I'm thinking about getting a Leer cap for the truck. I have a V-10 Crerw Cab and I think it would almost look like the Excursion but with a lot smaller price tag. 1000 miles and I love it, every one can't believe how much room it has in it. One thing is that everything I put next to me always slides in to the back with the 40-20-20 seating, so I guess I should stop putting things there. The length makes it through the touchless car wash which is nice. Are those bug shields worth it? They make it look pretty nice.
You'll get only great reviews from us!! The v-10, 3.73LS, Ext.Cab is super!!The only change I've made is placing a power trailer-tow mirror, only on the right side($50) while I watched the mechanic install it. It was used, but not really used. Certain customers return their power trailer-tow mirrors for the standard power mirrors. Ask around!! I got lucky. And they work! I found that I don't need the elephant ear on the driver's side. Now, a note about trailer....if at all possible, go to a dealership(RV) and ask questions about a fifth-wheel. They are absolutely great! Easier to tow...easier to hitch, and easier to park. We currently have a 28ft Terry. And we're glad we made the move...after asking countless questions about the height of the 4X4 vs the height of the pin box on the fifth-wheel. Our 4X4 was able to retain the 4" block...while the fifth-wheel had to have the springs placed on top of the axle. If you can swing a deal, the RV dealership will make that change for nothing. If you truly like RV'ng, the fifth-wheel is the way to go!! And you're hearing it from a person who is only in his 3rd year of RV'ng. You have the proper truck..now search out the RV that will best suit your needs and wants. We have found that RV'ng is one of the most wholesome, if not the most wholesome activity that friends and family can enjoy together. Good luck with your new truck!! As well as your decision on your RV!!
Repeat: does anyone know if you can get the snowplow package on the F350 SRW Crew cab V10 with a long bed and is electronic shift on the fly a reasonable choice if you do non-commercial plowing (home and friend use - minimum plowing)?
Has anyone heard anything about Brutus - he was pretty active on this site, an avid fan of the superduty, last I remember he was headed for Alaska with the truck of his dreams and then some problems involving his engine occurred - I would like to know what happened and his and other early participant's evaluations of this truck - I'm still saving up for a truck purchase and basically ruled out the Ram (not USA built and don't deal) I like the Chevy Silverado ride, but the Chevy/ GMC 2500 seems to lack the overall presence, power, and ride that I want. I haven't ruled it out- price matters. So feedback from owners like Brutus and those that have had those big Fords a longer time would be helpful to me. As the waiting time decreases, I think the exaggerated hype on appearance goes down and we can discuss reliabilty and customer satisfaction with the actual product after reasonable use. How about a response and I would like to hear from snowplowers.
Singer - Thanks for the input. A couple of questions about our rig and 5th wheels in general...
Do you have the short wheel base? Mine is a crew cab SWB.
I have heard, and it's pretty obvious why, 5th wheels are easier to maneuver, especially for larger trailers. I have ordered a cab high cap that is supposedly pretty easy to put on and take off, and would like to be able to use my truck as a pick-up when not RV-ing. Are the 5th wheel hitches easy (or even possible) to remove when you are not using them? Also, I just had a Rhino Liner sprayed on. Is it possible to instal the 5th wheel on top of that, and will the liner be harmed?
You can not void a warranty on anything - the only thing that can happen is if the product you put on your truck caused a problem then the manufacture can refuse the failure. For example, if you put a snow plow on it and the AC quits - you still should have the AC fixed under warranty.
This subject is always mis-understood.
As I mentioned earlier I just ordered a F250 SD CC V10 4x4. I sure hope I made the right decsion. Is this truck realy all that?
kubes stated it better than I did. You must have the snow plow prep package to put a plow on without affecting the warranty...you can't get that package on the v-10 crew cab.
I've read the last 20 comments about the Ford SD's. One question, is anyone having problems with drivability...such as keping the darn thing on the road? I own a 99 F350 Crew Cab 4x4 and have racked 8,600 miles since January. The truck is a bear to drive. It's been in 5 times and will go back in Monday for what I call experimental front-end work. After market caster shims, etc. This is being done by Ford to see if they can fix the problem. What a headache! Yea, the truck is confortable and the Power Stroke is great. Gas miliage is 17 MPH on the road, but who wants to drive a truck that darts, tracks, overstears, etc. This is my third Power Stroke-oh how I wish I had my old 97' back. But hey, the truck looks good. Maybe I should have just bought a picture of the truck. Anyone else having these problems?
My crewcab 4x4 shortbox V10 handles great for a truck this size. You must of got a bad one. Perhaps you bent the front axle housing. Was it bad from the very start? Or maybe the axle housing was welded up crooked from the factory if it was bad from the start.
