jimveta #307 Why do you believe that final drive is not the differential? It’s a rare vehicle that has gearing at the wheels instead of the pumpkin. Anyone else?
A 4 to 1 rear axle ratio would mean that 4 turns of the driveshaft would turn the wheels one lap. If you had a transmission in overdrive, and the overdrive was .5 to 1 (way over reality, but just keeping it simple) so that half a lap of the engine turned the drive shaft one full turn, your FINAL DRIVE RATIO would be 2 to one. Because, 1 full turn of the engine would turn the driveshaft twice, and those two turns of the driveshaft would turn the rear wheels half a lap. So to turn the wheels one full lap, the engine would have to turn 2 laps. So the final drive ratio would be 2:1, even though the rear axle was 4:1. Hope this is easy enough to understand.
Mikey 43 - The dealer who is going to handle the lumbar repair on my drivers seat phoned yesterday. The repair "kit" is back ordered and referred to a Detroit parts distribution center.
Meanwhile, I have a question for our astute readers here. How would I find out who is the person/persons responsible for seating decisions in our Super Duties? I need a name and a title as well as an e-mail address, fax number or snail mail address.
texaszach - I called a local dealer about my lumbar repair and, of course, I have to take it in for a "diagnosis" before they can order any parts. The first weekend appointment is a week from tomorrow (I use it for commuting, so I can't just drop it off for the day).
By the way, if you are going to contact anybody regarding seating decisions, could you ask them why they discontinued the rear seat headrests on the crew cabs? Although most cars hitting a SD CC probably wouldn't be able to move it enough to cause whiplash, it still seems like an important safety feature that they probably left out just so save a few $$.
Hi - this is my first posting on this site, so I'm not sure if I missed this in a previous note. I've heard a rumor that the 2000 SD's will have 4 wheel ABS standard. Can anyone confirm or deny this? Also, can anyone that has the 4wabs tell me how well (or how poorly) it works. I have a 97 PSD F250 and really like it, but those new SD's sure look nice... Thanks. P.S - I saw a note earlier about Rhino liners - I have one and really like it - it doesn't rattle, warp, or get moisture underneath. I spent about $450 to have it installed here in Missouri.
Just pulled this off the Ford Dealer site. Haven't been able to find a price anywhere though. What do you think?
SUPER DUTY LARIAT F-350 LE DRW
4x4 or 4x2
Short or Long Box
6.8L Triton V10 Gasoline
or 7.3L Power Stroke
V8 Diesel 20,000 lbs. GCWR And There's A Whole Lot More...
Super Duty F-350 - Lariat LE
Exterior Features Special Tu-Tone Paint Theme With Color Keyed Door Handles, Badging, and Tape Stripes 16.0" Aluminum Style Wheels With Mating OWL Tires Exterior Color -Keyed Sun Visor With Integral Roof Marker Lamps Lighted “Diamond Plate” Running Boards Privacy Glass — Rear Doors and Sliding Backlight Power Trailer Tow Mirrors Interior Features Quad Captain Leather Seating With Adjustable Lumbar and “Lariat LE” Logo on Seat Backs Front and Rear Seat Consoles With Simulated Woodgrain Appliques and Bright Release Handles. Integral Cupholders Included In Rear Console Upgraded Door Trim Panels With Simulated Woodgrain Appliques Unique Floor Mats With “Lariat LE” Logo on Front Mats
Specifications:
Standard Equipment
Power Driver's Seat, 6-Way Air Conditioning Remote Keyless Entry Speed Control/Tilt Steering Wheel Steering Wheel, Leather Wrapped Power Locks/Windows Electronic 4-Spd Auto Transmission Exterior Color-Keyed Sun Visor with Roof Marker Lamps Trailer Tow Package (includes HD 78A battery) Spare Tire - 16"
Additional Equipment
Power Trailer Tow Mirrors Privacy glass - Rear Doors and Sliding Backlight Lighted Running Boards/Diamond Plate Insert Quad Leather Captain's Chairs Floor Mats w/Logo Color Keyed Door Handles Wood Accents (Doors, Front and Rear Consoles) Front/Rear Seat Console/Cupholders in Rear Rear Tailgate Lettering - "Lariat LE" Dark Accents (I/P) Special Tu-Tone Paint Theme and Tape Stripes 16.0" Aluminum Style Wheel and OWL Tires
Information herein was correct when approved for printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to discontinue or change at any time, specifications, designs or programs without incurring obligation. February, 1999 AOC 13262 Litho in USA
I can't believe how many posts since I was last here. My 250SD PSD CC has 3500 miles and I have averaged 18.7 mpg since new (up from 17.5 to around 19 now - 19.3 last). I didn't believe it would increase over time but it has. My father's driving style is much more "hammer" and he's getting low to mid 17's (auto - mine's a stick).
The hinged tonneau cover is a good addition if you want a tarp but like the hard cover. I was leary at first but it's awesume - easy access from snaps and super fast from tailgate with it up. PS - if you want it to collapse for storage a few screws are required to be removed which limits some advantages but overall great.
