what to do? I'm stressing too much over this.

First pic is the current truck....03 F350 7.3 177,000 miles, paid off first half of 0012, $190/mo. Needs ball joints, front axle seal is seeping on both sides, have an injector dropping out when its cold, and needs all 6 tires. I can fix all of that. Otherwise in great shape and pulls outstanding. The room inside is tight but we always take the Suburban when we go together (1 child but working on more!). It is an XLT already has the gooseneck hitch.

Second pic is the one that I'm looking at and its the 04 6.0 69,500 miles....more payment and more time till pay off. It broke down, who knows whats wrong with it, they are supposed to fix it as mentioned earlier. It is a Lariat and I will need to put the gooseneck hitch in it.

I know that after reading this that you guys think I'm nuts. Oh what to do?

I'm still thinking keep the 03 7.3L, pull her in the garage and get busy turning wrenches. I just trying to think about long term results.

 

[Builder]

Trying seriously to be objective, I would avoid the early years of the 6L. If it looks like a duck, smells like a duck & quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck.

IMO, the only upgrade you'd be getting is that the Torqshift is an upgrade over the 4R100 (if you have an automatic). Other than that, there's not that much difference between them to overcome the extra cost and unpredictability you get with a "new" used truck.

If it was a newer 6L, I'd say it would be safer to go for it.

 

[RollingsFarms]

Trying seriously to be objective, I would avoid the early years of the 6L. If it looks like a duck, smells like a duck & quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck.

IMO, the only upgrade you'd be getting is that the Torqshift is an upgrade over the 4R100 (if you have an automatic). Other than that, there's not that much difference between them to overcome the extra cost and unpredictability you get with a "new" used truck.

If it was a newer 6L, I'd say it would be safer to go for it.

to add to what Builder said, i would avoid the 03-05 6.0 engines and see if you can find an 06-07 6.0. Ford had all the bugs worked out by then. go to youtube or either type in powerstrokehelp.com. this guy works exclusivley only on Ford diesels from the 7.3-6.4. he seems to know his stuff and from watching a few of his vids out of boredom, i've learned alot about diesels.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Another question I have is after coming out of a dually F-350 will a SRW F-250 do the job for you? I made the mistake and went from a 1999 SRW F-350 7.3L to a 2004 F-250 6.0L and it was not enough truck. The rear suspension just was not up to par to handle the loads I carried, 15,600# and heavier.

I still have the 2004 F-250 6.0L and also have a 2006 F-350 SRW 6.0L. I have not had one single problem with either truck except for a bad dash cluster on the F-350 that was making the fuel gauge read higher than reality. It was replaced and no problems since.

I am like Dargo and really like the 6.0. I have had a 7.3L and a Dura Max but I feel the 6.0 is a good motor and most importantly to me is its on the strongest chassis with the best looks and nicest cab interior. Both my 6.0's are pumped up to about 525/550 HP and give great economy (17city and 24highway) and terrific power for pulling heavy loads. Plus its just plain fun to run with a Trans Am.

Chris