I still am not clear about the reason that you can't get the snowplow prep package on the crew cab body style - why is this a problem if you can get it in the supercab style? Anyone know what happened to Brutus and his truck? He would be a good resource for info on this truck - early,eager buyer?
Also anyone add backseat headrests to the supercab style are they available for 2000 ?
tom18, I've got a crew cab with the snowplow prep...but it has a 5.4l gsd engine. I was told that the v-10 and the diesel put too much weight out front to add the weight of a plow also, has to do with weight distribution.
trap2 and tom18, I heard the exact same thing about putting a plow on a diesel or V-10. The engines are so heavy especially the diesel and they feel that adding a plow could cause problems.
this may the wrong crowd to ask, but what the heck! We are looking at buying an F250 xlt cc swb v10(or5.4) 3.73 4x4 as our next family transport. will do very little towing, some light hauling (dirt/wood/camping...) Vast majority of use would be as a commuter/family hauler (2 kids age 5 & 2, eliminated extended cab because we want this vehicle to last 10+ years). An F250cc may be overkill for our needs, but it seems to kill the most birds with one stone. Just a little apprehensive about laying out big $ for a vehicle that may be too much overkill. Honest answers appreciated!
I owned a CC for 10 years, great vehicle for your application. Buy the gas motor. Think hard on the short bed. Long bed more flexible for unforseen uses down the road. Also ride better due to long wheelbase. Only downside is fitting in your garage.
Response to #228: We have had 3 Ford Crew Cabs since 1989, latest being a 99'. Great vehicles if you need a large truck, but if your looking for a family vehicle I think you may be looking in the wrong direction. The trucks are great on the road but don't take the monster into town for every day use. Parking, turning, and general mobility of these vehicles are greatly reduced because the size of the beast. I have a smaller truck and my wife has a car for the everyday stuff. Some may not agree, but these trucks are really for the people that need to haul things such as large RV's, work and horse trailers, etc... Ford would like to see more families purchase these trucks because of the cost of the vehicles, higher profit margins, etc... And, believe it or not, the new 99's have a softer ride, better interior, etc. to attract people such as you. But that leaves me spending another $1,000 on suspension upgrades so I can use my truck for what I purchased it for, to haul heavy loads. I belive both Ford and Dodge are coming out with a smaller four door truck such as the F150 and Dakota. That may be more down your line.
I've read that the 6.8l V10 is really just a larger version of the 5.4l V8. Seems to make sense though I don't know if that is exactly correct.
However, many 5.4 owners have complained of cold engine piston slap. If the V10 is, in fact, very similar to the 5.4, I'm guessing it might suffer the same annoying problem.
In case there's any remaining confusion over the ride height issue, here's the latest from Ford, which seems to make it pretty clear. Personally, I'm disappointed, as I shan't be using a fifth wheel trailer and much prefer the appearance given by the 4" lift blocks.
5th Wheel Ride Height : A Permanent Solution
A permanent solution has been engineered and implemented to address fifth wheel ride height.
Concerns: As reported in previous issues of Super Trucker, some customers have experienced ride height problems using older RV, commercial gooseneck and large horse trailers. A TSB was issued to provide a short-term solution through the service department. Now, a permanent solution is in place. The problem was confined to 4WD F-250 Single Rear Wheel and 4WD F-350 Dual Rear Wheel models. The ride height on these models has now been adjusted by replacing the 4'' spacing blocks over the rear axle with 2'' spacing blocks. This new design was implemented as a running change in the factory as of February 15. In addition to the spacer blocks, associated hardware has also been modified, including springs, shock absorbers and u-bolts. The driveline configuration has also been adjusted. The design has been optimized for ride, handling and braking, and to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The truck also remains level under varying load conditions. For models built before February 15th, the ''Service Department fix may still be performed, as described in TSB 98-17-02. However, this procedure is neither necessary, nor authorized for vehicles built on or after February 15 1999
response to #230: thanks for the input. Have considered waiting on the F150 CC but it will only have a 5 1/2' bed, which will be too short for hauling large dump runs/wood/ & snowmobile.
I use my crew cab mostly for a people hauler. I only tow about once a month, and it is either 3000# or 4000# depending of what I tow. And I haul an ATV in the bed once in a while, as well as normal household type hauling (furniture, wood,camping gear, branches, etc). It handles this chore nicely. The big drawback is the poor gas mileage. I chose the short bed also. It is a big enough pain to park as it is, with a long bed it would be even worse. As for the V10 being related to the 5.4 V8. The V10 is really a 5.4 V8 with two more cylinders added. I have had NO piston slap in my V10.