No other problems yet (original steering wheel angle was corrected in an hour at the dealer).
Well, I did it. Traded in my loaded black/black/black 94 GT Convert for a loaded 99 SD F250 psd Lariat SC and have not regretted it one bit. The convertible was nice but just about useless in SW Washington State. With 1300 on the OD the truck averages about 19.7 mpg (or so says the computer), perhaps a bit better but it seems pretty accurate. I don't stick my foot in the turbo. Road and town driving. Time will tell but I am pretty pleased with the rig. Dog likes it too.
I'm getting ready to push the button and order a 2000 F250SD, V10, 4x4 Lariat SB, but I have a couple of questions. I chose the F250SD for a lot of reasons, one being that I may want to tow a 5th wheel in a year or three when I retire, but maybe not.
If I never do tow a 5th wheel, or anything else, will I regret having gotten the camper package because of the stiffer ride?
Will the 2000 F250SD V10 be available in California with the 3.73 rearend.
Does the High Altitude setup cause any reduction in performance closer to sea level as opposed to above 3000 ft? Thanks for your response in advance, I really enjoy reading your postings?
I have an F250 SD V10 4x4 CC SWB 3.73LSD with the trailer towing package and the high altitude setup. I didn't choose the high altitude setup, but that's what was on the vehicle when I found it (it was in transit to the dealer in Las Vegas when I bought it). Las Vegas is at 2000 ft., and I don't know why they would have one of these sent there. I have since moved to Fallbrook, CA (near San Diego) and the truck seems to perform fine. I get about 14.5 mpg running with cruise control at 75 mph and about 12 in combined driving (daily commute to Del Mar). To tell you the truth, I haven't even been able to find anybody who can tell me what the high altitude setup actually is, not even the service manager at the dealer where I bought it. I assume it has something to do with the fuel/air ratio when running at high altitudes (maybe based on O2 sensor?). I may just be an algorithm in the computer, in which case it should be able to adjust back to normal operating parameters at sea level.
Some advice - whether or not you plan on pulling anything or getting the camper package, definitely get the trailer towing package. This gives you a larger capacity battery and alternator, a larger radiator and an oil cooler, and the cost is very low, about $128 invoice I think. It also gives you prewiring for a brake controller.
BTW, I originally ordered my truck with CA emissions because I knew that I would be moving here soon, but that deal fell through. The one I got doesn't have that package, and I will have to pay a one time $300 fee to register it here (see my post from last week for more info on that).
I own a 99 F250 SD CC SB 4x4, V10, auto, 3.73LS, SOF. Picked it up 4/5 and just turned 5000 miles last night. I have the trailer towing and camper packages, and have added a cabhigh cap. This thing rides great! Everyone who has ridden in it has made unprovoked statements about how smooth it rides. Plus if I remember correctly, the camper package adds stabilizer bars to improve handling. My Dad gave it the ultimate compliment when he told me it rides "almost as good" as his Mercedes 420SEL.
Singer4 here...dittos on prev. statements regarding the V-10. We picked up our unit in late March and have 6000 on it. Rides nice, nice power..the Ext. Cab is great for loading groceries, etc...nice because you don't have to bend...and yes, a stool or small ladder is required to wash it...but again, because the 4x4 stands high...it's not back-breaking. And the unit carefully fits into our standard garage...we're talking no more than an inch and a half on either side of the mirrors....regarding my biased opinions on towing...here's the real deal...today begins our 6th time camping(by the way, make the right choice...DO Camping!! it's fun and relaxing...by the way, a better word for camping today is RV'ng..because of all the modern conveniences that the RV's give you). Here's the key...make the right choices for you and your family...if you're near retirement, there may not be kids in the picture, though there may be grandkids. So, that will determine the kind of RV to purchase. Believe me, had we known about the ease with which a 5th Wheel tows and hitches, we probably never would have started with a travel trailer 3 yrs. ago. But we feel we now have made the right choices...it started with making sure we ordered the correct options on the truck(though, I think if the 4.10 rear would have been available, I would have gotten that). We changed three items on the truck...1. I retained the driver's side power mirror, simply because I can see very well behind the 5th, but I did switch the passenger side mirror, to a power tow mirror(some people call them elephant ears). A little side note---Ford was to be offering retractable mirrors in Sept. '99....however, in June '99 issue of Trailer Life(if you are going to camp, subscribe to this magazine--and read it!!...very informative)a company is offering power-retractable mirrors retrofitted to trucks...price, I don't know. 2. I removed the tailgate and replaced it with a Pro-Net...much easier to hitch and unhitch. 3. And I purchased what we feel is the best hitch on the market...the Pull-Rite Super-Glide hitch...which allows you to make any turn at any time without fear of your 5th Wheel crashing into the back of your truck cab...believe me, it works!! But the price tag is high...$2200 installed! By the way, don't let the RV dlrshp. rip you off...they can have the Pull-Rite hitch dropped shipped directly to them out of MI. By the way, we have the short-bed, 4x4. We only had to have the springs placed under the axle on the RV in order to be accommodating to the Ford truck. In closing, we're lucky...we feel we have a great combination...a F250, V-10, L/S, 4x4, pulling a "99 Fleetwood Terry 275J. Yes, driving the F250 is great and worth the money, but RV'ng could add so much more to the quality of your life...think about it!!
