Drove an 05 6.0 Ford for 1500 miles this weekend.

[curatchko]

... towing a 10,000 pound trailer.



All I can say is that it don't matter who says what about the 6 liter, or anything else about a Ford. The 05 ford PSD powertrain outclasses our dodge/cummins LIGHTYEARS!!!!



I'm pretty much speechless. Unbelievable power. That Ford had 50 miles on it when I started towing with it this weekend and after 1500 miles it's even better. Hooked up to the 10k trailer, that sucker would give my truck a run EMPTY. The acceleration from a stop puts you hard in the back of the seat with the trailer!!!!



That 5 speed shift is so perfect that I don't think there is any room for improvement. IT'S PERFECT.



If I were buying a new truck right now, it would be the Ford without a second thought. And I hate Fords.



The interior is nice... . but not as tight as our Dodges. The chassis is not as stiff as ours either. Front coil springs..... they're okay. Also not as tight as ours. The front end is sloppy and it did have a shimmy at about 75mph... felt through the steering wheel.

 

[lmills]

If loaded that thing will give your 04 a run empty, then you better get it checked out. I have a buddy with an almost identically set up f-350 dually, only difference is he has an auto and mine is a 6 speed. He couldn't pull our mountain at 65 mph with his dump trailer weighing in at 9,200. He was on the floor and could only hold 63 mph. I pulled the same mountain with same size load and ran 65-70 with ease when I was stock. They have a nicer transmission, but that is as far as it goes... period!

 

[curatchko]

If loaded that thing will give your 04 a run empty, then you better get it checked out. I have a buddy with an almost identically set up f-350 dually, only difference is he has an auto and mine is a 6 speed. He couldn't pull our mountain at 65 mph with his dump trailer weighing in at 9,200. He was on the floor and could only hold 63 mph. I pulled the same mountain with same size load and ran 65-70 with ease when I was stock. They have a nicer transmission, but that is as far as it goes... period!

Really... . my truck has no problems. Sounds more like your buddys Ford does though.



I was towing 10k through some pretty steep grades on 71 in Ky. from Memphis to Michigan. I had no problem GAINING up the grades to 85 mph... . it would go 100 if I wanted to be stupid. And it's with a 3. 73 gear.



I'm only stating what I've seen and driven MYSELF. I'm not looking for justifications, excuses, etc... . these are the facts. I've towed the same with my truck, a 600, and this Ford. The Ford rules that one... . bar none. It ain't just the trans. That engine is much smoother, and the trans alone isn't going to make it accelerate that much faster. Dodge needs to step up the program.

 

[RCCola]

What kind of mileage did you get out of the 6. 0?

 

[lmills]

Well the only problem with the 6. 0 L motor is, even though they might have most of the mechanical bugs worked out, they still have quite a few like my buddy's truck. Once in a while you will find one that screams and runs awesome. But a lot of them are flat. I think the best thing that happened to the 6. 0 was when international started to help ford with the programming. It isn't a fluke that international ran this motor for 2 years before ford and didn't have half the problems.

 

[CATCRACKER]

C,



say what you want i think ford builds a good truck but as far a diesel engines go POS... remember a rotary engine runs good also when new but wears out fast. the cummins engine is the man on the block with the biggest set of nuts make not mistake. the 6L will probably do the job for most and most will be happy with it but for those who have worked around real diesel engines its a fake. that is my opinion but i have been wrong before. this quote will tell you all



"when they put one of them powderfluff 6L's in a skidder then i might buy one"



what does that tell you i will never own one



found this at the ford website it could fill this page up with negative info that is coming from even the newest edition of the 6peter



2003 (born 2/3/03) F-450XLT 4x4 6. 0L diesel auto regular cab,10'dump body,12,000 lb Milemarker winch & ramps in bed. The best firewood hauler ever. {new turbo & sensors installed at 1500 mi. } [another new turbo at 6400 mi. ] {new MAP sensor at 9000 mi. } ~3rd new turbo and new wiring at 10500mi. ~ +popped intercooler hose+ 4th NEW TURBO AT 15000mi. AND AIC :-laf :-laf :-laf :-laf he idles his truck and it kills the turbo like i said POS

 

[y-knot]

Who cares about your buddies Ford, the poster was comparing a NEW Ford from the model year 2005.