Here is some additional input. I don't have the crew cab, just the ext cab, and don't do any heavy towing, but I just love the truck as an every day commuter. In regards to the piston slap, I have the V8 and don't have any problems.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is some excellent news for anyone hauling a gooseneck or 5th wheel with a 4x4 SD. A new TSB# 99-9-5 has been released. The new TSB for lowering trucks includes two options - one for fixing trucks with no blocks that had the previous TSB performed. The other option is for trucks with the original factory blocks.
The new TSB addresses driveline angles by including properly shimmed replacement blocks. On my particular truck, the final lowered height is 2" lower than the original factory height. This gives me about 7 to 7.5" clearance with my particular gooseneck trailer.
For the longer trucks that have a two-piece drive shaft, there is also a replacement carrier bracket.
The new basic TSB includes new shocks, blocks, ubolts and nuts. For trucks that have not already been lowered, they do not replace the brake lines/stabilizer. For trucks previously lowered, I believe the original brake lines/stabilizer would be reinstalled.
I had this TSB performed this morning. All parts were in stock at Ford's distribution location. The truck still looks excellent. It is still slightly higher in back than front. For my specific trailer, it should ride at perfect height after loaded (8000# gooseneck trailer).
There is absolutely no tranny shudder problem at all speeds and various accelerations. When looking under the rear, I see no interference problems with hoses, etc. (which are still the original parts). The transmission vent hose on the left side is within a couple of inches of the shock, but I don't think it will be a problem. Even if it is, the clip that holds the vent pipe is easily movable on the frame so it could be shifted forward a bit.
I cannot offer an opinion on the replacement center bracket/bearing change. But overall, I highly recommend this fix for everyone who needs more trailer clearance. I believe it is far superior to modifying the trailer. Ford came through for me on this issue.
The only possible problem I can think of will be with trucks that don't have the extra rear leaf springs. (Part of the camper pkg?) If your truck doesn't have them, it may sit a tad lower than desired when loaded with a really heavy pin weight. However, you can always buy aftermarket overload springs like I did on my F150. Or go with the air shocks.
I think a few people have used prior year truck blocks to lower their trucks. Note that these new TSB blocks are tapered (the shimming is built-in). If people using the prior year blocks are having problems, those older blocks may not be tapered or may not have the proper angle. (I don't know, but just thought I'd include this info.) Rear end shudder can occur under different loading/accelerating conditions, so I would think it would be best to get the correct amount of shim that is achieved by the new TSB blocks.
One suggestion, as someone else has mentioned before - remember to double check with the mechanic after the TSB is done to be sure they adjusted the headlights.
I hope everyone hauling with their SD's are happy with this new TSB. I know I am. After almost 5 months, I can finally use this truck for what I got it for. :-)
Sprayed-in bedliners - Rhino. Mickey43 said he opted to have a Rhino sprayed-in bedliner. For Mickey43: How do you like it and if you don't mind, what was the cost? I have a '99 SD, longbed due in about June 3 with the intention to have the same Rhino bedliner sprayed-in. A local aftermarket place will do it for $349 (black) with a guarantee that it will be one quarter inch thick - and that I'll be able to mount my 5th wheel hitch on top of it without a problem. Has anyone else taken the Rhino route and what were the results? Rhino has a web site with a listing of the closest dealers to you: www.rhinolinings.com
it looks like we may go ahead and buy the crew cab (v10,3.73,auto,sb,4x4), and have a local dealer that has located a couple of options. However, they all seem to have camper packages. My question is how does that impact daily driving - does it make for a stiffer ride? Have been told that the extra rear leaf spring is passive until the bed is loaded, is this true? How does the stiffer front springs affect the ride? One dealer won't charge for it, but I don't want a stiffer daily ride.
Bruce - I had my Rhino sprayed on in Temecula, CA (north of San Diego) a couple of weeks ago. I live in the Las Vegas area but am moving to Fallbrook, which is near there, in two weeks. Since there is a lifetime warranty on the liner, I figured that it would be best to have it applied by somebody close to where I will be living. Also, Rhino started in San Diego and I figured that the closer you get to where it started the more likely the person applying it will have some good experience (my logic could be right or wrong). The guy in Temecula had moved there from San Diego. Anyway, I paid $364, tax included for a CC SWB, which works out to $339 before tax. He said that it was a special and that he usually charges $399. So if you're getting your long bed done for $349, that seems like a pretty good deal.
As for how I like it, I haven't put it to much of a test, but so far I love it. My rig is the Wedgewood Blue (pretty dark) and I put black Smitty nerf bars on it as soon as I got it home. The black liner looks as if it belongs there. It's great for keeping cargo from sliding around. The application was very neat and clean. He took off the tie-downs and the plugs before spraying and replaced after. Also, he removed the access panel from the gate (which extends the whole width on the '99s) and sprayed it separately so that it would still be removable afterward. You should make sure that yours is done this way! The bed still drains well. I have heard that the black will fade over time, especially if left out in the sun in the desert all day all the time. I have a cab high cap on order, so that will not be a problem for me.
