Should I Trust My Tow Vehicle?

[Gabby1987]

There are good 6.0 engines and there are bad ones. We had a 2004 6.0 with a standard transmission that had 427,000 miles on it when we traded it in in 2014. Routine maintenance done at the dealer every 3,000 miles (some say that was a waste of money due to oil lasting longer now, but it worked for us old-schoolers). All filters, etc changed as recommended. That’s all that was ever done to it. We did use the truck though and didn’t putter around. Most days it had a loaded cattle or flatbed trailer hooked up and heading somewhere. Hated to trade it but it was time, we knew we would run out of luck on some desolate highway somewhere. And unfortunately Ford priced themselves out for us. Usually by 2 trucks at a time and 2 similarly loaded rams were $25,000 cheaper.

[Montana Man]

A friend lemon lawed his 6.0. That thing was a shop queen. After about 70k miles he got his money back, money for loss of use and legal fees. Ford settled the day before court to avoid the publicity. Too bad they drug people through knot holes all the while knowing they had a bad product. Too bad they didn't stick with the time tested 7.3. Some folks had luck, some not. Chances of success with the 6.0 are much less than the other two brands.

[indiana lineman]

I have an 05 F250 with the 6.0. Mechanic at work keeps asking me to sell it to him because he knows what it can do. That being said I’ve racked up over 200,000 miles on it. Driving to work and towing campers and dump trailer.
I will offer the advice I didn’t see in your description that you get an engine monitor. I use an edge insight touch screen. Money well spent too take the place of the gauges. Learn what to look for in the read out and you’re good to go.

[MikeRP]

I think you’ve spent a lot of good money. And if it tows well, keep it, the best time to get a new one will be near the end of 2022. Since you’ve bulletproofed it, I wouldn’t be worried about the motor.

There’s a a website on YouTube and he is experienced in these trucks and I’d call him and see if he recommends any other improvements. The YouTube site is powerstrokehelp.

When you do get a new one, you’ll be amazed. These new trucks are night and day difference since 2005 in safety and towing capability.

[mtjtb]

Sorry to hear your challenges. I have a 2002 F350, but it has the 7.3, which is a much more reliable engine. I bought it used in 2004 with 23,000 miles. It now had 285,000 miles. Do I need repairs sometimes? Yes. Has it stranded me anywhere, not yet.
I pull my 2015 3610RL from Phoenix to Denver to DFW and back a couple of times a year.
I know the 6.0 has been a problem engine from the start. But, you know what you have put into it, and I look at my truck as free. So, maintaining it, premeditated repairs and fixes are worth it to me, compared to a new truck. New is not possible for me.
Good luck with your decisions, a good emergency road service is worth the money.

[mlh]

I’ve had 7.3 a 6 and a 6.4. The 7.3 was my least favorite. The 6 was my favorite. I liked the way it ran stock. It liked to turn RPMs. The 6.4 I like because of the power, 600+ HP and over 1100 pound feet of torque. No it’s not stock. I’d like to have a new truck but I don’t need it and $80,000. That is 4 times what my home cost. 20k was a lot more money then than 80 is now so that isn’t a fair way to judge the cost.
Lynwood

[Hblick48]

Originally Posted by indiana lineman

I have an 05 F250 with the 6.0. Mechanic at work keeps asking me to sell it to him because he knows what it can do. That being said I’ve racked up over 200,000 miles on it. Driving to work and towing campers and dump trailer.
I will offer the advice I didn’t see in your description that you get an engine monitor. I use an edge insight touch screen. Money well spent too take the place of the gauges. Learn what to look for in the read out and you’re good to go.

I have a ScanGauge. I always monitor ECT and EOT. I'll go through other readings as needed. What else is critical to monitor.

[indiana lineman]

Watching your FICM voltage will help address any issues there. HPOP read as a percentage will help you watch the health of your high pressure oil pump.
Since they started putting these international engines in these trucks there’s a ton of good info to be had. Search in power stroke.org or some of the other power stroke sites. Lots to read and learn.
I also added the upgraded high pressure fuel spring from international.
I like to think I’ve done all I can to modify my 6.0 into a reliable puller and so far I’ve not been disappointed.

[Camp CA]

It is up to you. I nursed a 2002 F250 for 17.5 years with lots of repairs and transmission overheating . Best thing I did was sell it and purchase a lease return 2016 F350 DWR for 50% of a new one with 2000 miles on it

[Dave W]

It looks like you have done most of the fixes to increase reliability on that truck. Yes, there are other areas that might increase it even more. I would, though start considering to in the next year or so, start looking for a replacement as the value wont be going up while the cost of a newer one wont be coming down. A 6.7 is about as good as they get if you stick with a Ford with the 2015 being the significant upgrade year. Then there is that wife factor that needs to be considered ... but remind her that all pickup trucks, new or used, are at a premium for the unknown future due to shortage of electronic components.

[Chalkie]

Had a neighbor that bought a 6.0 and he had no problems but he did not pull "heavy" like we did. With our first 5er we had a 6.4 which I trusted until it blew the oil cooler. Fortunately we were able to limp to a spot where we could get a dealer to repair it. $2800 later I no longer trusted the truck and started shopping. I might add the wife did not trust it either.

So, go with what you think is right but bear in mind it is a 15+ year old vehicle and it might be time to think about moving on.