problems with 03-04 6.0L and how to prevent??

[kofire]

Hi

I am just wondering what the major/normal problems are with these motors. I could probably dump about 3500 into one if the purchase price is right. I have heard head gaskets, head studs, trurbo problems, EGR problems, cold start problems. Is there anything else??? Would these problems be fixed with an aftermarket stud kit and head gasket?? Maybe an intercooler for the turbo and a block off kit for the EGR?? I am mainly interested because I think I can get one of these trucks for pretty cheap, I just do not want one that is unreliable. Thanks very much.....

[BigRed]

Head gaskets are known to blow... EGR failures happen... I think you would be pretty reliable with a EGR delete/ or removal and some ARP's! How many miles are on it and what do you plan on doing?

[kofire]

I wont buy one with over 50-70,000 miles. I am buying it to pull toys. Probably nothing over 7-8000Lbs. I also just like the full size cab. I am just looking to have a reliable truck that I can trust for long distance trips. It is also just a toy itself but I am not looking to get any crazy HP or 1/4 mile or anything like that. It will be a daily driver so I need to get as good of mileage as I can. I put about 12,000 miles on a year. thanks allot.

[stroken04]

some have injector problems also, i have 140K on mine still running strong

[Redneck47441]

Dont do alot of short trips and keep up on your maint. for example oil every 5,000,fuel filters every 10,000 use diesel kleen every tank.

[Justinlw]

The only problem I've had in 110000mi. on my early 2004 is the HPOP went out a few months ago (under warranty). I think I may have a bad injector also, but the truck runs great. I have also had DJ's Looney tune, AFE Intake, and straight pipe exhaust since I got it. I have a 3" lift with 33x12.50s, and I get around 16mpg daily, and about 19.5 on the highway.(21mpg with a good tail wind)