Modifying a diesel pickup--what's allowed

[HGM]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

An '06 6.0 will run about the same as your modified '02 7.3 in stock form. The power curve with the Tq Shift automatic is awesome.. If you tow with it, you'll love it. I would drive one to see what you think, although there is nothing wrong with your '02. They will run allot longer than 60k miles. In fact, I wouldnt even concider one broken in untill 100k. I would like to see you buy a new one if thats what you want, but I would continue driving your '02.. Thats just me I guess. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

I agree with HGM. The 06 with that torqshift tranny and integrated brake controller is an awesome combination, when it run. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif With the 7.3 you only had between 210 and 235 stock with 400-500 torque. I used to chip, gauges, whole nine yards with the 6.9 and 7.3's. But stock right out of the box the 6.0 would do better than the 7.3's with all the goodies.

I had two 6.0's and Ford bought back both of them. Running, gunning machine when it ran. Unfortunately that usually wasn't for very long.

 

[plumboy]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

Cowboydoc,what went wrong with your 6.0's and what years did you have?

 

[jcmseven]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

I will probably wait until later in the year to decide whether to trade or not. I hear that Ford is updating the F series HD substantially in 2007. I believe they have the engine issues with the 6.0L ironed out with Navistar. I personally have heard of no engine issues with the newer 6.0L engines. It is interesting to me, being a numbers kind of guy, why Ford seems to be letting the other "big two" outsprint them in the advertised torque and horsepower game. I do agree, it is a case of "one upsmanship" but it draws attention to the competition. For me, the advantages of Dodge would mainly be the optional navigation system with a disadvantage being the four speed transmission. For Chevy, the advantage would be the 360/650 Duramax in the new models with the disadvantage being the uncertainty surrounding GM's future. For Ford, the advantage would be the 5 speed auto and the trailer brake modulator, at what on paper seems a slight disadvantage to the others in power output. I recall seeing a Ford sales video though last year that was shown to some salespeople at a product meeting. The video showed an F350 dually compared with a Chevy and Dodge, which I believe both were rated for more power, pretty easily outperforming them, both with and without trailer. Who knows about the authenticity of this, but it was a sales video and not meant for public consumption, so I suppose Ford would not mislead its salespeople, would it??? I drove both a Ford 6.0L and Chevy last year, mainly to keep updated. My initial impression was that neither felt as torquey as my 7.3L, but each drive was less than 20 minutes and neither really tested any limits.

John M

 

[HGM]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

To your first point about '07... The most I can say is yes, there will be conciderable changes. Should be a really good thing.

Each has its own good as you said. I have driven the new Dodge and of course all the PowerStrokes and no Duramax's.

Without disrespecting or insulting Dodge owners out there, its still a Dodge. Meaning its simple and functional, but quite utility feeling to me. The Cummins runs very well, just mated to a slug of a trany. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

The 7.3L had gobbs of low end Tq. It was a very good engine, severly detuned to put it in the F-series. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

The 6.0L is a high reving "race" diesel. It turns 4,000rpm and builds most of its Tq about 1000rpm higher than the 7.3L.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif This has proved to be an issue for the manual trans guys, gota rev them up to get the power... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

The Torque Shift trans mated behind the 6.0L is just a perfect complement. A very comfortable truck to drive as well. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

There have been some issues with the 6.0L, unfortunatly some have been magnified by lack of experience working on them. For the most part, most issues have been addressed and are fixable. If the tech you have working on your truck is experienced, you'll have the truck back in a reasonable amount of time and likely fixed for good. Maintnance is a major issue. I've stated this several times before, but the fuel filters must be changed regularly at least every 15,000mi. The oil must be changed at your recomended interval, 5000mi(7500mi light duty) or 200hrs. Dont let it idle longer than 5min at a time...I would recomend not modifying this engine control system or intake, because of issues it may cause. Basicly, drive what you bought and dont race to keep up with the Jones' and you'll have a good truck.

I have not driven the Duramax, but have spoken to several on the service side. They too are not flawless.. They have had issues of their own but seem to be getting a grip on it as well. Just a side note, I have a friend that used to do the Ford Chevy thing with me years ago. He always had the attitude that he would NEVER drive a Ford. Guess what he's driving now..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

With '07 regulations coming, you'll be seeing allot of changes in diesel technology over the next few years. Some of them are very different than we have ever seen before. But they will be getting much cleaner and quieter than ever before..

 

[cowboydoc]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

<font color="green">I believe they have the engine issues with the 6.0L ironed out with Navistar. </font>

I would HIGHLY disagree with this statement. That 6.0 is a nightmare and no they do not have it all straightened out. I had two bought back within 6 months of each other. They were both 05's. My other one was an 03 that wasn't bought back but that I traded on an 05 because of continued problems and the same statement, "it's all worked on the new ones". Sorry but it isn't. I know several people with these trucks that have had nothing but problems. Three other guys I personally know have had theirs bought back as well. Just go to this site. There are several other sites just like this one with the same results. I was a Ford man all my life until this motor. I wouldn't trust it to go for groceries. Like I said in a previous post it's an AWESOME combination when it runs. When it runs though is the key statement. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[HGM]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

I'm not denying problems. I agree there have been some. I cannot explain wht you have had the luck you had. I too know guys that have had lots of issues, but on the other hand there are at least as many if not more that havent given any trouble. Some fleets I have spoken with that are diligent about their maintenance have 200k on their trucks. Its hasnt been a flawless trouble free launch like was expected, but they have a much better grip on it now. I wish I had the number of trucks built in '05 handy, I remember it was some rediculous amount. My point is that with so many trucks produced, unfortunatly the odds of recieving one with a problem goes up.

Again, I dont know what problems you had with yours or what was done to them so all I can say is sorry for the concerns you had.

As for these websites, with all due respect, you need to take this stuff with a grain of salt. Those that speak the loudest have troubles, many are self induced(I'm not implying yours are). At dealers we found out long ago that the happy customers quietly remain happy, unhappy customers never let you forget it. I'm not trying to change your opinion, just giving another perspective for the others to think about.

 

[jcmseven]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

CBD,

My understanding is that Ford/International made a number of running changes to the engine to address specific problem spots. In AUTOMOTIVE NEWS two issues ago, there was a well-written article cataloging the tech bulletins about the engine. There were something like 70 for it, v. 0 for Dodge and 5-6 for Chevy. Those tech bulletins have largely subsided now, and the changes seem to have helped. In an informal survey of parts and service guys I know who work at some pretty large Ford dealerships, the number of problems on average has declined dramatically. Unfortunately, if you are the one with the problem engine, your incidence is 100%. There were some really disturbing stories noted from the 2003-2004 and early 2005 models though.

John M

 

[cowboydoc]

Re: Modifying a diesel pickup--what\'s allowed

Guys with all due respect there are still tsb's and fixes coming out all the time. This engine is far from being reliable. No doubt there are problems, that's to be expected. I have researched this alot and kept up with it all and there are still alot of people with alot of problems and ALOT of unresolved problems. And guys you are talking to a dyed in the wool Ford man. I lived and breathed Ford trucks and mustangs, BTW the new mustang is a work of art, but that engine just is not reliable.