just curious : Has anyone else had braking problems with the F250 Ford Diesel 1991 truck?? We have a gooseneck rig, towing package on the truck- It was bought for the express purpose of towing horses. Our brakes went out after a 3 mile down mountain trail - extremely lucky we lasted till the bottom of the hill and had a large open area to turn around in until we were able to slow down. The dealer gave us some "crap" about how since asbestos was banned, brakes don't work as well. Within our limited "friend" span, 3 other people with the same type of trucks had had their brakes go out at some point. After the money we spent to buy a truck specifically geared to our needs (trailering horses), we were afraid to use it on anything steep again. Our dealer just refilled the brake fluid and recommended we "test drive" again and tell him if we had problems. My opinion is that we only need to have problems one time and "you can go careening down a mountain side with the horse you have owned for 15 years in a trailer behind you and tell me if it works or not" This has totally turned me off of FORD products and since we are getting ready to buy another truck I am curious if any other people have had the same problems. I really expected a recall, but I guess not!!
Has anyone added the 7 pin trailer receptical to their SD. I have been trying to get one from ford but they keep ordering the wrong parts. Does anyone have the Ford Part number for this receptical?
Also, has anyone added the compass/rearview mirror accessorie, Like/Dislikes? Cost? installable at home?
We are going to order a 2000 SD SC F250. Trying to decide between the V10 and the 5.4L. We want to be able to tow a 24 foot trailer at some point. Does it matter which engine we choose? Can we go with either one or would we be better off getting the V10?
texaszach - in post #303 you say you found "the MOST knowledgeable truck salesman ..."; I am also in the Dallas area and I am interested in finding out the best and most knowledgeable dealers to work with. Could you please look up my profile and e-mail to me the dealership and salesman's name? I would appreciate it.
P.S. - I already have my truck and I am happy with my dealer (maybe it is the same one). My truck is an F250 SD CC LWB V8 4.10LS 4X2 XLT
No matter what engine you get, you will get bad gas mileage. My v-10 crew cab 4x4 4.30 axle and auto trans get 10-12 MPG. From what I have read on this board and people that I have talked with, the gas v-8 gets about 1 MPG better. To me, 1MPG isn't worth losing the brute torque that the v-10 has. But I'm a power freak. If you do a lot of towing definitely get the v-10. It's only a couple hundred bucks extra. If you go for the v-8 and tow, definitely get the 4.30 axle. If it were me, I would get the v-10 and the 4.30 unless I did a lot of high speed interstate/freeway type driving, then I would get the v-10 with 3.73 axle. Come trade in time, the gas v-8 will be a white elephant that few people want, and it will be hard to get a decent price for it. If gas mileage is real important, maybe a smaller F250 (non Super Duty) with the 5.4 v-8 and the lowest gears they offer would work for you. They are lighter, more aerodynamic, and get a little better MPG.
I have a 95 F350 CC DRW PStroke, with over 120,000 mi's., It has a Cowboy Camper on it which comes up about to the center of truck roof., pull a 3 horse slant load bumper pull. Sons both high school rodeo, been to Gillette, WY 3 times (36hrs frm where we live, Pueblo, CO all over Texas. MMy point is its been all sorts of terrain. We are about to make another trip to WY in July, have decided to try and purchase a new truck. My son has several friends who Rodeo & haul with the Dodge, Quad DRW, Diesel, he's bugging the stew out of us. Have had to replace Transmission 2 times in my truck, feel it was more 2 teenage boys driving it than anything. Can someone give me pros or cons on these 2 vehicles. Live in a small area, anyone know of a dealership with good selection? Live in MS, driving really no option. Was also thinking about the SCab vs CC, with the camper on truck and a crawl thru the back seats not used that much. Help
I'm not sure if I'll get all of the technical jargon correct, so if anyone can edit my 'technical' terms, please feel free... Anyway, a diesel engine doesn't slow a vehicle down as well as a gasoline engine does. It has something to do with the differences in compression - I believe the diesel is about 17:1 and a gas motor is around 8:1. You're correct - with a loaded diesel you'd better have some things in your favor - good brakes, a compression brake, or a lot of divine intervention. I understand that a compression brake is probably the best bet for towing a heavy load. It attaches to the back of your turbo housing. Inside is a butterfly valve which closes when you tell it to, creating a bunch or backpressure which in turn retards the drivetrain. I've heard some estimates of 230 - 250 braking horsepower. Some manufacturers I've heard of are B&D and Pacbrake, and I'm pretty sure they have websites. To the more technical purveyors of this site, did I explain this correctly? Hope it helps...
