Ford Super Duty - Continued

singer4

Simply check w/Mark Wilson at the Ky. Plt. to see if your dlrshp. is authorized to change to 4". In my case, after 20+ calls re: the height(we are officially hauling a 5th wheel..a smaller one..28'),the only alteration needed was to flip the springs...makes the RV about 4" higher...but that's not too bad...at least we didn't have to fumble with the V-10, 4X4, L/S, etc. By the way, it was good to hear from the Fish!! After 3000mi, my observations...yes, it was worth the wait...lots of power especially for towing,CD's sound great(although it would have been nice to have the 6 changer avail.) The ext.cab is a plus..it's very handy to carry a number of things..and especially our weekly chore...the grocery shopping...the height of the trk is very convenient...it's never back-breaking to load the unit...and we found that the unit washes very easy..again attributing that fact because the unit is high...and it's easier to step into this unit as opposed to our former Explorer..by the way, lots of pep and no ping on 87 reg. gas. Mileage per gal.--not too bad...just can't quote a real figure! Well, good luck!! Be patient, and enjoy your unit when it arrives.
JB

Lance

Connon, it's pretty peppy, but I've not driven one with a cat-back, or super chip. I like the 3.73 for 90% of what I do. I figure when I tow, I'll just turn off overdrive and pretend I got the 4.30. The biggest engine I've had in prior trucks was a 5.9L Dodge. BIG difference with the 6.8L Ford. Love the smooth, quiet, overhead cam, no ping on 87 gas, and excellent starting, and much much more power.

zx2fan

What will the power output of the gas
engines of the 2000 Super Duty be like?

I heard the 5.4 will get the enhancements from the F-150/Expedition (260 hp, 345 torque)

I read the V10 will be at 300 hp and 430 torque? I read these figures from an article talking about the super-duty based Excursion. One would assume that the SD would get it too. Anyone hear about power increases for this kick-[non-permissible content removed] truck.....

KEH4x4

When I had my 97 F150, I checked into after market chips and found that to get the power boost you had to use premium gas (about $1.60 gal here). Have you checked to find out how much power increase you can get with regular 87 octane? I may get a chip if I can make big improvements on 87 octane.
Also, I heard that the 2000 Super Duties will indeed get the improved head design that give 300 horses. I wonder if it will get the same MPG.

connon

87 octane. according to SUPERCHIP , regular gas will not work with this chip. it was like that when I put a MOPAR PERF comp in my DAKOTA, so I got used to the idea of hi-test only.in Jersey I pay about $1.25 for sunoco ultra. its a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] but you get used to it.for me , 25 more horses and 45 or so more ft/lbs of torque are worth the cost of the gas.if gas goes up in the next war , you can easily pull the chip back out till needed again.

lemans

For those who have installed the Level 10 chip or the Superchip in a PS. Did either of these increase the mpg as well as performance.

Has anyone put dual exhause on the PS? If so did nay change need to be made to the computer settings? I saw an older Ford Diesel the other day with dual exhaust and I thought it look prett good. Also does anyone know if I do put dual exhaust on, would this also increase performance and MPG?

I now have 7500 miles on my truck and am happy with it except for the fuel mileage. 14.5 is not good for a diesel.

foote

Lemans
I put the level 10 chip in and did not see a real improvement in the fuel economy. The shifts are more positive and it has more low end power. Mileage is still between 14 - 16 mpg. I talked to another guy in town w/ the same truck (psd, auto,.373) and he is getting about the same mileage. It is not the mpg I had expected, but I still love the truck. Good Luck
Foote

sd99

Glad to see a lot of the old timers from this topic are still around. We should all be enjoying our Super Dutys by now, but if not, hang in there, it really is worth the wait.
Just to update, picked up my F250 SD 4X4 SB on 1/2/99 during a record 24 inch snowfall. I now have 3400 miles on it, and it just seems to get better all the time. Gas mileage is around 14.5, mostly city. Will be driving to New Jersey (from Chicago area) in June, and will keep you posted. Hard to believe such a big truck can ride so nice.

br1

I'm not sure why everyone seems to be getting such a different gas mileage unless its totally dependent on driving style. I have less than 100 miles and have gotten greater than 18 both tanks. I tend to shift (6spd manual)less than 2000 rpm's unless passing or on the bypass. Th rest of the truck is awesome, good rise (smoother than anticipated), good looks (except a scuff on the hood from delivery ? - very small but I'm into the details).