I didn't ask the dealer about mounting a 5th wheel trailer hitch on the liner, since I wasn't really considering doing that at that time, so I don't have any feedback on this issue. I does have a lifetime warranty though, and I don't think that there are any exclusions for a 5th wheel.
KEH4X4, Well, the truck has been in five times and they could not find any cause. However, they do recognize that there is a problem (when you drive it). The truck goes back in Monday for a change in the casters, etc. I know two people (dad and a son) and one has a short bed CC and the other has a longbed CC. No complaints except they think the suspension is to soft. But hey, you can work with that.
You are right about the rear springs. The camper overloads only come in contact with a heavy load. So they will not hurt your unloaded ride. I don't think the front springs would be noticeably stiffer. Just test drive it, and see if you like the ride. I think you will like it. There is an adjusting screw on each end of the springs so that you can increase and decrease spring rate with the turn of a screw. It will also adjust the ride height too so be careful not to mess with them too much. So you could adjust the ride a little softer and lower the front a little if you thought it was too harsh riding. Along with the springs, the camper package also has a heavy duty battery, and a rear sway bar.
Re: Your response of 5/16...sorry for delay!! My F250 has the short-bed..and I purchased the Pull-Rite hitch because of the short-bed...I don't need to get out of the trk and throw levers when making tight turns...the hitch is designed to automatically move the 5th wheel back 18"...plenty of room....that't to prevent your 5th wheel from crunching into the back of your truck cab. As far as removal...removing a series of pins...and the entire hitch can be removed from the bed of your trk. No permanent rails to be concerned about. With regard to the Rhino liner...most dealers would rather you put the hitch in first...then removing it, and then they would spray the bed of your truck. However, I don't believe a problem exists if it's done backwards. We had our 5th wheel out twice already...and it's nice. We're glad we made the move to a 5th wheel...and our F250 just compliments the unit very well...pulls the hills just fine...no swaying when an eighteen-wheeler blows. Good luck with your choices!!!
ref lowering: has any one had a f-350 SRW built after 2-15 been able to have 4" blocks swapped for 2" . dealer tells me tsb 99-9-5 only applies to f-250 f350 DRW and f-450
Yesterday while driving home in my '99 XLT Super Duty I felt something "pop" in the seatback, sure enough my lumbar support had broken. This came just as I was about to leave for a 400 mile road trip. At 5'11", 160 lbs, doubt seriously that it was overburdened by my slim build. The large lumbar adjustment knob on the drivers seat now "free wheels". My truck has less than 1,000 miles on it.
When I orderd my new truck dealer had told me that Ford dropped the lumbar air bladder and pump arrangement because it was giving too many problems. Perhaps that is true, but neither my previous truck, 97 Heavy Duty F250 Crew Cab or its predecessor, a 92 F150 Super Cab ever gave me a bit of problem.
Has anyone else experienced snafus with the new lumbar arrangment?
btw...several posts back, updates for the 2000 model were listed..I noticed that Ford is dropping the passenger side lumbar all together, what is the reasoning for that? Higher prices, fewer ammenities?
The lumbar support in my previous 97 F150 gave up the ghost in short order too. It was the same mechanical type as we have on our Supers. It was fixed for free and it never failed again. There are probably a few bad parts that will fail now and then. Lets hope you just got a bad one and they will not continue to fail. I have had several people snag the knob on the passenger side while getting out of my truck, and the knob pops off. It just snaps back on, but maybe it was designed to be in a poor location. I have never snagged it on my side.
Thanks for info on engine updates kcram - I am in a situation where I like the v10 ride but I want the snowplow package - most discussions over the last year on the super duty stress the v10 not much on the v8 except for some concern on piston slap so I would appreciate some feedback from any v8 happy owners and more about the snowplow option - still unclear on manual locking hubs 4X4 versus electronic shift on the fly with the snowplow package - anybody plowing with knowledge?
I do not have the plow package, but I am happy with the V8. I had to pull out a tractor in about 24 inches of snow and had plenty of power to spare, so no conplaints.
KEH - I've snagged the lumbar support knob several times while getting out on the driver's side while wearing shorts, which are necessary here in So. Nevada, starting about the end of April. Felt like I almost ripped the shorts right off. My fault, though for sliding off the seat instead of using the nerf bar to step out. I've changed my habit to avoid this.
