F250 SD CC SB 5.4 vs 6.8

fordjr

I have ordered an new '02 F250 SD CC SB with the 5.4L gas motor. I don't do much towing at all, an occasional Uhaul 6 times a year. Other than that, this truck will not see anything in the way of heavy loads, nothing that will come close to its capacity. Yet, I have people tell me I should have spent the extra money for the v10. Saying, the 5.4L is way too under powered for even everyday, noload, driving.

The truck seemed to drive ok for me on test drives, and yes the V10 had more acceleration in comparison. But, for all I will do with this truck, which will certainly be less than it was designed for, I thought the 5.4L would be ok.

This is my first SD purchase. I am moving up from a '97 F150 with the 5.4L motor and like that power plant in that model. I wanted the CC option in the F150 but, was furious when they decided to shorten the short bed to make up for the CC option.

What does anyone else think of the 5.4 vs. 6.8 engine in the above? Fuel economy was not a consideration in this decision.

maple

I am a chevy man.....but I did own a 2000 Ford 350 SD Crew Cab auto lwb & BELIEVE THIS, 4x4 WITH THE 5.4. I used it for the same purposes you plan to but, the long bed killed me and I couldn't park it in a normal garage, So that meant leaving it outside during rain and hail...and went back to a Chevy. The 5.4 will get better mileage than the V-10(friends tell me from experience)you'd never get the money out of that extra for a diesel unless you drive around ever day with a trailer attached to it. In the truck I had, I would put the cruise on 70 and would go up short hills fine. Go for it.

wpalkowski

For what you're doing the 5.4 should probably be fine. Just don't expect to chirp the tires at a stop light. You didn't say whether you got the auto or the six-speed manual, or whether it's 2wd or 4x4. Also what rear end did you spec? If you got the 3.73, it may be a bit sluggish, however if you got the 4.10 then you'll probably be content.
My truck needs are different, I have 350 CC, LWB, 4x4 with a V10 and the 3.73 rear end. I tow 7000-9000lbs and tend to push the payload capacity of the truck. The V10 has plenty of power for my needs, and as long as I drive like my Grandmother, I can get 13-14mpg at 65 mph. Towing is a different story - 7-8 mpg around town, ~9 highway. My mileage isn't great, but I didn't buy it fuel ecomony, besides I couldn't justify the extra $4K for a diesel.
Have fun waiting for your new rig to come in. That was the hardest part for me.

white250

01' 250 SD 4X4 SC 3.73 5.4lt.
THE MOST I TOW WITH THIS TRUCK IS A ALUMINUM COVER TRAILER WITH TWO SNOWMOBILES. WITH ALL MY GEAR I PULL NO MORE THAN THREE THOUSAND POUNDS. IT DOES THE JOB PERFECTLY. 10-12 CITY & 16-17 HIGHWAY. BY THE WAY, MINE DOES CHIRP THE TIRES....LOL