Hello all...new to all the diesel stuff...learning about "deletes" and other modifications that I don't yet have a clue about. Interesting stuff...

So, a few months ago I was all set to run out and buy a used truck, but knew nothing about diesels, other than I was told I should get one to tow my new travel trailer. I consulted with a friend of mine who has been in the automotive world for quite some time to get some advice. I knew going in to it he was a Chevy guy, so I expected a skewed response, but his advise was a 5.9 Dodge, or an '06 Duramax. He said to avoid the Ford 6.0 and 6.4 at all costs...don't even consider a Navistar engine.

So, for a few different reasons I wound up "slowing my roll" a little, and didn't buy one right away. I've been doing a ton of research lately, looking exclusively at the Dodge and Chevy trucks as instructed. But everywhere I look, I see Powerstrokes...every RV park I go to is full of them, and I see them on the road all the time...so I figure they can't be all that bad.

So I did my research, and I understand the issues with the 6.0...I know they are not all bad, but I'm not willing to roll the dice on one of those. But what about the 6.4? I don't see that being such a big deal...from what I can tell there has been only one recall on these motors. I really like the Ford trucks in general...interiors are nice and I think the trucks are well built.

Is there a reason I should shy away from the 6.4? I read a lot about people who do all the deletes and programming, etc. That's not me...I want to buy something, do the required, reasonable maintenance, and just drive it...I'm not interested in modifying it...I'm looking at picking up a clean '08 with under 100K miles, and there are several nice ones out there. Is ther a reason I can't buy one of those, not do all all the common modofications, just maintain it and drive it, and be a happy camper?

Thanks in advance for your input...this has been a great site so far.

 

As long as you do the maintenance on the 6.4 you'll be ok, (1) Must drain the water out of the fuel every month {There is a little valve you open under the driver side of the frame} (2) Must only use ULSD, no "BIO-DIESEL" (3) Must change both fuel-filter no later than 15,000 miles (4) Must change oil every 5,000 miles. Do these simple things & you'll 6.4 will last

 

Perfect...just the info I was looking for. I appreciate the help!

 

I would definitely get a 6.4

Maintenance is key...

 

I have 6.4 it runs great! I really think after the 6.0 having so many issues I feel navistar and Ford Motor made sure they had a good engine. The Duramax is good Diesel however it is manufactured by Isuzu which is owned mostly by GM. Isuzu diesel I think and I am not sure but assembled in Japan. The Ford Truck is built better the Frame Rails on Ford Trucks are heavier and each model depending on Weight Classification the Frame is manufactured for the weight, GM uses the same frame rails on all there PU and uses heavy Springs and Shocks based on weight class.
I do not know much about Cummins but they have a strong name in Diesel Engines and I think most Dodge Diesel owners really are buying the Cummins Engine and not the Dodge Truck. At least the few Dodge People I spoke too.
Ford has the best looking, best Re-sale and sells the most Trucks I think that is all you need to make your decisiion.

 

Again, great info. I agree about buying the engine and not the truck. I never really thought about it that way, but it makes sense. I think I'll be looking for a 6.4 Ford and see what happens...

Thanks!

 

Make sure to ask for the MAINTENANCE RECORDS of the truck