Drove from Las Vegas to San Diego area yesterday in my V10 SD250 CC 4x4 SWB 3.73lsd with 24 full book boxes in the back. 75mph most of the way. I got about over 13.2 mpg (19 gal/247 mi). I thought that was pretty good. Left the books off and had a cab high cap installed that I had ordered 3 weeks ago. On the way back I got over 14 mpg (17 gal/240 mi). With 4000 mi. now on the truck, this is actually several mpg better than I had expected.
Several weeks ago, I got a letter from Ford saying that that the cruise control was being recalled and that they would send me another letter when the parts were built. I set an appointment today for some other stuff and while I was at it, I asked about the cruise control parts. The lady said that the parts are built, you just have to make an appointment and they will order the repair parts. So I will be getting mine repaired hopefully June 7. So those of you that have been waiting to use your cruise control, call your dealer.
I believe most super dutys are either diesel or the V-10. I have the 5.4 with the snow plow package and I am very satisfied. No piston slap, plenty of power. Had a few pretty good snow falls in the Chicago area this past winter, and the 5.4 handled them all easily. Best plow truck I have ever owned, and pretty good looking too.
What's up with the cruise control recall? This is the first that I have heard of it. Is this a general recall? Mine seems to work pretty well - holds really steady up hill and on flat. It seems to hunt a little bit going down hill. Are there some out there that don't work at all?
Just like texaszach, my lumbar support gave out yesterday - just before a round trip of 600 miles from Vegas to San Diego and back with a load in the bed and a 6x12 Uhaul. I just sat down, heard a pop and it was gone. I outweigh zach by about 60 lb., but it still shouldn't break that easily. I've got 4500 mi. so far and not other complaints so far except that the vent blows warm air and the A/C isn't cold enough. The dealer checked the vent. system and claimed that everything works as it's supposed to. I guess it's lucky that I'm moving to a cooler climate for the summer. Tex - have you had your lumbar support fixed yet? If so, how long did it take?
Those of us that got the earlier 1999 Superduties (I ordered mine in August 1998, and picked it up in October) got a cruise control that can stick if you use it. In other words, if you had the cruise control on going 80 MPH on the freeway and came up on an emergency stop situation, the thing would continue feeding the engine heavy throttle even with the brakes on. So Ford mailed a letter to those lucky owners telling them not to use the cruise control until Ford could make some new cruise control cables to replace the faulty ones. It's been a couple of months. I don't use the cruise control much anyway, but some use it every day. Someone posted a web site to this forum a few months ago that lets you type in your VIN# to see if the recall was for your truck or not. You may want to check back a few months in the posts for it.
I am sorry to hear about your lumbar support giving up the ghost. Have not had mine repaired as of yet, though I think about it every time I'm behind the wheel.
Phoned the dealership on Friday and the particular service advisor, whom I had talked to previously, had taken the day off. Will be setting up an appointment soon to have lumbar repaired and a front wheel alignment, can't stand to be without my truck for long, its my only vehicle. Details to follow.....
This comment may be late in coming, but, though I got my truck awhile back and the wait is long over, I read the posts in here on a daily basis. This forum is great! Fellow owners provide not only moral support but a wealth of information.
After waiting just shy of 4 months, I finally picked up my 99 F250 SD V10 Reg Cab 4WD Lariat in Dark Torreador Red last Friday. So far, all I can say is that it was well worth the wait! I'm really impressed with how much room there is in the cab compared to my last truck (95 F250 4WD). The truck has alot of power, a smooth ride, and it's so big I need a step ladder to wash it. It's a close fit in my 9' garage door where I use to park my last truck. I'm thinking about moving my wife's car to my old stall and using the 16' door instead and park it next to my work van.
I picked out a striping package this morning, and ordered custom lettering too. I took off the black running boards it came with and put on alumimum ones. Also added an Interceptor bug guard that follows the contour of the hood, and had the dealer put in a Penda bed liner.
My dealer was worried about the haulers going on strike before my truck would be delivered. After that long of a wait, he didn't want the delivery to be further delayed by striking workers.
The truck looks tough. The Dark Torreador Red looks really sharp against the chrome wheels and aluminum runnning boards. The striping and lettering should really set it off.
I haven't frequented the website recently, but I wanted everyone waiting for their trucks to know that it's well worth the wait and to be patient.
Hi, just got mine in and I love it anyways, was looking a some posts here and i have a few questions (I hope you don't mind my naiveness):
- I noticed, looking around the front axle, that some parts are distinctly reddish/brown colored , while other parts are black. I hope I'm not seeing rust..
- I'd like to get everything checked out to ease my mind, to detect problems before they occur (after reading about how some got bad computer instructions, etc): how should I go about doing this? how should I ask my dealer?
- The manual did not recommend using Premimium Fuel, "especially in the United States", nor did it recommend using anthing below 87 (like I've seen in some states, the octanes ratings are 1 less).. does this only apply if I hear knocking? or always? If so, can anyone explain?
