Need some expert advice about 2003 6.0

[bikepharmer]

I have spent more than a little time searching (and the wife is a bit pissed about it), but I was hoping for some words of wisdom on my 2003 6.0. The body build date is 5/03, and the engine build has a date of 5/19/2003. I am the second owner, with the first being a close friend of mine who is very meticulous with his stuff. It had the buzz flash when I bought it, but as I am only 6 weeks from being out of warranty (only 36K miles) I had them go ahead and do the latest flash to get rid of it. I was told that the latest flash had some EGR updates as well, but that could have been just some BS by the service manager. No other mods, basically bone stock 2003 Crew Cab 4x4 XLT PSD

Anyway, I have been scanning the posts and May seems to be a "tipping point" about some changes done to the motor. What is the good, the bad, and the ugly as far as this particular vintage? So far (and knock on wood) this truck has been trouble free. I don't do any towing to speak of, maybe a small trailer a few times a year. I mainly bought it to have the larger cab and just have always liked the Ford design. There is potential to borrow a travel trailer from time to time, but it hasn't panned out yet.

Like I said, I am close to being out of warranty and am wondering if is time to move this beast, or just keep it and take my chances. Some insight to the habits of the 2003 would be great. I am well aware of EGR and EGR cooler issues, but seem to recall that the EGR delete was easier on the early models.


Thanks!
BP

[HeavyAssault]

I don't think there were any real changes that early to the 6.0L. You haven't had issues so why mess up a good thing. Maybe freshen up the truck with a '05 front end swap?

[blackout]

The other day I read the 'should I get a 7.3 or 6.0 thread' (I think that was the title), and there was a link to an utube series YouTube - 6.0 vs 7.3 POWERSTROKE FORD DIESEL 1 OF 6. Anyway, it was very interesting stuff. I would say it is a must see for you.

[FMTRVT]

What your thinking of is the change in injector spring and plunger design. The earlier trucks had a design that could be prone to ****ing the plunger, which would happen early in the motor's life. Your vintage has the second generation injectors which are fine. Sounds like you've got one of the good 6.0L's, like me. Stay away from power enhancements and you should be fine with normal maintenance. I'm at 115k with never having any issues.

[JIM_C]

What Jack said. If it's been maintained properly like you say then keep that up and it will give you years of good service. Mine is a May build 6.0; recently replaced the ICP sensor and IPR valve. That's it. Don't baby it but don't soup it up with hot tunes either. The latest flash is a good move - it really helped my cold starts.

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