ford diesel qustion

[STACK]

Hello all,<br /><br />I have been interested in diesels for some time now and, for me, i have narrowed it down to a 2001-2002 F250 or a 4 wheel F350. I have been offered a 2001 4 wheel F350 lariat, crew cab, 4x4, 45,000 miles, island green, w/Banks kit and chip for $27,500. I am not very familiar with the extras like Banks kit and chip.<br /><br />My questions are: <br />Is this a reasonable price?<br />Do the extras affect auto insurance?<br />What is the miles/gallon difference between the 250 and 350?<br />Is island green a light or dark green?<br /><br /><br />I'm not very mechanically inclined so if the extras require foolin' with, forget it. <br /><br />Thank you for any replies.<br /><br />Stack

 

[LubeDude]

Re: ford diesel qustion

First, do you need a diesel? Do you tow a heavy load a lot? Or are you just wanting a diesel?<br /><br />They get better mileage than a gas, but the maintanence is more costly. If you do have problems, the repairs are more. Oil changes are about three times more. They also are a LOT noisier.<br /><br />The only reason I would have a diesel would be if I was towing a large fifthwheel, (35' or bigger), and towing it a lot, like full timming it in an RV.<br /><br />The Banks accesories are a good product.

 

[jimr]

Re: ford diesel qustion

I have been through 2 ford factory diesel courses and can tell you what i was told by the instructor. yes the 7.3l and 6.0l diesels are great as they are stock. the problem with the banks kit and power chip is you are putting out more power out to a tranny that is already MAXED out. the factory tests this stuff long before you can buy it and if it would work and not tear stuff up you would get it from the dealer on a new vehicle. if it were me buying i would run away from it.you have to service the vehicle just like a gas powered one and like lubedude said it will cost alot more. just my 2c worth

 

[kd6nem]

Re: ford diesel qustion

Just stuff an little baby Allison AT-540 tranny in it and go pull stumps all day! (GM Turbo-Hydro 400 on steroids, with four speeds) I've seen it done, but the oil pan hangs down a wee bit to low for comfort.<br /><br />If Ford put a marginal transmission in it in the first place that would be too bad- an unfortunate decision on their part. (They've made a few of those over the years, as have all the manufacturers) Haven't heard this before, but what do I know? My tow/commute rig is a 1989 Ford Ranger w 2.9 liters & 5 speed, has 250k nearly trouble free miles- I never had need or $$ for such a nice, big toy as that. I wish someone would come out with a solid mid size pickup with a durable but inexpensive diesel with decent performance. 30 mpg, able to get up and go, and could tow my 16' boat. Should be able to last at least 300K miles before overhaul. Are you listening Detroit? Oh, yes, I want it to cost under $20,000 for a quad cab too! OK, now back to the reality....<br /><br />Do you know who owned this rig before? Did they tow a lot with it? In mountains? Maintain it well?<br />Ask your insurance agaent about the difference in insurance cost. Remember to mention the 4WD part, too.

 

[Bondo]

Re: ford diesel qustion

I put 269,000 Hard, Trailer towing miles on my 1988 F-250 7.3l........<br />I'm at 118,000 on this 1996 F-250 7.3l......<br />I'll Never own a Gasser Pick-up Again............<br />

Is this a reasonable price?

Sounds reasonable.......<br />Check out TruckTrader,+ Ebay to see What they're going for..........<br />I think it's a Much better gauge than NADA, although that's helpful too.....<br />

Do the extras affect auto insurance?

No........<br />

What is the miles/gallon difference between the 250 and 350?

When Empty, None..........<br />It'll depend on the Load you put on it,+ How you drive it......<br />You'll see 16 to 20mpg...... I do.......<br />

Is island green a light or dark green?

Don't Know............<br />But, You could ask on here;<br /> http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbthreads/ <br />Good Luck.................

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: ford diesel qustion

I have 2 diesel trucks, one a Ford and one Chevy.<br /><br />I use the Ford to pull my tractors with and my Chevy to pull my boats with.<br /><br />Never did like the idea of power add ons. <br />Kinda shyed away from them.<br />Kinda throwed a flag up if you know what I mean.

 

[PAkev]

Re: ford diesel qustion

I've got a 2002 Chevy Silverado with a 6.6L Turbo Diesel and am still in love with it after 30K miles. Fortunately I have not had to do anything but preventative maintenance.<br /><br />As one other poster indicated I also wouldn't think twice about going with another Diesel.<br /><br />Economy is very contingent on your driving habits. I find it realistic to get around 22mpg (unloaded) on the highway as long as I keep it under 2000 RPMS which is around 65 mph. I've done as well as 19-20 mpg pulling a 3500 lb boat and trailer rig. As the pedal gets closer to the floor fuel economy seems to go down proportionally more than a gas engine.

 

[DJ]

Re: ford diesel qustion

STACK,<br /><br />I agree with jimr. If it has been "chipped" run away from it. If these power mods were so great, the factory would have added them years ago. I have inspected many a "blown" 7.3 because the ownwer tried to get that last bit of power out of it and went beyond its design capabilities.<br /><br />The 4R100 behind the 7.3 is fine as long as it does not get overheated. A trans temp guage is a very worthwhile investment.<br /><br />The 5R110E ("Torqueshift") behind the 6.0 is a substantially beefier transmission. Plus, it throws in another gear (5 speed), engine braking in all gears and a tow/haul mode.<br /><br />Either package will serve you well if maintained. If not, any diesel can be an expensive headache.