- I also noticed what some posted a while ago: sensitive/twitchy/over steering.. standard feel on my configuration? (250, XLT, SC, SB, V10, 4x4)
- In the near future, I'd like to get it modified.. mainly performance and larger tires (only 2 or 3 in. larger.. i don't think i need to get final gear modified though, since it's already 4.3, but will get speed&odometer recalibrated) Has anyone done such mods? If so, how about the reliability? and how hard to get service under warranty?
- What about the transmission? (ok, now your proverbial response: so what about them?) problems/reliablity? Especially if I get performance mods, couldn't that be a problem? Because I read somewhere that the stock tran. can handle max 450 lb ft from engine, but most mods will raise torque beyond that.
Comments
Check out Cabelas,they have something that looks pretty good!! I'm also looking to get some protection for the radiator.
moe7
Now, a note about trailer....if at all possible, go to a dealership(RV) and ask questions about a fifth-wheel. They are absolutely great! Easier to tow...easier to hitch, and easier to park. We currently have a 28ft Terry. And we're glad we made the move...after asking countless questions about the height of the 4X4 vs the height of the pin box on the fifth-wheel. Our 4X4 was able to retain the 4" block...while the fifth-wheel had to have the springs placed on top of the axle. If you can swing a deal, the RV dealership will make that change for nothing. If you truly like RV'ng, the fifth-wheel is the way to go!! And you're hearing it from a person who is only in his 3rd year of RV'ng. You have the proper truck..now search out the RV that will best suit your needs and wants. We have found that RV'ng is one of the most wholesome, if not the most wholesome activity that friends and family can enjoy together.
Good luck with your new truck!! As well as your decision on your RV!!
JB
Has anyone heard anything about Brutus - he was pretty active on this site, an avid fan of the superduty, last I remember he was headed for Alaska with the truck of his dreams and then some problems involving his engine occurred - I would like to know what happened and his and other early participant's evaluations of this truck - I'm still saving up for a truck purchase and basically ruled out the Ram (not USA built and don't deal) I like the Chevy Silverado ride, but the Chevy/ GMC 2500 seems to lack the overall presence, power, and ride that I want. I haven't ruled it out- price matters. So feedback from owners like Brutus and those that have had those big Fords a longer time would be helpful to me. As the waiting time decreases, I think the exaggerated hype on appearance goes down and we can discuss reliabilty and customer satisfaction with the actual product after reasonable use. How about a response and I would like to hear from snowplowers.
Thanks for the input. A couple of questions about our rig and 5th wheels in general...
Do you have the short wheel base? Mine is a crew cab SWB.
I have heard, and it's pretty obvious why, 5th wheels are easier to maneuver, especially for larger trailers. I have ordered a cab high cap that is supposedly pretty easy to put on and take off, and would like to be able to use my truck as a pick-up when not RV-ing. Are the 5th wheel hitches easy (or even possible) to remove when you are not using them? Also, I just had a Rhino Liner sprayed on. Is it possible to instal the 5th wheel on top of that, and will the liner be harmed?
That was supposed to be a couple of questions about YOUR rig, not OUR rig...typo
Why is the warranty void with a snowplow on the crew cab V10?
This subject is always mis-understood.
As I mentioned earlier I just ordered a F250 SD CC V10 4x4. I sure hope I made the right decsion. Is this truck realy all that?
Also anyone add backseat headrests to the supercab style are they available for 2000 ?
LAWERS!
I've got a crew cab with the snowplow prep...but it has a 5.4l gsd engine. I was told that the v-10 and the diesel put too much weight out front to add the weight of a plow also, has to do with weight distribution.
I heard the exact same thing about putting a plow on a diesel or V-10. The engines are so heavy especially the diesel and they feel that adding a plow could cause problems.
However, many 5.4 owners have complained of cold engine piston slap. If the V10 is, in fact, very similar to the 5.4, I'm guessing it might suffer the same annoying problem.
Have any V10 owners experienced this problem?
5th Wheel Ride Height : A Permanent Solution
A permanent solution has been engineered
and implemented
to address fifth wheel ride height.
Concerns:
As reported in previous issues of
Super Trucker, some customers
have experienced ride height
problems using older RV,
commercial gooseneck and large
horse trailers. A TSB was issued to
provide a short-term solution
through the service department.
Now, a permanent solution is in
place.
The problem was confined to 4WD
F-250 Single Rear Wheel and 4WD
F-350 Dual Rear Wheel models.
The ride height on these models
has now been adjusted by replacing
the 4'' spacing blocks over the rear
axle with 2'' spacing blocks. This
new design was implemented as a
running change in the factory as of
February 15.