I also have driven three new Fords, but unfortunately none were in the towing mode. The 5-speed auto is very nice, I like the way it shifts and downshifts very much, smooth and firm. From a standing start and under heavy throttle, the acceleration is awesome. You can break the tires loose at will. The new front suspension looks massive and delivers a very nice ride with a noticeable improvement over the previous models.

People can say what they want, but the NEW '05 Ford is a very nice truck. I looked under close to 15 of the new models, no leaks and they sound much better then the previous models did. They seem to have gotten rid of the loose marble sound. The power is very linear with no noticeable turbo lag, in fact it felt no like a supercharged vehicle very strong right off the bat.

Something that impressed me was the 19,200lb towing capacity, wow the Dodge is only capable of 16,300lbs. That is a huge difference and a very big advantage over Dodge.

Thanks for the report on your towing experience, I think it will be appreciated by many who tow for fun or profit. I am also glade for Ford, they have had a rough 2 years with the unavailing of the new6. 0L diesel engine. That combined with this shaky economy we have, has put Ford in a bit of a hole, they deserve the benefits a good truck will bring.

 

[mcoleman]

They must have made major changes in the programming if it felt strong on the bottom. The 03 and 04 6. 0s were sick until well over 2000 rpm and would require lots of shifting on the 6 speed to maintain speed on hills. I found 3 of them that I drove pulling horse trailers to be this way. My 99 with the comp in EZ mode and the DTT transmission would also walk all 3 fairly easy on the hills.

 

[CATCRACKER]

truck is nice transmission is nice but the engine is a POS as far as diesels are rated. i had a winch truck pass me up the other day vt365 on the side of the hood pouring black smoke out all the way down the highway. stuck vain on the turbo not doubt my lawyer buddy had his 2004 lemoned b/c of you guessed it the eingine. what else can i say the ENGINE is a POS truck i likey. They have had over almost 3 years to work bugs out and guess what they are about to change to a 6. 4L from what the rumor mill is saying good luck to Ford i dont want them to create bad engines... . but they are. 1 in 5000 might be ok but not 1 in 500. i guess i will dig up some more posts and put them on this board.

 

[curatchko]

Well, everything that I said, and I would STILL have a difficult time forcing myself to do it, but I would buy the ford right now. As I stated, I do not like Fords. As an example. I get A-Plan on Fords. I don't on Chryslers. I bought the Dodge.



But for someone on the fence, no brand loyalty, and no bad experiences from any of them, if they drive all 3, my money is on their decision to buy a Ford... . at least THIS YEAR.



One more comment though. My Dodge was 42k sticker. This Ford was on the high side of 49k.



One could do a lot with 7 grand.

 

[CATCRACKER]

I managed to blow up the high pressure oil pump at 2200 miles. I was pulling 29 ft. fifth wheel with two atv's behind up 6 percent when the engine died, no warning at all it was just like I turned the key off and would not fire again. So now i am waiting three weeks for a new pump.



--------------------

05 F350 srw King Ranch 4X4 psd auto esof cc sb Leer XLT 100 winter 04 295 2bh Terry fiver summer



another: (these are all 04's and 05's)



Burnt up a 04/04 in 10 minutes the other day, still waiting for why?



another: by 05250PSD

Got my truck back Friday morning and they told me i picked up some bad fuel along the way. It is now Sunday and i'm right back to where i started blowing huge clouds of blue and white smoke, what could be wrong??? Guess its going back on tuesday.



another:



am still waiting to get my truck back, it has been 17 days now. The dealer said they are waiting on the high pressure oil pump. The service manager is giving me the any day BS.



Dave



--------------------

05 F350 srw King Ranch 4X4 psd auto esof cc sb Leer XLT 100 winter 04 295 2bh Terry fiver summer



i think i will stop there you get my point or maybe you dont oh well some cant see the truth no lets do some more (all this with 5 minutes of looking)





another:

havent blown it up but at about 500 miles it started smoking a lot, blue and white smoke mostly for the idle time and then about 10 or so minutes of driving time... ... ... 2020 miles and still the same problem should i be worried?



this is what it leads to diesels getting a bad rap. . another:

I'm new to diesels and love the torque, but this if friggin' fustrating. When I need the power on the grades, I have to lay off or it will overheat



another:

True . I put the 500 miles on before towing & went camping turbo started making barking sound when lugging. So I took it to ******* (with 8000 lbs. camper)thay said turbo was over boosting to 27 lbs. Any body else had this problem ? BTY my 2000 would go to 35 lbs. & not make this noise. Thanks



--------------------

2005 F-350 DUALLY S/C 4x4 6. 0 PSD LARIAT Bright RED. B&W TURNOVER G. N. HITCH





i think i will stop there you get my point or maybe you dont oh well some cant see the truth

 

[JUeckert]

truck is nice transmission is nice but the engine is a POS as far as diesels are rated. i had a winch truck pass me up the other day vt365 on the side of the hood pouring black smoke out all the way down the highway. stuck vain on the turbo not doubt my lawyer buddy had his 2004 lemoned b/c of you guessed it the eingine. what else can i say the ENGINE is a POS truck i likey. They have had over almost 3 years to work bugs out and guess what they are about to change to a 6. 4L from what the rumor mill is saying good luck to Ford i dont want them to create bad engines... . but they are. 1 in 5000 might be ok but not 1 in 500. i guess i will dig up some more posts and put them on this board.

i had a winch truck pass me the other day with a vt365 in it {6. 0} . aint that sad, getting passed by a winch truck,no wonder you are ****** off at the 6. 0 engines or v8 diesels in general, cat cracker . and no i dont own a 6. 0 but my brother has one,and it will spank my 95 cummins and my 02 p stroke,it will also dust my uncles 03 ho dodge cummins when both are loaded. the 6. 0 had its probs just like the duramax has and the cummins is having as well,get over it and quit insulting the people who build these vehicles and the ones who spend in many cases,hard earned money on them,no matter the brand. and one more thing,if you think the upcoming 6. 4 engine is a replacement for the 6. 0,then you dont know as much as you think you do,it will be the same engine,just bored and or stroked...

 

[DPelletier]

... Hooked up to the 10k trailer, that sucker would give my truck a run EMPTY.

I realize you're only joking, but come on! Do you know how much more hp an engine would have to make to be able to run comparable 0 - 60 mph times at 18,000 GCVW vs. one at 8,000 lbs.

Obviously the Ford impressed you. That's good. I'll drive one before buying my next truck. Just don't be surprised when folks get defensive when you post things that are blatantly impossible (hyperbole or not!)



Dave

 

[jjohn]

Who cares about your buddies Ford,

I've read a lot of your post and replys you sure can be a caustic critter can't you y-knot :-laf

 

[Yo Hoot]

Randy at the Fall Brawl had an 04 dually/auto.



He let me drive it. Had a Predator tune.



I was super impressed with the whole truck. Ford has done a great job of tightening that thing up.



The power was real strong and shifting was precise. I was real surprised at the acceleration and crisp shifting. Crisp but not banging into gear at all. They did a heck of a job with the trans control. Makes my Dodge feel like old technology.



Randy said he was leary of the 03 model because of the problems but finally took an 04 on lease. He wanted me to see and feel what he has been experiencing. Really was impressed. For me to say that about a Ford is not easy.



No... I love my Dodge, it's not crude, but the Ford was a real eye opener to say the least.

 

[curatchko]

... Hooked up to the 10k trailer, that sucker would give my truck a run EMPTY.

I realize you're only joking, but come on! Do you know how much more hp an engine would have to make to be able to run comparable 0 - 60 mph times at 18,000 GCVW vs. one at 8,000 lbs.

Obviously the Ford impressed you. That's good. I'll drive one before buying my next truck. Just don't be surprised when folks get defensive when you post things that are blatantly impossible (hyperbole or not!)



Dave

I didn't say it would beat mine. I said it would give me a run. And I stand by that statement. I don't like it, but that's the fact. I am in awe over it's acceleration... . it literely puts you back in the seat... HOOKED UP!



Maybe he got some one off truck made for an executive... . :-laf

 

[Mike Ellis]

What grabbed my attention on the 2005 Fords is the commercial stating that their new Superduty has a 5,800 lb payload - pretty compelling for the folks who want to haul heavy loads like a big honkin' truck camper. My '97 has a payload rating of 4400 lbs and GVWR of 10500. An extra 1400 lbs would be pretty nifty.