br1

just read my response, sorry for all the typo's!!!

lemans

Thanks guys. I am not sure that I will buy the chip. I am still consodering putting dual exhaust on the truck.
I have 7800 miles on my truck now and still only get around 16 mpg on the hyway running 70 using cruise control. It seems that the 14 to 16 is what these superduty trucks will get. I have also notice and this may seem silly, but last week I went to TN and when I bougth diesel there I got better mileage. The driving was the same as in AR.
Any comments on the dual exhaust.
brl i have the 3:73 LS, 4 x 4, CC, LB,Auto. Maybe the 6 sp make the difference.

bubba19

Hey guys,

Does anyone know this cut off date on the 99 PSD.
I'm still waiting after two months and on build date, must be getting closer to the 2000 model.

KEH4x4

My plastic coin holder on the console gave up the ghost yesterday. It will stay together when empty, but with the added spring pressure of having coins in there, it keeps popping the top off. Anyone else have this problem? I will have it fixed when they get the parts in for my cruise control.

mikey43

Do you have the coin holder in the fold down arm rest in the center console between capt.'s chairs?

fred9

The odering cut off has been moved up to 5/7/99. This is a change, the original was the week of 5/19!

Fred.

fred9

Ford has annoounce that the last day to order 99 Suped Duties will be 5/7, Last day of production is 7/3. If Ford take their normal 2 weeks at that time 2000 production SHOULD begin on 7/19.

Lance

Towed my new boat yesterday with my new F250 SD V10 auto LS 3.73 CC SWB 4x4. The boat and trailer (26 x 9 boat on a 30' duel axel trailer) weighed in just about 9,000 lbs. Top of the boat is nearly 13' off the road. The rig rode like a dream! After about 5 min on the freeway, I forgot I was towing. Surge breaks on only one axel, but the rig still stopped on a dime. The truck never got towed backwards as I creeped down the boat ramp in the morning, and using 4 Wheel Low, I couldn't feel the boat as I pulled it out of the water -- seriously! Absolutely awesome!

Ok, I know everybody wants to know about fuel consumption so here goes: 2 MPG (oops, that was the boat). I normally get 15 MPG (while not towing) at 70 MPH on a flat freeway and 16 MPG at 60 MPH. Towing the big boat I got 7.7 on a flat freeway going 55 MPH. I was hoping for 8, so I'm satisfied. Remember when you compare that my boat is 9' wide and 13' off the ground at the tallest point. It's got a huge cabin with forward slanting windows that really cup the air and create a large amount of drag. If you want to see a picture, you can go to http://www.mstay.com/users/lance/radon/radonpix.html

Bottom line is, I've very pleased. Exceeds my expectations.

connon

called the cust svc # to inquire as to the disposition of my sd 250 lariat and got a strange answer.lady on other end (very polite) told me my order was still unscheduled after 13 weeks.I asked for any info available , to which she responded that " parts have been added but the unit still had yet to be built". I asked what "parts being added" meant, but she could not answer me.apparently she was reading directly from her monitor and had no idea what the factory terminology really meant. me either. any one out there have a clue?

KEH4x4

I have the coin holder in the folding console but the regular seats. I need the sixth seating position sometimes, otherwise I would have ordered the captains chairs.

tom60

Ordered my 250SD PSD 4x4 Lariat in early March. Last Thursday still no build date. I was told it would end up being Y2000 model. I am going to lease just to see if the PSD is what I really want. Any comments?

alpman

What is the average cost you guys are paying to get electronic brakes and 7-pin wiring system done? Just got Ford mud flaps and there was a $40 difference between Ford dealers, that was installed. The molded ones look nice. 13MPG on my first tank city/county road. Any one buy that digital compass rear view mirror and if so do they like it, Ford said around $300 installed.

br1

I also like the molded mud flaps except that the rear has a large gap between the existing plastic and the new piece. It would've had a cleaner look if there was a piece to cover that.

One question, the passing mirror is not a magnified type and I can't find a good location to cover passing and backing up. Any suggestions?

mikey43

KEH - I was wondering because I have the split bench seats too and have been using the coin holder (rig is about 1 month old - picked up on April 1 of all days). Maybe I should stop using it. I was really impressed with how many quarters it will hold. Our Mercury Villager has a spring loaded coin holder that holds about 3 of each kind of coin...

