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diesel engines - READ ONLY

32 messages,  Last post on Aug 06, 2003 at 8:45 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Engine, Diesel, Truck

Messages Page 4 of 4

#23 of 32 looking to buy by wisbeck

Jul 31, 2003 (7:16 am)

Thanks for the good advise. I live in Wisconsin and I currently have an F150 4X4 with the heavy duty towing package and the 3.55 gears. It tows it up hills OK but I would never be able to tow it up a small mountain or steep foothills. The trailer is actually over 6000 lbs empty and can go up to 9,000 lbs. When I bought the F150 I didn't have the trailer yet. I can tow it doing 70 mph on flat ground but my mileage drops to 8 mpg. I get up to 17 mpg on the highway with out the trailer. My wife finally agreed we need the diesel if we want to be able to pull the camper through steep hills or mountains.
What kind of mileage do you get with the 3.73 gears on the F350? How are the 4.10 gears for normal driving and mileage? I didn’t know the F350 was that close in price. I will look into them too. The heavier springs would be nice if they’re not too stiff when the truck is empty. I would prefer the automatic transmission to a stick.

#24 of 32 by wpalkowski

Jul 31, 2003 (10:51 am)

Have to recuse myself on engine mileage - I've got the V10 - about 8-9 mpg towing 8-9K. Haven't gone over the Rockies, but still have reasonable grunt on the hills in New England with the 3.73 rear end - though at times will have to hold it in 2nd gear when tranny starts searching too much. On flat ground barely know trailer is there, and can cruise in over drive.
   Ride of 250/350 is a lot more truck-like than you're used to with the F150, but surprisingly good considering the mass of the vehicle. Actually, ride comfort is more a function of the tire pressures and how heavy you're loaded.
  Got to Ford website - they let you "build & price" new truck - you can configure comparable 250s and 350. Not that much difference in price - although that site only shows MSRP.
   Supposedly new auto tranny with new 6.0 Diesel is a lot more bullet proof than previous model. Can handle more torque and doesn't require a ton of supplemental cooling when towing. Other folks still prefer control that manual gives them. FYI, if you're in market for new truck - diesel motor is getting a slew of upgrades around December time frame - redesign of turbo, fuel distribution, etc. to solve all(most) of the new motor complaints from the 03 models. Had kind of spotty problems, some motors were gems, others were dogs. Might be worth waiting for - unless some dealer has a year end special that you can't pass on.

#25 of 32 looking to buy by wisbeck

Jul 31, 2003 (11:07 am)

Thanks for all the input. I can wait. I only thought of buying one now because the loans are so low. I will try to keep an eye out for info on the new diesel.
Thanks again.

#26 of 32 wisbeck by mullins87

Jul 31, 2003 (11:24 am)

I'd have to check my log, but I'm getting around 18mpg running empty with a mixture of city/hwy driving. When I have the camper hooked up, I get around 11.5mpg. I have a 2wd dually, 6-speed and 3.73 rearend

#27 of 32 looking to buy by wisbeck

Aug 01, 2003 (9:03 am)

Where is that Ford web sight where you can build & price a truck? Is this where you look for the information on the new Diesel engine for 2004?
Tahnks again for all the input.

#28 of 32 wisbeck by mullins87

Aug 01, 2003 (9:33 am)

Try "www.fordvehicles.com" I don't know if they have the info on the '04.

#29 of 32 Diesel by black_silver

Aug 03, 2003 (9:54 pm)

I tow a 5th wheel RV trailer with a 6.6L Duramax diesel and Allison 5speed transmission. This is a turbo-charged/intercooled 32-valve engine and it is an absolute dream towing rig, both for flatlanders and in the mountains. Previously pulled with gas, and the difference astounds me every time I pull. Can't comment directly on the Ford diesel, but in general I guarantee you will love diesel over your current gas rig. Just for starters, diesel fuel around here runs about a dime cheaper than gas, and the towing mileage is about double what you'd get from a capable gasoline engine.
 
Hans

#30 of 32 some links to the new ford diesel by midnight_stang

Aug 04, 2003 (10:34 am)

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/powerstroke6.html
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news/powerstroke_torque.html
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/stories/2003shootout/page1.html

#31 of 32 Other links from the Ford Diesel web site. by jaijay

Aug 06, 2003 (2:51 am)

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&- Board=2003Drivetrain

#32 of 32 looking to buy by wisbeck

Aug 06, 2003 (8:45 am)

Thanks again everyone for all your input and the web sights. You've been a big help.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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