My latest experience with the local Ford service department, trying to get the lumbar fixed:
I made an 8:00 a.m. appointment at a local dealer to "fix" my lumbar support. I had it there at 7:45 and asked them to also change the oil (they advertise that the oil change and lube includes a wash). I was advised that I should rotate and balance the tires too, so I said O.K. Since I had an appointment, and these things couldn't take "too" long to do, I didn't make plans for my wife to give me a ride home. The service advisor said that it would be ready by 12:30! So I called my wife and we went shopping with the kids. At about 2:00 p.m. I got a call that my truck was ready. So I went down to pick up the truck (a 20 minute drive). I paid about $70.00 for the oil change and tire service (that also included "checking the brakes", like a truck with 7K miles will need new pads) and was told that the lumbar parts were a special order. I had already told them that when I made the appointment! (thanks to your posts I am somewhat better informed than the service department). So I waited for 20 minutes for them to bring my truck out. I don't know why that took so long because there was nobody else waiting to pick up any vehicles. When it finally came out it was still covered with dirt (I had driven up some dirt roads the previous day). I asked the guy who brought it out why it wasn't washed, and he offered to take it back and have it washed. When I asked how long that would take, he said about 20 minutes. Since I had my two young kids with me I told him to forget it, and left.
So, I left my truck there all day, got dinged for $70 for work that could have been done for 1/2 the price closer to home, in probably less than an hour, and still don't have my lumbar support fixed. And, it was still dirty.
Needless to say I am somewhat dissatisfied with this service department and will probably take my business somewhere else next time.
Diesels have virtually no compression braking because there is no butterfly valve at the entrance to the intake manifold. All gas motors regulate both air and fuel. Diesels take in a complete air charge either at idle or at WOT. They run at an air/fuel ratio of 100:1 or so at idle and start to smoke around 22:1 as they run wide open. Both motors are just giant air pumps, the "compression" braking on a gas motor is the motor pulling against a closed throttle valve, basically pulling a very large vacuum in the intake system.
Has anyone else had delivery problems? My lariat was built 6/3, and I have yet to lay eyes on it.dealer keeps blaming delays on the Teamsters because of the strike that never happened.all I know is the truck I was told I would have in 8 to 10 weeks is now going on 24.BTW , this is north Jersey, if that has anything to do with it.when I told the salesman to foget local transportation, go get the damn thing(40 minute ride to newark) I was told,"we aren't allowed to do that anymore". what crap. when I bought my Dakota, the salesman drove 200 miles to get the truck from another dealer in northern CT.what gives?
connon, mine took about two and a half weeks from "built to me" in Arizona. They should be tracking them every day and should be able to find out EXACTLY where it is on a given day. This time of year there shouldn't be any weather delays. I would guess you will get it any day now. As for service problems. I took mine in a few weeks ago for the brake and cruise control recall and a couple of other things,after making an apointment two weeks before that. When I showed up they said they didn't have me down for an appointment. But they took me anyway when they saw that they had the parts that they had ordered for me when I made the appointment. When I went to pick it up, they said they said they didn't have time to fix the cruise control recall, and they had to order me a whole new console to fix the coin holder. So they said to bring it back in a few weeks and they would fix everything at that time. They didn't give me any paperwork like they usually do. When I brought it back in a few weeks later, they looked up on the computer and said that the cruise control recall had already been done. So they fixed the console. I got paperwork back that said nothing of the cruise control. I have written statements and put them in my important papers and have told friends and family members, incase the cruise control fails. So they either told me wrong the first time, or they didn't really preform the recall. All I know is if my cruise control locks up (like they claim they were doing), and I get in a wreck, I or my estate will be many millions richer.
Good to hear from you, I thought this was the weekend that your truck was scheduled for service. Sounds as if your dealer dropped the ball despite your effort to tell him exactly what it needed. I'm sorry to read about the unsatisfactory results.
Its been ten days since I spoke with the dealer who ordered the repair kit for my broken lumbar. Last I spoke with him they had been back ordered to Detroit. I am going to call the service writer tommorrow and see where the heck the parts are. I will be happy to provide the part number when I get my hands on it.
my truck (CC DRW) sat in the Newark lot for over 3 weeks. My dealer knew it was there, but claims he wasn't able to get it to head his way. Finally, he got all 4 DRW vehicles he was waiting for on one truck - not a conventional carrier, but a single ramp one. He believes that there just aren't a lot of those carriers running in NJ, so they wait till they have a full load. He also complained about delays on the SRW models. The carrier drivers would rather carry two Escorts than one pickup. Ford apparently won't let the dealers show up in Newark anymore. Getting a car from another dealer is easy. Getting it from Ford is hard.
To: lotzt and KEH4X4, I've got the F250, 4x2, v10, 4.30, SC, camper spec, trlr spec and use it to pull 21' travel trailer weighing a relatively light 6,000 lb. I love it! Pulls great and mileage goes from a low of 9.25 to 10.1 mpg. It's only got 3500 miles but I mainly have towed with it. The 10.1 mpg was even going over 2 mountain passes here in Wa. (I think 10mpg is good because my 85 Bronco only got 7.5 going the same!
