The 6.0L Powerstroke had some flaws. Basically, that EGR cooler caused cascading failures through the rest of the powertrain. However, there are a few basic fixes and maintenance items that make it just as reliable as the old 7.3s.
Another point of data: a contractor I hired to do some work for my firm had a 6.0L with over 300,000 on the clock--and he never pulled the heads.
This is a long read, but very much worth it:
http://www.dieselpickupproblems.com/60-Powerstroke-Common-Problems.html
My understanding was you really want the 99-03-1/2 7.3's. At least if you're going auto trans. The early autos had issues...the later ones were fine, though.
I had heard of the whole head-pulling thing on the 6.4's, with that insanely complex twin-turbo arrangement, but not the 6.0's. The 6.0 can be fine engines, but conventional wisdom is to EGR delete and fix the head studs.
I just bought a '00 7.3, crew cab/ long bed 4x4 SRW F350. It's been a good truck so far, a few niggling issues that I've been fixing as I drive it. The front hubs just needed to be replaced, I got aftermarket WARN hubs for $250 for the pair. They don't auto-lock like the factory hubs, but the factory hubs were $250 EACH and the vacuum locker thingie is a known trouble point.
Front ends need rebuilding periodically. Mine is getting a little loose so I'm budgeting for new ball joints in a year or two.
Mine had 147,000 on it when I bought it...it's at 153,000 now 2 months later. Paid $9400 for it- clean, rust-free southern truck.
I had a '92 Dodge with the 12V Cummins, and it was a great powertrain in a noisy, clanky, uncomfortable, un-wife-friendly and hard-to-drive truck. There's a reason so many guys are swapping Cummins 12Vs into Chevies and Fords.
Sky_Render wrote: http://www.dieselpickupproblems.com/60-Powerstroke-Common-Problems.html
Agree on that being a good read.
I have also looked at the 6.0 trucks as you can get newer cheaper based on the bad rap.
That said, I wouldn't daily one, so I'd probably just get an older 7.3 if I could find it, and if I wanted it to look prettier, bolt on the '05/'06 headlights and what not.
I have a few friends with 6.0 trucks, EGR deleted, and they love them. Anecdotal yes, but that's what it is. My uncle on the other hand, non-car guy, has a 6.0 that has been expensive and broken down a few times, new turbo at least once, expensive repairs, after reading the article I wonder what some of the root causes are really.
It'd seem that if keeping it stock from a tuning/boost standingpoint, an EGR delete and fresh oil cooler would go a long way in improving reliability.
Bullet proofed 6.0's are exactly that, bullet proof. Plus they get better mileage and have much better performance than the 7.3.
Not sure if you'd be interested, but they also made duramax vans that worked well, all you'll need for a duravan is injectors.
In reply to volvoclearinghouse:
They do it because they're fanboys......if only they knew the issues their precious 6bt has in anything heavier than a light duty pickup(agricultural)
gofastbobby wrote: Bullet proofed 6.0's are exactly that, bullet proof. Plus they get better mileage and have much better performance than the 7.3. Not sure if you'd be interested, but they also made duramax vans that worked well, all you'll need for a duravan is injectors.
Not if you get one with the LBZ Duramax (06-07). My Silverado has 446k miles on the original injectors. The original Duramax (LB7, 01-04) did have injector issues and most needed replaced every 80-120k miles. LLY (04.5-05) was better, and easier to change, but most will agree that by the LBZ that injectors are a non-issue.
Like I said, I had a 12V Cummins, and now I'm rocking the 7.3 Ford...and my next planned truck purchase (probably in another 8-10 years when I'm done enjoying the Ford) is a 06-07 Duramax. I'm not brand-loyal, I just want the most reliable beast for my towing/ hauling uses.
I've heard that a "fixed" 6.0 can be a better engine than a 7.3, but to my mind, an engine that out of the box just plain works and isn't reliant on aftermarket upgrades and fixes is the better deal. Besides, for the later 7.3's there's a ton of support, tunes, chips, etc that supposedly can give you even more.
I have never heard of any issues with the old 12V Cummins...that surprises me. Mine had 300,000 hard miles on it when I sold it, still running great and pulling 10,000 pound loads all the time. I'd have kept it, if the truck weren't such a POS.
That's a good point, they did make injector improvements over time. I'm not sure the van ever had the LBZ in it. I was thinking they were alll LLY's.
Sky_Render wrote: The 6.0L Powerstroke had some flaws. Basically, that EGR cooler caused cascading failures through the rest of the powertrain. However, there are a few basic fixes and maintenance items that make it just as reliable as the old 7.3s. Another point of data: a contractor I hired to do some work for my firm had a 6.0L with over 300,000 on the clock--and he never pulled the heads. This is a long read, but very much worth it: http://www.dieselpickupproblems.com/60-Powerstroke-Common-Problems.html
This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. While I really liked the 7.3 I used a couple weeks ago, considering the likely term of ownership (as long as possible) I'd like to start newer than 10 years old.
My budget isn't limitless, but I'm willing to invest in getting the right one the first time. I've now heard from a number of people with actual experience that a well-maintained 6.0 w/ head studs and an EGR delete is a solid choice. So they're in the mix at this point.
So, if anyone sees a nice 12 passenger XLT trim level diesel in either 2003 (7.3 + good brakes) or '06-'07 (Better 6.blow) - lemme know. Finders fee on the friendly buy you booze, machine you parts, weld your stuff basis.
Are you completely against the thought of a Duramax powered van? They are definitely worth a look.
Nope - I'm open to look at anything.
Duramax = GMC or Chevy or both? What's the equivalent to a 12 passenger E350 XLT?
motomoron wrote: Nope - I'm open to look at anything. Duramax = GMC or Chevy or both? What's the equivalent to a 12 passenger E350 XLT?
Both GMC and Chevy. The 3500 will be equivalant to the e350, but for options you may want to check here:
http://www.chevrolet.com/express-work-cargo-van/build-your-own.html?x-zipcode=32801
Edit...Looks like the the Express passenger LT diesel 3500 is the one you want. The build your own is kind of fun...turns out the diesel adds 13k to the msrp...damn.
Cotton wrote: Are you completely against the thought of a Duramax powered van? They are definitely worth a look.
The downside to the Duramax van is that you don't get the Allison.
No Allison would be a deal breaker for me.
Why? The 4L80E is a fantastic transmission, and with all the torque the dmax makes you really don't "need" the extra gears.
Damn!
Quigley. 7.3. Dually. Van.
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4128389564.html
HiTempguy wrote: Why? The 4L80E is a fantastic transmission, and with all the torque the dmax makes you really don't "need" the extra gears.
Like choosing between a 3lb sledge and a 5lb sledge to drive a nail. Either would get it done. 
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