As for the 6. 0 Powerstroke, the curves on paper for it and the Cummins are pretty darned close - they are both in the 300+ hp, 600 ft-lb torque class so raw performance should be similar. The transmission/rear end combo must be making the difference, perhaps the 6. 0 revs higher too. Shouldn't be THAT much a noticeable difference.



Are you sure the truck wasn't already chipped? Remember the post that was linked on here the other day, where the fellow on the Diesel Stop had chipped his Ford the day he got it, broke it, and then was denied warranty when he took it back to the shop with chip still installed. Apparently more and more people are slapping on a chip as soon as they take delivery

 

[curatchko]

Nope, no chips. We were talking about what chip to get him though...



On the truck itself, when I first started driving it, the thing blew me away. But after those 1500 miles I was much more impressed with the Dodge structurally, and in the suspension.



WE NEED THAT TRANS. I wonder if Ford wouldn't mind supplying Dodge with a transmission, and the program. :-laf

 

[opjohnny]

The competion is good for everyone, that means Dodge will up the anty on the 4th gen(I hope). We benefit. Built in brake controller and boost gauge are good ideas. Heck they could have sat pat but they are trying to improve, now if we could go back to 98 model yr emissions.

 

[DPelletier]

What grabbed my attention on the 2005 Fords is the commercial stating that their new Superduty has a 5,800 lb payload - pretty compelling for the folks who want to haul heavy loads like a big honkin' truck camper. My '97 has a payload rating of 4400 lbs and GVWR of 10500. An extra 1400 lbs would be pretty nifty.



As for the 6. 0 Powerstroke, the curves on paper for it and the Cummins are pretty darned close - they are both in the 300+ hp, 600 ft-lb torque class so raw performance should be similar. The transmission/rear end combo must be making the difference, perhaps the 6. 0 revs higher too. Shouldn't be THAT much a noticeable difference.



Are you sure the truck wasn't already chipped? Remember the post that was linked on here the other day, where the fellow on the Diesel Stop had chipped his Ford the day he got it, broke it, and then was denied warranty when he took it back to the shop with chip still installed. Apparently more and more people are slapping on a chip as soon as they take delivery

Mike,

I'm not trying to be argumentative here, but a couple of points. Payload (along with tow ratings) are useless numbers that are used only for advertising purposes. The only numbers that mean anything are GCWR, GVWR and curb weight of the vehicle in question. The GVWR of my '03 is 12,000 and I believe the '04. 5's are slightly higher (12,500 ?) so my truck already has a GVWR that is 1500 lbs higher than your '97.



I agree, despite all the banter, it is physically impossible for the 6. 0 PSD to give a new Dodge 600 "a run" towing 10,000 lbs vs. empty. Like you said the transmission may help a little as well as the extended RPM range, but we are talking incremental differences here, not "light years"! That is, unless Ford upped the power to 500hp for '05.



I like to think I am unbiased in all these discussions. I have owned 7 Ford pickups, 3 chevies and 4 dodges and always considered myself a Ford truck guy. After several major reliability and driveability issues on my 7. 3 PSD and after doing some research on diesel engines, I decided that the massively overbuilt Cummins was the engine I wanted. In reality this engine is overkill for a pickup truck, but then, I like overkill!

Competition is good, and I give Ford points for what appears to be a superior automatic transmission as well as their new brake controller. I've also always liked the ford bumpers and wheels much better than the Dodges. For me, the auto isn't a selling point as I don't plan on going back to an auto any time soon and the NV-5600 is still the best manual transmission available. Hopefully the Getrag will prove to be a good unit as well, but I hope to let others test the waters on that one first.

Ford may have one upped DC on the performance side of the equation, but I will withhold my opinion of 6. 0 reliability for a few years to see how they do. Where neither the Ford or GM diesels can compare is in longevity. The 6. 0 PSD simply isn't as robust an engine as the Cummins. Just the way it is. Whether this is that important or not to you as a consumer, only you can answer. To me it is. Y-knot is right, the Cummins' reputation is largely based on its strength and longevity. Despite comments to the contrary, the Cummins engine has suffered no major issues since it was introduced in a truck in 1989. To compare reliability and longevity of a 6. 0 PSD to a Cummins is a waste of time.



Dave