Anyway, you'll be happier, as KEH4X4 says, with the v10 as the pulling mpg will probably be better than the v8.
We're readying to buy an Artic Fox 27' 5th wheel that GVWR is 12,000 lb. - so if you're ever to get a bigger RV, you'll be glad you opted for bigger. I'm a power nut too on powertrains, etc. Good luck in whatever you do! see 'ya
Ron Nash builds great trailers (Artic Fox and Nash). Can't go wrong with the artic fox/SD combo, Get the straight axles. Have fun...
My V10 CC buddy and I (4.8 Silverado reg cab) co-own a 1996 Nash 24'. Both of us love the trailer and envy each others trucks at times. He has a passle of kids and I'm a single guy.
I am trying to get some information on buying a used Ford Truck (1970-1989) F250 or F350, v8, standard cab. I want to do some research regarding which year has the least mechanical problems, recalls, mileage, prices, etc. Do you have any suggestions where I can find this information or any comments of your own? Thanks.
I was told by a dealer that you can snowplow with the V10 if you buy a fiberglass plow which he says weighs about 400 lbs. compared to a steel plow which he says weighs approximately 700 lbs. He claimed that the front axle rating allows for attaching the fiberglass plow to the V10. He mentioned a Snow Way Plow as acceptable as compared to a Western Plow. I have heard of Western but I am not familiar with Snow Way. Does anyone have info on this - and other fiberglass plow manufacturers ?
Ford has to be the one to "approve" use of a snow plow on the v10.
My personal opinion, is put the dang thing on (what ever plow you want) and don't worry about it. If you have problems, and you take the truck back to the dealer you bought from, and remind them that this was the purchasing dealer, they would "overlook" the plow on the front end and not void your warranty.
Two different dealers have given me two different stories on the availability of the lumbar repair parts. The dealer whom I thought would be able to get this taken care of is telling me the parts are on national backorder. I called back the dealer I purchased the truck from and raised a stink, they said the parts are available and will be here Friday .
New catalog came in today I see Bushwhacker has come out with some neat O.E. style fender flares for our Super Duties, first pics I have seen of the new flare ON a S.D. These folks web address is www.performanceproducts.com
I talked to a dealer here in town today and he said, "Yes, you can get a 3.73 rearend with the v10 in Calif., but you can't get the limited slip 3.73 with the v10 in Calif. I guess I could move to Nevada! How much will I miss the limited slip rearend if I have 4wd? bmc
First time on this forum. Just to put out some info: I have a 250 cc swb lariat 4x2 psd automatic 3.73 limited slip with trailer tow and camper pkg. I avg. 16mpg empty driving about 70% hyway. I ordered my truck on 11-14-98 and I finally picked it up on 4-5-99. I hounded my dealer (Vacaville Ford, Vacaville CA) about every week. My salesman had no info on my truck(build date, vin#) until two weeks before delivery. He kept on telling me ford was not telling Him anything. Anyway, I got the truck for $1000.00 over invoice. I just got back from my first trip towing my 5300# travel trailer. Averaged 12 mpg over Siskiyou mountains between CA and OR. I set the cruise on 55 and locked out od, the big Ford and Powerstroke went over the passes like they weren't there. A lot of people say that the diesel doesnt have any compression braking, but as long as I didn't hit the brakes going downhill(the computer automatically unlocks the converter clutch when you hit the brakes), the 'stroker held my speed down better than my old 302 F-150 with the same trailer did. Anyway I have 5000 miles on my 250SD with no problams yet. One other thing to those who haven't ordered one yet and are undecided on v-10 or diesel, the diesel takes 15 quarts of oil(and has to have the diesel designation) a $10 to $15 oil filter and you should carry a spare fuel filter (about $15) just in case! But....if you are going to tow in the mountains, the diesel is the way to go. P.S. the truck DOES ride like a mercedes!!!
I am thinking about a 99 F250 Super Duty, short box, 4 door, 2wd, 7.3 diesel. Does anyone know what kind of mileage I could expect? I won't be doing much trailer pulling.
This is my first post so please excuse any dumb mistakes.
I'm back on-line. FYI, 99 F-350 V-10, 4.30, dually, auto, Lariat. I took delivery of my truck in October 1998 from Isbell Ford in Oklahoma. I lived in Dallas at the time. I moved from Dallas to Anchorage Alaska in January 1999.
I pulled a 12 foot U-Haul to Seattle, shipped my stuff from there, and then picked up a Bigfoot 3000 truck camper at a dealer in Canada. The truck ran great, despite poor driving conditions (25+ below zero and snowing through much of Canada). Most of the driving was done in 4wd with OD locked out because of the road conditions. The engine braking was excellent on the hills was excellent.
The truck ran flawlessly until about a month after I got to Anchorage. One morning, there was a ticking sound in the engine. Apparantly, the engine had thrown a rocker arm. I had 9,300 miles on the truck. Ford replaced the engine. No problems since. Current mileage is close to 18,000.