Hey Everybody -
I've been reading lots of posts the past few months about 2" and 4" blocks. I don't know which I have on my F250 CC SWB 4x4. How can I tell which blocks I have, and what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of each? My wife sure enjoys looking down at the other moms in their 'Burbs, Explorers and Land Crushers.

mikey43

br1 -
I've been using the electric mirror controls on my truck so much to cover all the angles, depending on what I'm doing, that I'm afraid I'll wear out the motors before too long...

KEH4x4

The lift blocks in question are located between the rear leaf springs and the rear axle. They are either 2" or 4" tall. With the 2" blocks the rear of the truck sits 2" lower and you are better able to tow a fifth wheel trailer without the truck and trailer hitting each other. I only tow from the below rear bumper receiver hitch so I would rather have the truck tall.

dgreenh

Yep, my coin holder exploded a couple of weeks ago. I'm still finding quarters, dimes and nickels. I haven't had a chance to get it fixed yet. It seems to stay in place OK with nothing in it. I have the 40/20/40 seats...not the captain's chairs.

nguyen

I just bought a 1999 F250 SD CC V10 4X4 lariat right off the lot 3 days ago. It was white, which was really my second choice of color, wanted a black. I wasn't comtemplating of getting a FORD, but instead a Chevy K2500 CC. But i am very satisfied with the Ford F250 HD. Didn't have much trouble negotiating, took me 5 minutes to get 500 over the invoice. This really took me by surprise, after dealing for 5 hrs with toyota dealership many years ago when i purchased a 4 Runner and still got screwed over. What confuses me is that the prices in the invoice from Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book web page was a little higher than the price i got from the dealership. It listed the V10 as an option about 100 bucks higher than what i had on my dealership invoice for the V10. No matter, I really enjoyed the truck. Takes getting use to in parking and still tring to figure out how to fit the darn thing in my garage. Have anyone used a superchip in a V10 and noticed an increase of mileage yet. I seen earlier posts about the chip but still no Feedback.

singer4

Keh...I also have the 4" blocks. Truck looks and runs awesomely!!!And for Lance...the trk tows quite well. I have a Terry 5th, coming in at about 8200+ lbs. The trk is in full command at all times...even when 18 wheelers are passing me.
Remember, we purchased the trk mainly for towing on weekends. Good Luck!

JB

Ps....Don, nice pictures of the boat!!

Lance

Pictures! That reminds me. Go here and click on the image called "50 Foot Rig" for a blow up.

http://www.mstay.com/users/lance/radon/radonpix1.html

Lance

jedidiah

Hi. This is my firsy post. Just purchased a metallic red 250 4x4 PSD SC. Got a couple of questions, though. I wanted the camper package auxillary springs and rear sway bar. Foun my truck on the lot without it. Dealer said the would install it for free ( benefit of bargaining). Dors anyone anticipate any problems from this install? Dealer said all warranty still applies. Also, has anyone had trouble with the automatic behind the PSD?
Thank you in advance for any help!

singer4

Singer here...I'm looking for anyone!!! who could lead me to a customer who owns a 4-wheel bike called a Rhoades Car!! Their plt. is located in TN., and I'm not about to drive or fly to TN from PA just to check out a bike...the catch is the price tag...nearly $2500 and the president of the company refuses to supply any contacts who may have purchased one of these units that live in my neck of the woods!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!! JB

tom50

I crawled under my 99 4x4 xlt f250 while changing the oil and really checked things out. I noticed that the drive shaft support between the transfer case and the rear diff is tweaked a bit ie. it is not 90 degrees to the drive shaft. Upon further inspection, the drive shaft seems to rub against the bracket some. Question, does anybody else have the samething? Or did I just get the one bad one? If some of you can check this out and let me know I would be much obliged. Thanks

crcrain

Background - In January I purchased a new 99 F350 Superduty, Supercab, V10, long bed, 4x4, 4.3ls rear end and almost every option available. After much searching and comparing in March I purchased a Fleetwood Caribou 10F. On the stock F350, the rear end sagged, swayed and scared the hell out of me. So I had a set of triangle springs installed over the factory springs and a set of RS9000 adjustable shocks. I immediately loaded the camper dry and drove it around town - that was back in March. Now after 5 weekends of snow, rain, snow and more rain, we finally got out into the mountains, only to put $60,000 worth of toys in a very precarious situation.

