Tow Vehicle Advice

[captainchuck]

Gil, Your information is welcome and has been helpful. The F350 dully seems a top contender. We have yet to fully understand and evaluate the Dodge 3500. And a dual rear wheel is best for lateral stability. As we intend to visit some out of the way places most likely we will have a 4X4. At this point we will go for the short bed knowing it has limitations backing into a space and appreciate is does not give quite the ride of along bed. The handling characteristics in town are just too difficult with along bed. There will be times when my wife will be driving and this is a factor. What are your comments on the bed length? Your initial review was terrific, thanks again. My personal email is chuckhm3@gmail.com should you wish to reply useing that contact resource.
Chuck

[jesilvas]

I would love to buy a 6.0 if I had the time/money to fix it up good.
If you don't do maintenance like you should or want to spend that much money on diesels, the old 5.9 Cummins and 7.3 Powerstrokes would be the ones for you.

[caissiel]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

I would love to buy a 6.0 if I had the time/money to fix it up good.
If you don't do maintenance like you should or want to spend that much money on diesels, the old 5.9 Cummins and 7.3 Powerstrokes would be the ones for you.

2 things to worry about when buying a 6.0.

1. The coolant is red or if yellow there are no deposits in the expansion tank. Take it for a ride and check oil and coolant temperature difference at 60MPH. It must be from 5 to 15 DegF apparatus lower the better. I check many that are in range and I recommend switching coolant to Cat approved ELC coolant.

2. The Fuel Injector Control Module voltage is above 47 volts.

The rest of the truck is usually bullet proof. Capable of 23000 lbs GCWR.

I Monitor over 72 live readings with my ScangaugeII. At $160.00 its a must when buying any used vehicles. And have tested many other friends 6.0.s and recommended affordable repairs.

I have bought FICM repair kits for as low as $125 compared to fords $1200 quoted prices.

Like my previous 98 GM diesel it's a cash cow that for me has served me well for past 6 years.
Monitored six O's can be great without all the foolproofing read about. Besides studs only leads to more serious failures in the future.

One more thing drive it hard and do and do not idle it. I never worry about heat and cooling for me do not exist.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by caissiel

2 things to worry about when buying a 6.0.

1. The coolant is red or if yellow there are no deposits in the expansion tank. Take it for a ride and check oil and coolant temperature difference at 60MPH. It must be from 5 to 15 DegF apparatus lower the better. I check many that are in range and I recommend switching coolant to Cat approved ELC coolant.

2. The Fuel Injector Control Module voltage is above 47 volts.

The rest of the truck is usually bullet proof. Capable of 23000 lbs GCWR.

I Monitor over 72 live readings with my ScangaugeII. At $160.00 its a must when buying any used vehicles. And have tested many other friends 6.0.s and recommended affordable repairs.

I have bought FICM repair kits for as low as $125 compared to fords $1200 quoted prices.

Like my previous 98 GM diesel it's a cash cow that for me has served me well for past 6 years.
Monitored six O's can be great without all the foolproofing read about. Besides studs only leads to more serious failures in the future.

One more thing drive it hard and do and do not idle it. I never worry about heat and cooling for me do not exist.

If the dealer quoted you $1200 for a FICM, they are really bending you over. I just installed one and the price was $750. However I have seen on some diesel forums ads for bullet proof FICMs for 1/2 that. Not sure of the quality but interesting indeed.

BTW, the FICM was for a full FICM and not the half shell. I would not just install a half shell if I had one go bad.

[caissiel]

Originally Posted by jamesrxx951

If the dealer quoted you $1200 for a FICM, they are really bending you over. I just installed one and the price was $750. However I have seen on some diesel forums ads for bullet proof FICMs for 1/2 that. Not sure of the quality but interesting indeed.

BTW, the FICM was for a full FICM and not the half shell. I would not just install a half shell if I had one go bad.

These are in canada prices and I have to pay duties when I do order from US while core return cost is expensive also.
Ya there great reviews on BPD FICM's and the are better then OEM.

[jbenoit28]

I had my FICM rebuilt by Swamps Diesel for about $425 including shipping. They are very fast and mine is now working great after nearly two years.

[caissiel]

If truck needs glowplug on to start when cold like over 50f the FICM should be checked

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by caissiel

These are in canada prices and I have to pay duties when I do order from US while core return cost is expensive also.
Ya there great reviews on BPD FICM's and the are better then OEM.

Man, you guys get hosed coming or going.