I've been doing a lot of camping the past few months. I have a truck camper (1999 10'11" Bigfoot 3000 with all the options). The camper dealer built a platform for the bed of the truck. I can remove the platform in about five minutes. The camper does not shift on the platform at all, and I drive on a lot of rough roads. Make sure you get the turnbuckles with the shocks (about $75) for the front tie-downs. If you own a truck camper, or are thinking about buying one, the need for a platform for the Superduty should not discourage you.
Loaded for a trip, my truck and camper tip the scales at around 12,000 pounds, which exceeds the 11,200 pound GVWR. With the duallys, the truck handles great, even through winding mountain roads with major frost heaves. If you see a SRW pickup with a decent size pickup camper, you can be pretty sure they are significantly over their GVWR, unless they have a pop-up or something that specifically says "Lite" on it. If they are riding level, check their rear springs or coils and they probably have an air-lift.
Although I lose a couple of mpg, I wouldn't trade the 4.30 rear-end. Running empty, the truck rarely downshifts out of OD, except on very steep grades. Even with the camper on, the truck stays in OD on a lot of hills. With the combo of the V-10 and 4.30s, I'm passing cars on hills, as well as RVs.
I average 10-10.5 on my daily commute (about 50/50 sity/hwy) running empty. My highway miles up here in Alaska usually include at least one steep mountain pass. My average has been 11.5-12mpg running empty. The best I've ever done running empty was just under 13mpg.
My camper has a high profile, with a clearance of close to 12 feet. I average 7.5-8mpg around town and 8.5-9mpg on the highway. I think I could get another 1 mpg better on a flat interstate, but we don't have those up here. I usually take my camper off during the week.
The bottom line is that I love this truck. The engine problem appears to have been a fluke and Ford replaced it with a new engine. I debated V-10 vs gas, and 4.30 vs 3.73, and dually vs SRW, and I have no regrets about any of the options I selected. For all of you still waiting, it will be worth it.
P.S. I caught a 48 pound King Salmon a couple of weeks ago.
Markbuck, thanks for the NASH note. We're also looking at those. I understand they are actually an Arctic Fox without some of the fancy stuff like Fantastic Fans, fiberglass sides, etc. I like the NASH 'cause they are a little lighter and cost a little less. We saw one at a site the other day and the owners loved theirs. We'll see what's available when purchase time comes up next year.
Well it has almost 2000 miles on it in the month I've had it, and I'm really happy with it.
For those asking mpg questions: it's a F350 Crew Cab DRW 4x4 PSD with 4.10 limited slip. Running empty (8000#) in a mix of highway and town, it's getting about 15mpg. But that's with a really heavy foot - it's so much fun to actually have acceleration. When I'm towing (15000#) it's about 14mpg, but I let off on the foot a little.
Now I need a month's vacation to install the cargo boxes and move the tools from the old truck to the new. I got the Rhino lining sprayed in, and it sure seems indestructable - did a load of stone and then just washed it out - couldn't tell. But it isn't a thick as I would like at some of the edges. (My fault - that's just due to a misunderstanding between myself and the sprayer. If I had to start over, I would cover the entire tailgate - both inside and out, rather than just lapping over the top. Everytime you reach over it to put stuff in the bed, you brush your belt buckle on the outside.) Mine came with the 2" rear blocks. Looks OK empty, but when it's loaded, the rear starts looking a little low. When I get it to final weight (put the boxes in) I'll look at it again and decide if it's worth the trouble to get the 4" blocks put in. I haven't found a rear winch bumper that fits with the trailer hitch, so I will weld one together next weekend. (It was TOO hot to put on welding leathers here last weekend) (Ranchhand and Reunel have great bumpers - they just won't fit an XD9000i between the 2" receiver and pintle plate with 4" rise and the tailgate. I'll offset the winch to one side - it will be between the frame and the center of the hitch, rather than centered) I added a 6" convex mirror that rests in the hole created by the trailer mirror arms. NOW I think the mirrors are great. I just ignore the factory convex except when backing up - to see the ground next to the tires. I'm 6'2", and I found that the most comfortable seating position was with the seat all the way up so that the long legs weren't cramped in, but the arms could still reach the wheel. Telescoping wheel would be nice - by the time I put the seat back for the legs, the wheel is to far away. The disadvantage to this seating is the factory convex is even less useful.
Enough rambling for today. Would I do it again - YES. That motor and the weight capacity makes up for a lot of little annoyances. Maybe Ford will start moving a few move items from their SUVs into the truck - we're paying as much.
Help! I do not have time to read all of the hundreds of postings to see if this has been answered, so if anyone can give me an answer while I continue to read these postings, I'd appreciate it!
I have a really great price on a repo'd 99 F250 SD Lariat Supercab 7.3L PS diesel longbed that I find hard to pass up. My question is - has anybody gone on longer (more than a few hours) trips with people in the back seat and had to listen to complaints about the small seat/upright seatback/rough ride? My boys are 9 and 13 and they are starting to really complain about the jump seats in my Ford Ranger!