Camper Performance – Nice and comfy except for a potential problem with the heater. The cab over vent does not put out any heat and we almost froze –even with the heater up to 80. It goes to the dealer on Monday for an evaluation. I’ll keep you posted. A couple of loose screws and a loose drawer, but overall very nice. The spring sofa instead of the bunk is nice as is the sandwich bar. Generator ran good, water heater weeped a little, but redoing the air gap solved that problem.

Truck Performance - 9.5mpg with a wet and loaded 10F pulling a utility trailer weighing ~1500# with an ATV, wood, tools, gas, and other associated miscellaneous necessities over 400 miles total travel from 6500 feet to 12000 feet and back again. No major passes, but lots of mountain highway climbing. The 4.3 and the V10 is an awesome combination - and I mean awesome. I could have accelerated up each and every mountain, but I still can't bring myself to rev past 4500 rpms, even though the engine is supposed to take it.

Truck + Camper Performance – Incredible. The springs and shocks are an amazing combination. Almost zero sway around tight curves at 65mph. Rough road performance good. The truck + camper is rougher than truck alone with RS9000’s at 1. At full load, wet and gear with trailer, the camper is about 2" down in the back from level. Not bad. I didn’t get a chance to weigh it – next time probably.

4 Wheeling Performance – Well, it was an unintentional 4x4 experience, but scary. We headed up a forest service road to a campground near an ATV trail. Snow level is about 10k, but here in Colorado, the mud zone is 1-2k below that. We inadvertantly got into the mud zone with no way to turn truck, camper and trailer around. Got to a spot with a cabin just off the road, but about 100’ down the hill with a steep slope and a nice grassy dry looking path. Only the grass concealed the mud below. As the back wheels of the truck hit the grass, the truck and trailer starting sliding sideways towards the cabin. 4x4 low didn’t do a thing, tires were loaded up. The truck and trailer finally stopped jacknifed about 10’ from the cabin wall. We unloaded the 4x4 and moved the trailer about 50’ away. The truck couldn’t move forward or back, no traction even with 3500# of camper. Setting the emergency brake finally got us back down the hill towards the creek, further from the road, but on a leveler place. There I intended to wait for the wrecker. However, I noticed rocks and brush to the right. So with emergency brake on full and standing on the brake pedals, I put it in low and inched up the steeper part of the hill, climbing over rocks, brush until reaching the road. So this V10 pulled at least 10,000# up a hill with brakes on. Nuff said? The trailer we had to pull out with the 4x4, but after that little hour of terror, we came home to clean off mud from every corner of the truck, camper and 4x4.

Summary – Hopefully the heater will be a simple fix, it had better not be the way it works or I will be upset. That’s the only downer to an otherwise incredible day in the hills.

padre1

As a priest with a poor parish, I keep trucks until it is time for last rites, which my current Chevy is about to receive. After a lot of research, I've decided to get an F-250 Crew Cab Lariat long bed 4x4 with a V10. Have I done too much research and not enough order placing? Is it true that yesterday (5/7) was the last day to place an order for a '99? Arrgh. Now what?

tom18

Can you get the snowplow package on the F350 singe rear wheels Lariat - Crew cab - long bed ??? - looking at the supercab until I saw the crew cab on the lot. Looks like it serves every possible need - but can you snowplow ?

padre1

I mistyped the last time around. I want an F350, Crew Cab, 4x4, etc. Does anyone have any idea how long until the 2000's are going to be out? Apparently the 5/7 cutoff date is true. Is it possible I have to wait until August or later for a new F350? Don't know if my old one will last that long. There isn't enough duct tape in the world for that.

bubba19

padrel,

Go to this site www.ford-fiesel.com
Post this same question to FORD SUPER DIESEL.
He works at a ford dealer in Orlando and can give your that info. He just posted the info on the 2000 and the options on the new trucks.

Hope this helps.

todlake

Just a quick note. 99 F250SD CC SB 4X4 6.8L V10 3.73LS Auto. Cabhigh Cap. 272.8 miles mostly flat hiway. 72 mph. Burned 16.14 gallons reg unleaded. 16.9 mpg. I LOVE my truck!

todlake

Sorry - bodies and cargo totalled approx 1500 lbs.

bubba19

I wish I could spell.
That site is www.ford-diesel.com

SORRY.

padre1

bubba19

Thanks for the info on Ford Super Duty guy in Orlando. That is a great help. Excellent information. I don't live far from there. May have to give him some business. Apparently all the 2000 info can be accessed at www.fdealer.com
although it is claimed that the download is slow. Better halitosis than no breath at all, as my Momma used to say. 'preciate your help. Blessings.

