6.0 Heavy Hauler

HillcountryHauler · Mar 16, 2016

First post on forum

2006 Lariat Fx4
6.0 Crew Cab Shortbed
91,000 miles
EGR ******, Self Installed
SCT x4 - 65hp Tow Tune
4" Straight Pipe

This is my 2nd 6.0, I love the truck and the motor that runs it! I tow 12k multiple times per week, skidsteer with trailer, on a rear mounted hitch. I never modded or towed heavy with my first 6.0, but I hot-rodded and off-roaded the **** out of it and it held up fine.

I plan on putting some money into this truck, I'd like to see it make 500k miles if I can. What are some of the best reliability-driven upgrades I can put into this thing? I average 125-175 miles a day, only 75ish miles a week towing heavy. Lot of hills where I'm at, so I see studs/gaskets or a tranny in my near future.

What upgrades I can do myself in a weekend? I'm not afraid to drop a few dollars or tear my truck apart. I know my way around an engine, and have access to any tools I would ever need

6.0 Tech · Mar 16, 2016

First reliabilty mod should be a coolant filter if you aint got one yet. That takes about 20 min or so to install with installing all the fittings in the base and whatnot. I personally like the XDP one as its black, and replaces the whole degas to radiator hose, but the sinister one is the same style. Both seem to be the best for having to take other stuff apart.

Next, id do a factory oil cooler and head gaskets/studs, thats a hell of a lot more involved, but will help it live.

As with any engine as well, maybe more, maintenance is key, early is better than not. I do 5k oil changes with synthetic, and with a factory fuel pump was doing fuel filters every 10k instead of factory recommendation of 15.

valvetick · Mar 16, 2016

Get a edge to monitor or some type of monitor. Check your deltas, hpop holding pressure, fuel pressure, ficm voltage, and tear it apart and throw in studs and oem gaskets. Being a 06 throw in the updated stc fitting when doing studs and stand pipes. Check injectors make sure all o rings are good so no high pressure oil leaks or stiction. Also while you have it apart check to see if it has the larger upgraded turbo drain tube the 06 can have either depending on build date. Throw on a regulated return if you run a race tune or a blue spring update kit if your holding fuel pressure and just want to be safe. Ditch your plastic cold side intercooler pipe before it cracks with heat and age.

I have a heavy toy hauler so I threw in a snow plow fan clutch and wired it to the up fitter switch so I can lock up the fan before hitting a big hill never see temps over 215* with it locked in before rather then letting the computer lock it after it gets hot.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

HillcountryHauler · Mar 16, 2016

Great information guys, thanks! I'm definitely looking at hooking some gauges up, but haven't found time to yank the ex-manifold to drill/tap for a probe. The snowplow fan clutch is a pretty cool idea, I'm going to have to look into that one. Oil changes every 5k with rotella and all other pm done at home and per ford spec.

Had a powerstroke mechanic in Austin tell me to wait on studs till the gaskets go, but I'm not sure how I feel about that

valvetick · Mar 16, 2016

HillcountryHauler said:
Great information guys, thanks! I'm definitely looking at hooking some gauges up, but haven't found time to yank the ex-manifold to drill/tap for a probe. The snowplow fan clutch is a pretty cool idea, I'm going to have to look into that one. Oil changes every 5k with rotella and all other pm done at home and per ford spec.

Had a powerstroke mechanic in Austin tell me to wait on studs till the gaskets go, but I'm not sure how I feel about that

You can wire the stock fan clutch to manually lock as well I just went with the snow plow fan clutch because it stays engaged a little longer to pull more air through helps with A/C a lot! I'm located in the northwest corner of S.A. Over by Helotes where are you out of?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DEEZUZ · Mar 16, 2016

You won't make 500k or anywhere near that I will tell you that right now. If/when you lift the heads, and your serious about keeping this thing as long as possible, install new lifters and a new cam. Those tend to be the achillis heel of this motor.

HillcountryHauler · Mar 16, 2016

valvetick said:
You can wire the stock fan clutch to manually lock as well I just went with the snow plow fan clutch because it stays engaged a little longer to pull more air through helps with A/C a lot! I'm located in the northwest corner of S.A. Over by Helotes where are you out of?

I live in Austin, work in Horseshoe Bay/Marble Falls. I'm in SA all the time, near El Prado. Usually I'm in the bosses '16 F350 King Ranch when I'm down there though

HillcountryHauler · Mar 16, 2016

CTC DEEZUL said:
You won't make 500k or anywhere near that I will tell you that right now. If/when you lift the heads, and your serious about keeping this thing as long as possible, install new lifters and a new cam. Those tend to be the achillis heel of this motor.

I know 500k is a long shot, but I'd like to get as close as I can. Theres something about the 6.0's that I like more than any of the newer rigs

HillcountryHauler · Mar 17, 2016

52" Lightbar

I bought a CREE 52" radius lightbar on ebay for $170, if yall are looking at a cheap LED option there's almost too many to choose from. My question is, Has anyone had experience with mounting these on the door pillars of the cab? I've heard some not-so-great stories about keeping water from penetrating the weatherstripping while driving in the rain.

DEEZUZ · Mar 17, 2016

Ugh....

Nother bro bar install

HillcountryHauler · Mar 17, 2016

CTC DEEZUL said:
Ugh....

Nother bro bar install

B=D

HillcountryHauler · Mar 17, 2016

LED Bar not just for looks though, this will actually serve a purpose. I do a lot of late night hauling on backroads, it'd be nice to light the roads up and see deer from far out. That and late night pig hunting. This truck is no pavement queen... bruh