I intend on ordering a 2000 model F250SD with PSD. I've seen some info on the 2000 model changes. Can somebody re-post that for me? I'm of the "buy more than you need and you'll never run out" mentality. Therefore, I'll probably go with the dual alternators (avail in 2000 w/o ambulance pkg.). Please explain to me the benefits of the "idle control module" and why I might want it. Regarding the electric shift 4X4 vs. manual. I know that the manual shift has a x-fer case lever in the floor. Do I have to also get out and lock the hubs? Who prefers which? My old '78 chevy was completely manual. Who prefers which rear end gear and why? I'm leaning towards the 3.73. BTW, my truck when ordered will be F250SD, extended cab, long bed, 4X4, camper package, PSD, Auto-Trans. thanks in advance for your time & thoughts. Doug
Comments
Why do you believe that final drive is not the differential? It’s a rare vehicle that has gearing at the wheels instead of the pumpkin.
Anyone else?
Meanwhile, I have a question for our astute readers here. How would I find out who is the person/persons responsible for seating decisions in our Super Duties? I need a name and a title as well as an e-mail address, fax number or snail mail address.
By the way, if you are going to contact anybody regarding seating decisions, could you ask them why they discontinued the rear seat headrests on the crew cabs? Although most cars hitting a SD CC probably wouldn't be able to move it enough to cause whiplash, it still seems like an important safety feature that they probably left out just so save a few $$.
P.S - I saw a note earlier about Rhino liners - I have one and really like it - it doesn't rattle, warp, or get moisture underneath. I spent about $450 to have it installed here in Missouri.
What do you think?
SUPER DUTY LARIAT F-350 LE DRW
4x4 or 4x2
Short or Long Box
6.8L Triton V10 Gasoline
or
7.3L Power Stroke
V8 Diesel 20,000 lbs. GCWR
And There's A Whole Lot More...
Super Duty F-350 - Lariat LE
Exterior Features
Special Tu-Tone Paint Theme With Color Keyed Door Handles, Badging, and Tape Stripes
16.0" Aluminum Style Wheels With Mating OWL Tires
Exterior Color -Keyed Sun Visor With Integral Roof Marker Lamps
Lighted “Diamond Plate” Running Boards
Privacy Glass — Rear Doors and Sliding Backlight
Power Trailer Tow Mirrors
Interior Features
Quad Captain Leather Seating With Adjustable Lumbar and “Lariat LE” Logo on Seat Backs
Front and Rear Seat Consoles With Simulated Woodgrain Appliques and Bright Release Handles. Integral Cupholders Included In Rear Console
Upgraded Door Trim Panels With Simulated Woodgrain Appliques
Unique Floor Mats With “Lariat LE” Logo on Front Mats
Specifications:
Standard Equipment
Power Driver's Seat, 6-Way
Air Conditioning
Remote Keyless Entry
Speed Control/Tilt Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel, Leather Wrapped
Power Locks/Windows
Electronic 4-Spd Auto Transmission
Exterior Color-Keyed Sun Visor with Roof Marker Lamps
Trailer Tow Package (includes HD 78A battery)
Spare Tire - 16"
Additional Equipment
Power Trailer Tow Mirrors
Privacy glass - Rear Doors and Sliding Backlight
Lighted Running Boards/Diamond Plate Insert
Quad Leather Captain's Chairs
Floor Mats w/Logo
Color Keyed Door Handles
Wood Accents (Doors, Front and Rear Consoles)
Front/Rear Seat Console/Cupholders in Rear
Rear Tailgate Lettering - "Lariat LE"
Dark Accents (I/P)
Special Tu-Tone Paint Theme and Tape Stripes
16.0" Aluminum Style Wheel and OWL Tires
Information herein was correct when approved for printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to discontinue or change at any time, specifications, designs or programs without incurring obligation.
February, 1999 AOC 13262 Litho in USA
The hinged tonneau cover is a good addition if you want a tarp but like the hard cover. I was leary at first but it's awesume - easy access from snaps and super fast from tailgate with it up. PS - if you want it to collapse for storage a few screws are required to be removed which limits some advantages but overall great.
No other problems yet (original steering wheel angle was corrected in an hour at the dealer).
Good truckin'!
If I never do tow a 5th wheel, or anything else, will I regret having gotten the camper package because of the stiffer ride?
Will the 2000 F250SD V10 be available in California with the 3.73 rearend.
Does the High Altitude setup cause any reduction in performance closer to sea level as opposed to above 3000 ft?
Thanks for your response in advance, I really enjoy reading your postings?
No the CA spec V10 model is not available in a 3.73 - I have been trying to see if I can change that and the answer is no.
Some advice - whether or not you plan on pulling anything or getting the camper package, definitely get the trailer towing package. This gives you a larger capacity battery and alternator, a larger radiator and an oil cooler, and the cost is very low, about $128 invoice I think. It also gives you prewiring for a brake controller.
BTW, I originally ordered my truck with CA emissions because I knew that I would be moving here soon, but that deal fell through. The one I got doesn't have that package, and I will have to pay a one time $300 fee to register it here (see my post from last week for more info on that).
You will love the truck!