br1

Just to add confidence to anyone waiting or thinking, I just turned 1000 miles and love the truck even more. I can't believe the PSD power and I'm so happy with the crew cab space and comfort. Good truckin'? Oh yeah, I love the "wow, that's one big truck" and the head turns no matter where you drive too(even from the Dodge guys!).

br1

Just one question - has anyone used the K&N type filter for the PSD? I heard from a Cummins owner that it improved his gas mileage a little and that Dodge recommends the filter as a replacement. Any input?

todlake

It seems like this conference has really slowed down recently. I guess once everyone gets delivery, they don't want to discuss anymore. I've had my F250SD XLT CC SB 4x4, 6.8L, Auto, 3.73LS, most options, for 5 1/2 weeks and 2400 miles. I love it. I still like to read and talk about the SDs. I check in daily, so if you have any questions a newer owner can answer, let 'em rip. My question; has anyone seen a product that will allow me to keep the stock grill exposed, but protects the radiators and coolers from rocks, BIG bugs, etc.?

mikey43

OK, tod, here's my latest take..

I've had my F250SD XLT CC SWB 4x4 6.8L Auto 3.73LS (sound familiar?) since 4/1 (no fooling!), and about 3100 miles so far. I've driven it to San Diego and back 3 times from Las Vegas, and I OWN I15 now. I think that this is the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned for long trips. I can drive all day and not end up tired or with a sore back. My Dead CD's even sound pretty good on the stereo. Cruising at 80 - 85 I got almost 13 mpg on the last trip. Mileage could go up (?) when I get the cab-high cap I ordered last week. Got a Rhino sprayed in last week too (it was my b-day so I got to accessorize a little).

I need some advice from anybody who has more experience with trailers than I do. One reason I got the monster is that we may buy a travel trailer for camping sometime soon. I will eventually get a class IV or V hitch receiver in order to maximize my trailer options. In the meantime, however, we are moving back to CA (finally - before it gets to 120 deg here) in a couple of weeks. I want to save on the cost by renting a U-Haul trailer. The step bumper is rated at 5000 lb gross and 500 lb tongue weight. I can get a receiver box to mount under the bumper for around $60 and a 2" ball with sufficient drop for pulling the 12 foot U-Haul. Is this a reasonable way to pull the U-Haul, or should I go ahead and spend the $200+ that it will most likely cost to install the heavy duty setup even though I don't need it yet and don't know when I will?

connon

finally got a build date, after 16 weeks. now they tell me it should hit the line may 31 and eta at the dealership 6/14.that means another month of watching other peoples Superduties driving past.this is a long time to wait for a truck, but when I hear other folks having waited 25-30 weeks , I guess I should keep my mouth shut. this machine had better be perfect.

kubes

Well I did it - I ordered my new SD CC 4x4 SB V10
today. The dealer tells me it will be here in September. I'm A GM guy but when you compare what you get for your money - Ford wins

The funny thing that I can not understand and maybe somebody can clear up is why the V10 in CA LS axle is only available in 4.30 ratio - this sucks. I asked the dealer to see if maybe the 2000 model I oredered will have the 3.73 option for CA models.

So tell me will I be happy with this Ford I ordered - My GMC Z71 has been bullet proof.

cindy288

Connon,
I am so happy to hear that! Its about time!!!! My truck is to be built this coming Monday and delivered Memorial Day. I know its a long wait for a truck that will already be a half a year old when it arrives. Let me know when you get it.

todlake

Kubes - My F250 SD CC SB 4x4 with v-10 is awesome. It's comfortable, rides well, and with a little preplanning is relatively easy to park. I waited approx. 9 weeks from order to delivery, and it was well worth the wait.

Mikey43 - Thanks for the input. I agree with all of your statements re: SD. I have a cabhigh cap on mine and noticed a 1.5 mpg increase on the highway. 16.9 mpg at 70 mph on 272 mile trip. As far as getting the receiver installed, just do it. I've been trailering a Ski Nautique and a 25' travel trailer for years. The receiver gives you the option to haul a variety of different trailers safely. Besides, a SD is meant to tow. I have the factory Class IV receiver that cost $150. It looks good (because it's mostly hidden) and was a good deal.

wildcat_az

Well..its here..I ordered my F350 CC Lariat PSD on tax day..dealer called this moring to tell me it is here. Got the truck I want, at the price I wanted, in 4 weeks!

No complaints here!