Truck tool question... would you rather...

[IHMANKY]

Buy a used truck, say one-ton diesel and seem like a good truck but not know any history on it, OR.. would you rather have a truck that has records of being run through the shop the first 55,000 miles of its life for this, that and the other thing and seemingly no problems for the past 30,000 miles after? Also, for those that know the troublesome head studs on the 6.0 powerstroke, if a dealer reports shows head gasket replacement, would it be likely they would change the problematic head studs or would they just put the old back in?
 

[Matt VanAssche]

if it was under warranty it got the original equipment bolts. the real problem with those is the egr cooler and oil cooler if they have been replaced with the updated parts then you wont have any problems with the head gaskets
 

[Stephen Newell]

Neither. I would rather have a mechanic evaluate the truck as it is now.
 

[Butch(OH)]

I am a diehard Ford type but personaly I would own any other make gas or diesel before a 6.0 Ford. Spend some time looking for a nice old 7.3 or go 6.4 or newer.
 

[JD Seller]

I would own neither. That motor just about broke Ford on warranty repairs. I have heard it was a "Billion" dollars. Even with all of the "updated" parts and after market stuff they do not last.

Have several around here that the guys bought cheap because of motor problems. Then they spent big money on putting all the updates and mods on the motors. Not a single one of them has lasted more then 30K after having the supposed updated, fixed the problem parts installed. One of the guys had the local Ford dealer do all the work. He put 20K in the motor it only lasted a little over a year.

The head studs where only a small part of the troubles these motors had. EGR cooler being the biggest one.

I know there is an attraction because you can buy them way cheaper than any other diesel of that age. They are selling cheap for a reason.

I have thought about buying one and replacing the engine with a Cummins. There are several places that made the adapters you need including a wiring harness adapter. The problem these adapters cost around $7500 plus you have to buy a good used motor. It just does not pencil out cost wise to do it.

So If I where you I would buy an older Ford 7.3 or a newer diesel of a another brand.
 

[GordoSD]

When it comes to the 6.0, just say no. I told my friend AFTER he asked me about them to walk away. He didn't. He broke down three times pulling a 30 foot trailer a year ago trying to get across Texas. His wife made the decision after the third tow to the nearest Ford garage. Sold the bundle and drove a rental car home. LOL
 

[John A.]

IHMANKY, I too am like Butch We Bleed Ford Blue at my home as far as trucks are concerned! Either a 7.3 or the New Dsl. A gas of most any variety would be more reliable!. Right now My Gas pick is the new Ford 6.2 gas. A brute, beast, reasonable on fuel in a 3/4 or ton. The 6.2 has been out 2 yrs and have proved them selves so far. Some looking and you can find a gas to fit your needs if you go that way.
I missed a really nice 3/4, 4x4, reg. cab the other day with 75K miles for $18K.
No, I am not getting rid of My 7.3!
Hope this helps.
Later,
John A
 

[Bryan inIowa]

I have a 2005 lariet 4x4 dually 4 door sitting in shop now . Bank repo ,6.0 no start . Banker wanted me to get running so they can sell it ..Bad motor , 4 grand labor to install used motor ..No thanks ..to 14,000 they were asking turned into more like 5-6 thou,,still alot . 6.4 are no better .
 

[MisterT]

[IHMANKY]

Already got an IHC and a Freightliner. Just sold a 7.3
powerstroke and am going back with another.
 

[craigco]

While your replacing the egr cooler get a new high pressure oil pump installed also.They tend to eat the aluminum housing then your injectors quit working. Don't let the voltage to the batteries get low or it will fry the fuel computer. Always have about $4000 waiting for repairs, once it starts to go bad it doesn't stop. But the are a snappy diesel to drive, more like a gas then an 7.3.