In addition to the spacer blocks,
associated hardware has also been
modified, including springs, shock
absorbers and u-bolts. The
driveline configuration has also
been adjusted. The design has been
optimized for ride, handling and
braking, and to reduce noise,
vibration, and harshness. The truck
also remains level under varying
load conditions.
For models built before February
15th, the ''Service Department fix
may still be performed, as
described in TSB 98-17-02.
However, this procedure is neither
necessary, nor authorized for
vehicles built on or after February
15 1999
thanks for the input. Have considered waiting on the F150 CC but it will only have a 5 1/2' bed, which will be too short for hauling large dump runs/wood/ & snowmobile.
As for the V10 being related to the 5.4 V8. The V10 is really a 5.4 V8 with two more cylinders added. I have had NO piston slap in my V10.
I found this post at www.ford-diesel.com.
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Here is some excellent news for anyone hauling a gooseneck or 5th wheel with a 4x4 SD.
A new TSB# 99-9-5 has been released. The new TSB for lowering trucks includes two options - one for fixing trucks with no blocks that had the previous TSB performed. The other option is for trucks with the original factory blocks.
The new TSB addresses driveline angles by including properly shimmed replacement blocks. On my particular truck, the final lowered height is 2" lower than the original factory height. This gives me about 7 to 7.5" clearance with my particular gooseneck trailer.
For the longer trucks that have a two-piece drive shaft, there is also a replacement carrier bracket.
The new basic TSB includes new shocks, blocks, ubolts and nuts. For trucks that have not already been lowered, they do not replace the brake lines/stabilizer. For trucks previously lowered, I believe the original brake lines/stabilizer would be reinstalled.
I had this TSB performed this morning. All parts were in stock at Ford's distribution location. The truck still looks excellent. It is still slightly higher in back than front. For my specific trailer, it should ride at perfect height after loaded (8000# gooseneck trailer).
There is absolutely no tranny shudder problem at all speeds and various accelerations. When looking under the rear, I see no interference problems with hoses, etc. (which are still the original parts). The transmission vent hose on the left side is within a couple of inches of the shock, but I don't think it will be a problem. Even if it is, the clip that holds the vent pipe is easily movable on the frame so it could be shifted forward a bit.
I cannot offer an opinion on the replacement center bracket/bearing change. But overall, I highly recommend this fix for everyone who needs more trailer clearance. I believe it is far superior to modifying the trailer. Ford came through for me on this issue.
The only possible problem I can think of will be with trucks that don't have the extra rear leaf springs. (Part of the camper pkg?) If your truck doesn't have them, it may sit a tad lower than desired when loaded with a really heavy pin weight. However, you can always buy aftermarket overload springs like I did on my F150. Or go with the air shocks.
I think a few people have used prior year truck blocks to lower their trucks. Note that these new TSB blocks are tapered (the shimming is built-in). If people using the prior year blocks are having problems, those older blocks may not be tapered or may not have the proper angle. (I don't know, but just thought I'd include this info.) Rear end shudder can occur under different loading/accelerating conditions, so I would think it would be best to get the correct amount of shim that is achieved by the new TSB blocks.
One suggestion, as someone else has mentioned before - remember to double check with the mechanic after the TSB is done to be sure they adjusted the headlights.
I hope everyone hauling with their SD's are happy with this new TSB. I know I am. After almost 5 months, I can finally use this truck for what I got it for. :-)
Dean
3800 miles, since January, so below freezing weather but no piston slap at all.
I had my Rhino sprayed on in Temecula, CA (north of San Diego) a couple of weeks ago. I live in the Las Vegas area but am moving to Fallbrook, which is near there, in two weeks. Since there is a lifetime warranty on the liner, I figured that it would be best to have it applied by somebody close to where I will be living. Also, Rhino started in San Diego and I figured that the closer you get to where it started the more likely the person applying it will have some good experience (my logic could be right or wrong). The guy in Temecula had moved there from San Diego. Anyway, I paid $364, tax included for a CC SWB, which works out to $339 before tax. He said that it was a special and that he usually charges $399. So if you're getting your long bed done for $349, that seems like a pretty good deal.
As for how I like it, I haven't put it to much of a test, but so far I love it. My rig is the Wedgewood Blue (pretty dark) and I put black Smitty nerf bars on it as soon as I got it home. The black liner looks as if it belongs there. It's great for keeping cargo from sliding around. The application was very neat and clean. He took off the tie-downs and the plugs before spraying and replaced after. Also, he removed the access panel from the gate (which extends the whole width on the '99s) and sprayed it separately so that it would still be removable afterward. You should make sure that yours is done this way! The bed still drains well. I have heard that the black will fade over time, especially if left out in the sun in the desert all day all the time. I have a cab high cap on order, so that will not be a problem for me.
