IslandRidge
IslandCruiser23
A little unfair statement. This does not apply to all 2003-2004 ford trucks with the 6.0. Most have been fixed by now, either under warranty or with programming updates or just better fuel quality with USLD.
Full-size camping/towing/house chores/daily driver rigs
- Thread starter dennisuello
- Start date
A little unfair statement. This does not apply to all 2003-2004 ford trucks with the 6.0. Most have been fixed by now, either under warranty or with programming updates or just better fuel quality with USLD.
RocKrawler
Supporting Sponsor
I dont know about that, in 05 the bugs were pretty much worked out, but those have a reputaton for a reason... all the more reason to go with the 7.3L IMO which has a rep as a generally bulletproof setup. I agree with the interior being rather boring, my boss has a 04 2500HD and the interior is very nice - but its an IFS with an Isuzu DuraCrap motor (didnt GM learn about aluminum heads on an iron block with the Vega?), and like my buddy says - "you hear plenty of stories about Ford's 7.3 & Dodges CTD hitting 500K+ miles, whens the last time you herd that about a GM diesel?" As I've stated on here before he has a 2002 F350 7.3L PSD with over 890K on the original motor!
bajajoaquin
Adventurer
Although a noob, I'll agree here. I've got a 2003 6.0, and it had an early issue with the flash, but that was fixed about 80K ago. I've got 95,000 miles, and I'm still really pleased with it. It's been reliable, fuel efficient, and powerful. My only problem isn't with the engine: I wish I'd bought a manual transmission. I like to shift.
psychohawk
Observer
Agreed. I have a 2004 6.0 that had the top end rebuilt under warranty @ 30k (previous owner, heavy 5th wheel towing). I have currently have 70k and not even a hiccup. Also if of concern, you can have the the cylinder head studs upgraded during the rebuild to ARP studs; most dealers will use these parts if you supply them.
Also, my own experience, "reliability" depends largely on the driver. If you "drive it like you stole it", chances are you'll have reliability problems. Before I bought my Superduty I had a H1 with the "dreaded" GM 6.5 and cracked #8 cylinder problem ... I just took care of my truck and never had a problem; purchased @ 25K miles, sold at about 80k miles.
Carl
PS Oh, I just measured my wheel base, was curious ... ~141", maybe 142". It's a extended cab with short bed.
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bigdieseltruck
Observer
With Chevy you get a car-weak IFS, with Ford you get a "Bud Lite"-duty diesel engine. With Dodge you get a true medium duty engine (Ford uses this in their Medium duty trucks, not 250s and 350s, or even 450s), extremely strong AA&M axles (who said these were weak? the front will only bend if you you get massive air time, ie jumping the truck), a solid medium duty manual trans (Mercedes Benz Med Duty truck), and the same xfer case as the Fords (although with a worse design than Ford: slip yoke).
But since you said the Quad Cab, like mine, is too tight, I would also suggest the Mega Cab. Very comfortable and with a 2006 or early 2007 Mega Cab, you can get it with the tried and true 5.9L w/o the DPF or EGR. Also this is the same platform Dodge uses for the Power Wagon, and I have witnessed firsthand how the Power Wagons fare at offroading. Nothing GM or Ford or the Import brands can come close to for a fullsize offroad model (F150 Raptor is a Desert Racer, not a crawler). If you don't absolutely need a diesel, a used Power Wagon would be an excellent choice.
If the Dodges are completely out, then a good 2nd choice would be what most folks have already said, leaf sprung, 7.3L powered Ford with the ZF manual.
-Chris
But since you said the Quad Cab, like mine, is too tight, I would also suggest the Mega Cab. Very comfortable and with a 2006 or early 2007 Mega Cab, you can get it with the tried and true 5.9L w/o the DPF or EGR. Also this is the same platform Dodge uses for the Power Wagon, and I have witnessed firsthand how the Power Wagons fare at offroading. Nothing GM or Ford or the Import brands can come close to for a fullsize offroad model (F150 Raptor is a Desert Racer, not a crawler). If you don't absolutely need a diesel, a used Power Wagon would be an excellent choice.
If the Dodges are completely out, then a good 2nd choice would be what most folks have already said, leaf sprung, 7.3L powered Ford with the ZF manual.
-Chris
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charlieaarons
Explorer
Nobody makes lockers for the AAM axles used with the diesels. IMHO a big problem.
Charlie
Charlie
bigdieseltruck
Observer
ARB makes an airlocker for the front 9.25" AAM and you can use the powerwagon E-locker as well.
ARB said an airlocker for the rear 11.50" AAM is coming this year.
So, not much of a problem for long.
-Chris
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IslandRidge
IslandCruiser23
The 7,3 had its share of problems also.. and it did not have emissions to deal with, which was most of the problems for the 6.0 in 2003 and 2004.. Either engine would be a good engine, just need to be aware of the differences --> this is a great site to get info on both engines.. http://powerstrokehelp.com. the owner has a 6.0 with a bunch of miles on it (over 750??) it has a great section comparing the 7.3 and the 6.0 http://powerstrokehelp.com/PSD_common/6vs7/1of6.asp -- well worth the time to watch these videos..
Let me know what you think..
Capt Sport
Adventurer
I've got an 05' Chevy Extended cab Short box 4x4 and love it.
What cracks me up about what's been said is how weak the IFS is. Is a solid axle stronger? Yes. But how the hell are you guys using your trucks? Mine has never saw "air time" and never will. However, I regularly pull my enclosed trailer with a total all up weight of 12k without a problem. I've pulled out struck cars/trucks, had it offroad but lets be serious these trucks are not rock crawlers, that's what my Jeep is for. And, IMO if you use your truck as it was intended you can't beat the IFS, it's more than strong enough and the ride blows solid axle fronts out of the water. Which is a consideration if your going to be on the road for long periods of time, I've driven my across the country in 4 days and have taken several 1000 plus mile trips all quite comfortably.
