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Ford F-250 Owners

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What is this discussion about? Ford F-250, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Truck

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#51 of 1181 llegg by mullins87 Mar 07, 2004 (6:53 pm)
The 5.4 Triton is a fine engine, and with proper maintanance should go well beyond 100k miles. But, that sluggishness that you noticed, while driving around empty, will only be compounded when you have that trailer behind you. For what I think you are wanting, I'd suggest holding out for a V-10.
#52 of 1181 Lynn by wpalkowski Mar 08, 2004 (8:55 am)
Jim is right. 5.4L is good engine, but the Superduty with 4x4 and an automatic is a big load to move, so it's gonna feel sluggish. Worse when towing. If you can find one with a manual transmission, and a 4:10 rear axle, it won't be sluggish as compared to the automatic.      The diesel is the superior platform for towing. With it, you would barely even know that you're pulling the horse trailer. If you can find a good used one it would serve you well, though it would cost more $$. But be advised, it'll take extra care and attention to deal with the foibles of a diesel. 15 quart Oil changes. Issues with fresh diesel fuel, water in the fuel, then summer vs. winter diesel and cold starting issues. (My wife dislikes diesel fuel odor, and positively loathes the exhaust smell.) Loads of folks deal with these matters all the time and love diesels; it would be a matter of your personal choice and pocketbook.      My (biased) choice is still the V10. The extra two cylinders make a big difference in the way the truck moves out. (I have a 3.73 rear.) No special driveability, or maintenance issues compared to the diesel. Similar power output, just not as good mileage as the diesel. I surprise other cars with how fast my 7500 lb 4x4, crew cab behemoth can move when I need it to. It's just a bit disconcerting to watch the gas gauge visibly move as a result.     My truck is an '01, with 26K on it,(not my daily driver,) just out of warranty a couple weeks ago. No major problems with it. One stupid one: lock on tailgate is possessed and locks itself going over bumpy roads. Only problems I've heard other folks consistently complain about is a tendency to go through ball joints quickly, and warped brake rotors resulting in pulsing brakes. V10s can sometime have a problem with blowing out a spark plug - I guess cylinder head is only 5 or 6 threads thick (and can be stripped?) Plugs are supposed to last 100K miles, but you still need to pull and inspect them every so often. I put anti-seize compound on mine, and take special care to put them in at the specified torque setting. So far no problem. Older model (pre '01) Superduties were a bit shy on transmission cooling - could factor in towing on hills. People add tranmission temperature gauges and supplemntal cooling to prevent costly problems from overheating the transmission.     I love the truck, and would have no pause in selecting the same setup should I need to buy another.
#53 of 1181 Help me choose a trauck by llegg Mar 09, 2004 (7:40 am)
Thanks so much to everyone who shared their experiences with me; it has really helped in picking out a truck!
#54 of 1181 Glad we could help! by mullins87 Mar 10, 2004 (5:44 pm)
#55 of 1181 2002 f-250 sd 7.3 just facts and opinions by snowjump Mar 13, 2004 (5:50 pm)
Power chips..anytime you add performance you lose longevity. Also they WILL shorten your torque converter life. $2500 trans HD upgrade will help. If money isnt a problem, the more power the better. Mild chips will improve your mileage and towing ease w/o too much loss of life.   Dont buy a F-250/350 crew w/o the diesel. 1 performance 2 resale!! short mileage V10 ok. The 7.3 is proven, good luck to the 03 04 6.0 guys, till they get the bugs out. If you are unlucky enough to enjoy a 7.3 repair bill open your wallet its going to hurt.   I recommend a long box for towing any 5th wheel.   Bring on the Duramaxs and the Cummins, they'll never be #1.. This is my 3rd diesel, 84 F250 328,000, 94 F250 211,000, 2002 F250 crew 65,000. still own them all. good luck with your super D you'll love it!!!
#56 of 1181 Oil???? by snowjump Mar 13, 2004 (6:11 pm)
You can run anything you like that is rated for diesel engines. Closer tolerances in newer engines require thinner oil (15/40 guys are you listening) Ive been building and rebuilding caterpillar engines for 10 years. Cat recommends 10/30 for 0 to 95f. Letting your engine idle under 1K will shorten bearing and piston life Save the 15/40 for your old Pete or KW.   Although I have run 15/40 in my 84 and 94 w/o no problems.   rotella-shmella. overpriced
#57 of 1181 Navistar by snowjump Mar 13, 2004 (6:18 pm)
Although the 7.3 is a Navistar/International Engine. It carries the patented Caterpillar unit injector system. HEUI   Love my unit injectors   Miss my ol pump
#58 of 1181 snowjump by mullins87 Mar 13, 2004 (7:08 pm)
And dang those things are expensive to replace!!! What oil do you recommend? Around here, Rotella is priced about the same as everything else.
#59 of 1181 A/C Compressor always running. by jf067 Apr 20, 2004 (8:14 am)
I have an '04 250 SD, 6.0L Diesel Automatic. Just the other day it got pretty warm around here and as I moved the thermostat all the way to the cold position for the first time, I noticed that my vent was throwing chilled air. My switch was set in the 1 o'clock position which is a split between the floor and chest level, but not anywhere near the A/C label at 7 o'clock. It was not near Defrost either. When I popped the hood, I noticed that the A/C unit was kicking in and out, just as if you were using the A/C? Anyone had this problem? As usual the dealer has no clue.(Can't imagine the amt. of fuel I must have been wasting all winter long)
#60 of 1181 jf067 by mullins87 Apr 20, 2004 (5:52 pm)
The compressor will run when the selector is in that position. I can't believe the dealer didn't even have a clue!?!?! Geez, find a new dealer. What's gonna happen when you have a real problem? Don't worry about that "extra fuel." I have never been able to establish a fuel mileage difference between A/C on and A/C off. And believe me, I keep very detailed records. That engine is sooo strong that the A/C compressor doesn't even affect it.

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