I didn't ask the dealer about mounting a 5th wheel trailer hitch on the liner, since I wasn't really considering doing that at that time, so I don't have any feedback on this issue. I does have a lifetime warranty though, and I don't think that there are any exclusions for a 5th wheel.
Mike
Thanks for the info.
SLVideo
Well, the truck has been in five times and they could not find any cause. However, they do recognize that there is a problem (when you drive it). The truck goes back in Monday for a change in the casters, etc. I know two people (dad and a son) and one has a short bed CC and the other has a longbed CC. No complaints except they think the suspension is to soft. But hey, you can work with that.
Along with the springs, the camper package also has a heavy duty battery, and a rear sway bar.
We had our 5th wheel out twice already...and it's nice. We're glad we made the move to a 5th wheel...and our F250 just compliments the unit very well...pulls the hills just fine...no swaying when an eighteen-wheeler blows.
Good luck with your choices!!!
Singer
When I orderd my new truck dealer had told me that Ford dropped the lumbar air bladder and pump arrangement because it was giving too many problems. Perhaps that is true, but neither my previous truck, 97 Heavy Duty F250 Crew Cab or its predecessor, a 92 F150 Super Cab ever gave me a bit of problem.
Has anyone else experienced snafus with the new lumbar arrangment?
btw...several posts back, updates for the 2000 model were listed..I noticed that Ford is dropping the passenger side lumbar all together, what is the reasoning for that? Higher prices, fewer ammenities?
I have had several people snag the knob on the passenger side while getting out of my truck, and the knob pops off. It just snaps back on, but maybe it was designed to be in a poor location. I have never snagged it on my side.
I've snagged the lumbar support knob several times while getting out on the driver's side while wearing shorts, which are necessary here in So. Nevada, starting about the end of April. Felt like I almost ripped the shorts right off. My fault, though for sliding off the seat instead of using the nerf bar to step out. I've changed my habit to avoid this.
Mike
I believe most super dutys are either diesel or the V-10. I have the 5.4 with the snow plow package and I am very satisfied. No piston slap, plenty of power. Had a few pretty good snow falls in the Chicago area this past winter, and the 5.4 handled them all easily. Best plow truck I have ever owned, and pretty good looking too.
Leaving Las Vegas SOON...
Mike
Phoned the dealership on Friday and the particular service advisor, whom I had talked to previously, had taken the day off. Will be setting up an appointment soon to have lumbar repaired and a front wheel alignment, can't stand to be without my truck for long, its my only vehicle. Details to follow.....
This comment may be late in coming, but, though I got my truck awhile back and the wait is long over, I read the posts in here on a daily basis. This forum is great! Fellow owners provide not only moral support but a wealth of information.
Zach
I picked out a striping package this morning, and ordered custom lettering too. I took off the black running boards it came with and put on alumimum ones. Also added an Interceptor bug guard that follows the contour of the hood, and had the dealer put in a Penda bed liner.
My dealer was worried about the haulers going on strike before my truck would be delivered. After that long of a wait, he didn't want the delivery to be further delayed by striking workers.
The truck looks tough. The Dark Torreador Red looks really sharp against the chrome wheels and aluminum runnning boards. The striping and lettering should really set it off.
I haven't frequented the website recently, but I wanted everyone waiting for their trucks to know that it's well worth the wait and to be patient.
Good luck!
anyways, was looking a some posts here and i
have a few questions (I hope you don't mind
my naiveness):
- I noticed, looking around the front axle, that
some parts are distinctly reddish/brown colored
, while other parts are black. I hope I'm not
seeing rust..
- I'd like to get everything checked out to ease
my mind, to detect problems before they
occur (after reading about how some got bad
computer instructions, etc): how should I go
about doing this? how should I ask my dealer?
- The manual did not recommend using Premimium
Fuel, "especially in the United States", nor did
it recommend using anthing below 87 (like I've
seen in some states, the octanes ratings are 1
less).. does this only apply if I hear knocking?
or always? If so, can anyone explain?
- I also noticed what some posted a while ago:
sensitive/twitchy/over steering.. standard feel on
my configuration? (250, XLT, SC, SB, V10, 4x4)
- In the near future, I'd like to get it
modified.. mainly performance and larger tires
(only 2 or 3 in. larger.. i don't think i need to
get final gear modified though, since it's already
4.3, but will get speed&odometer recalibrated) Has anyone done such mods? If so, how about the reliability? and how hard to get service under
warranty?
- What about the transmission? (ok, now your
proverbial response: so what about them?)
problems/reliablity? Especially if I get performance mods, couldn't that be a problem? Because I read somewhere that the stock tran. can handle max 450 lb ft from engine, but most mods will raise torque beyond that.
Thanks for reading this far