The interior of my Chevy is like sitting on the sofa in the living room compared to a Ford, way more comfy. Ford's interiors suck across the board and have for a long time, hard square cushions. And my extended cab Chevy has more backseat room compared to the Dodge crew cab. Ya can't beat the Allison transmissions, and the Duramax has proven it's reliability, it's built by Isuzu which has been building diesels as long or longer than Cummins.
All that being said. IMO, all of the Domestic diesel pickups are great vehicles, if you need a real truck there's nothing better. (Once you've had a diesel you'll never go back to gas) All of them have proven to be reliable, tons of them have made 500K plus miles of all 3 makes, sure they've all had hick-ups over the years of production but as has been stated they've been worked through. However, I think people need to be realistic about how you are actually going to use it. And, for me the most comfortable truck to live with day in and day out is the Chevy. Also, I get 21mpg on road trips running at 70 for hours on end, and 18 around town.
So, basically it boils down to brand loyalty, and comfort more than who has the best engine, transmission, axles etc. Not to mention what you can get the best deal on. Just my .02 cents.
What cracks me up about what's been said is how weak the IFS is. Is a solid axle stronger? Yes. But how the hell are you guys using your trucks? Mine has never saw "air time" and never will. However, I regularly pull my enclosed trailer with a total all up weight of 12k without a problem. I've pulled out struck cars/trucks, had it offroad but lets be serious these trucks are not rock crawlers, that's what my Jeep is for. And, IMO if you use your truck as it was intended you can't beat the IFS, it's more than strong enough and the ride blows solid axle fronts out of the water. Which is a consideration if your going to be on the road for long periods of time, I've driven my across the country in 4 days and have taken several 1000 plus mile trips all quite comfortably.
The interior of my Chevy is like sitting on the sofa in the living room compared to a Ford, way more comfy. Ford's interiors suck across the board and have for a long time, hard square cushions. And my extended cab Chevy has more backseat room compared to the Dodge crew cab. Ya can't beat the Allison transmissions, and the Duramax has proven it's reliability, it's built by Isuzu which has been building diesels as long or longer than Cummins.
All that being said. IMO, all of the Domestic diesel pickups are great vehicles, if you need a real truck there's nothing better. (Once you've had a diesel you'll never go back to gas) All of them have proven to be reliable, tons of them have made 500K plus miles of all 3 makes, sure they've all had hick-ups over the years of production but as has been stated they've been worked through. However, I think people need to be realistic about how you are actually going to use it. And, for me the most comfortable truck to live with day in and day out is the Chevy. Also, I get 21mpg on road trips running at 70 for hours on end, and 18 around town.
So, basically it boils down to brand loyalty, and comfort more than who has the best engine, transmission, axles etc. Not to mention what you can get the best deal on. Just my .02 cents.
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ujoint
Supporting Sponsor
I just watched all of the videos. Excellent info!! I'm gonna pass it on and bookmark the site!!
bigdieseltruck
Observer
The Chevys are definite plush and nice rides, but to get the most offroad, people tend to do a solid axle conversion on them. Doesn't mean you can't make them functional with aftermarket IFS lift kits, but for crawling, solids have flexibility and ruggedness by design. Plus, when it comes to big boost and high compression ratios, I'll trust iron block/iron head vs iron block/aluminum heads (as they to crack when uberstressed). Also I am a manual trans guy, and as good as the Allison is, I prefer a good handshaker :smiley_drive:, so it was either Ford or Dodge. From there it came down to a nicer interior vs. a robust medium duty engine that is easier to work on myself. I figured it was easier to upgrade the interior, then to do an engine swap. Plus I love the down low torque and inherent balance that an inline six offers over an eight, and to be honest, a big diesel truck is more about torque than revability (which is why the Duramaxes dominate drag racing). But you can't go wrong with any of the domestic pickups for all of the things listed above.
-Chris
-Chris
Overdrive
Adventurer
Naw, actually Isuzu was behind by about 17 years. :sombrero:
Isuzu's first diesel: 1936 (Isuzu formed as a company in 1933)
Cummins founded in 1919 building diesels under license from Hvid in Sweden, with Cummin's own diesel design in 1924
truck mechanic
Adventurer
My thoughts, Look around and see what is being used in the ruff and tuff comercial area. You see mostly Fords, got to ask your self why? I just had a 06 gm 3500 in my shop. The welded drivers side diff mount ripped off the frame. What surpired me was the lack of weld on the bracket. ( gm did cover repairs under warrenty ). As for Dodge , yes Ford used th 5.9 in med. trucks but gearing is huge in those. With out 2 speed rear you get power off the line or top end you dont get both. Stearling has come out with a rebadged Dodge, but have you ever seen one on the road ? You just dont see Dodges working for a living, again ask your self why? If I was me , and most of the time I am I would look for a 7.3 ford. And before any one gets upset about there 6.0s I own one, go get a 7.3.
Just my .02
Paul
Just my .02
Paul
Carlyle
Explorer
LOL, I have my share of issues with the 6.0, but I'll drive into the ground before I buy a '07 or newer truck I can't drive south of the border with the low sulfer diesel. I tend to agree, if I had a choice I would have a 7.3 Ford or one of the ultra high mileage older Dodges, less power, but way more reliability.
T
Totenkopf
Guest
I have a few 6.0L Powerstrokes, and one has had like 3 or 4 turbo replacements, multiple injector replacements, etc...I don't trust the engines, and I would like to do a Cummins CR swap one day.