for the ford guys

[rockyrude]

I am needing to upgrade to an f250 for my work, the 2000's are in my price range. It's way more than I need for towing my 4000 lb boat. It seems the only power these come with is either the v10 or the powerstroke. Would the fuel mileage of the v10 offset the added maintenance of the powerstroke?

 

[rbh]

Re: for the ford guys

I am needing to upgrade to an f250 for my work, the 2000's are in my price range. It's way more than I need for towing my 4000 lb boat. It seems the only power these come with is either the v10 or the powerstroke. Would the fuel mileage of the v10 offset the added maintenance of the powerstroke?

You can't beat the fuel economy and power you get from a "turbo"diesel when you are heavy hauling, diesels were made for torque not massive horse power (although that can be achieved)
For a major tune up you need
On a gas pot engine you need, plugs, plug wires, rotor and cap, fuel filter oil (5-6 litres)and oil filter and air filter, check timing +-
On a 7.3 you need 15 litres +- oil and oil filter air filter, fuel filter.

Not sure what the mileage of both is before tune up required, but thinking in the 5000 mile catagory.

just my 02c.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: for the ford guys

a major tune up does not happen every 5000 miles but an oil change does...

v-10 = 5 or 6 quarts and a filter
powerstroke t444e = 15 quarts and a filter

a tune up on the other hand.... well both need fuel and air filters, belts, and hoses at about the same time.... coolant flush again about the same time but the 'stroke will use nearly double the coolant.... Trans filter and fluid.... again same time but I just did my 99.5 stroke last week.... 22 quarts (has an aftermarket pan) and wix filter $100

The gas engine needs plugs and wires every 100,000 for what? $50? the stroke needs new injectors at about 200,000 or so for $1000-$5000 depending on if they are reman's, new, done yourself or done by a ford stealership.

A good 4r100 transmission for the 'stroke is $3500-$5000 plus installation

Dad's single rear wheel 2002 v-10 4x4 gets 12-14 mpg empty and my 1999.5 crewcab dually 4x4 gets 12-15 empty, The diesel had a fair amount more power when stock but now I have put about $3500 worth of goodies on it and I can pull a 6% grade grossing 26,000 lbs at 75 mph although I do have to watch my egt's.... If I do lose enough speed to drop out of overdrive they like to climb at the higher rpm's

One thing to consider that is generally lost on the folks who buy new with a warranty.... The diesels require tools and diagnostics that most mechanics don't have and quite often even the dealer's mechanics just guess and throw very expensive parts at them...

There is no doubt that the diesel is a dream to tow with and I love mine (usually) but if you don't need it I would suggest staying with the cheap and easy..... gas
I suggest that you check out powerstrokenation dot com for the level of expense and trouble these older trucks can be so you can make a more informed decision.... I'm gottagofast on there btw

 

[JordanFTW]

Re: for the ford guys

I have the best advice for you... Buy a Duramax.

I get as good as 22MPG on the HWY and 16-17MPG around town in my CCSB LB7. I get better gas millage hauling 8k loads then that that V10 gets empty. It's just my opinion, so take it for whatever it's worth.

Whatever you do, I'd stay away from the 6.0 PSD being new to diesels and all.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: for the ford guys

mixed feelings on the dmax (I'd probably have one if chevy still had solid front axles) but definitely agree.... avoid the 6blow