Mike
JB out of PA!!
Has anyone else had braking problems with the F250 Ford Diesel 1991 truck?? We have a gooseneck rig, towing package on the truck- It was bought for the express purpose of towing horses. Our brakes went out after a 3 mile down mountain trail - extremely lucky we lasted till the bottom of the hill and had a large open area to turn around in until we were able to slow down. The dealer gave us some "crap" about how since asbestos was banned, brakes don't work as well. Within our limited "friend" span, 3 other people with the same type of trucks had had their brakes go out at some point. After the money we spent to buy a truck specifically geared to our needs (trailering horses), we were afraid to use it on anything steep again. Our dealer just refilled the brake fluid and recommended we "test drive" again and tell him if we had problems. My opinion is that we only need to have problems one time and "you can go careening down a mountain side with the horse you have owned for 15 years in a trailer behind you and tell me if it works or not"
This has totally turned me off of FORD products and since we are getting ready to buy another truck I am curious if any other people have had the same problems. I really expected a recall, but I guess not!!
Also, has anyone added the compass/rearview mirror accessorie, Like/Dislikes? Cost? installable at home?
Thanks in advance
Also, what is the towing capacity of a F150?
Finally, what rear axle should we get?
Thanks,
Ed
Also, what kind of MPG are you getting when towing.
Thanks!
Ed
P.S. - I already have my truck and I am happy with my dealer (maybe it is the same one). My truck is an F250 SD CC LWB V8 4.10LS 4X2 XLT
lutzt - sorry, no gas mileage figures yet.
Was also thinking about the SCab vs CC, with the camper on truck and a crawl thru the back seats not used that much. Help
I made an 8:00 a.m. appointment at a local dealer to "fix" my lumbar support. I had it there at 7:45 and asked them to also change the oil (they advertise that the oil change and lube includes a wash). I was advised that I should rotate and balance the tires too, so I said O.K. Since I had an appointment, and these things couldn't take "too" long to do, I didn't make plans for my wife to give me a ride home. The service advisor said that it would be ready by 12:30! So I called my wife and we went shopping with the kids. At about 2:00 p.m. I got a call that my truck was ready. So I went down to pick up the truck (a 20 minute drive). I paid about $70.00 for the oil change and tire service (that also included "checking the brakes", like a truck with 7K miles will need new pads) and was told that the lumbar parts were a special order. I had already told them that when I made the appointment! (thanks to your posts I am somewhat better informed than the service department). So I waited for 20 minutes for them to bring my truck out. I don't know why that took so long because there was nobody else waiting to pick up any vehicles. When it finally came out it was still covered with dirt (I had driven up some dirt roads the previous day). I asked the guy who brought it out why it wasn't washed, and he offered to take it back and have it washed. When I asked how long that would take, he said about 20 minutes. Since I had my two young kids with me I told him to forget it, and left.
So, I left my truck there all day, got dinged for $70 for work that could have been done for 1/2 the price closer to home, in probably less than an hour, and still don't have my lumbar support fixed. And, it was still dirty.
Needless to say I am somewhat dissatisfied with this service department and will probably take my business somewhere else next time.
All gas motors regulate both air and fuel. Diesels take in a complete air charge either at idle or at WOT. They run at an air/fuel ratio of 100:1 or so at idle and start to smoke around 22:1 as they run wide open.
Both motors are just giant air pumps, the "compression" braking on a gas motor is the motor pulling against a closed throttle valve, basically pulling a very large vacuum in the intake system.
mine took about two and a half weeks from "built to me" in Arizona. They should be tracking them every day and should be able to find out EXACTLY where it is on a given day. This time of year there shouldn't be any weather delays. I would guess you will get it any day now.
As for service problems. I took mine in a few weeks ago for the brake and cruise control recall and a couple of other things,after making an apointment two weeks before that. When I showed up they said they didn't have me down for an appointment. But they took me anyway when they saw that they had the parts that they had ordered for me when I made the appointment. When I went to pick it up, they said they said they didn't have time to fix the cruise control recall, and they had to order me a whole new console to fix the coin holder. So they said to bring it back in a few weeks and they would fix everything at that time. They didn't give me any paperwork like they usually do. When I brought it back in a few weeks later, they looked up on the computer and said that the cruise control recall had already been done. So they fixed the console. I got paperwork back that said nothing of the cruise control. I have written statements and put them in my important papers and have told friends and family members, incase the cruise control fails.
So they either told me wrong the first time, or they didn't really preform the recall. All I know is if my cruise control locks up (like they claim they were doing), and I get in a wreck, I or my estate will be many millions richer.
Sounds as if your dealer dropped the ball despite your effort to tell him exactly what it needed.
I'm sorry to read about the unsatisfactory results.
Its been ten days since I spoke with the dealer who ordered the repair kit for my broken lumbar. Last I spoke with him they had been back ordered to Detroit. I am going to call the service writer tommorrow and see where the heck the parts are. I will be happy to provide the part number when I get my hands on it.
Zach
I've got the F250, 4x2, v10, 4.30, SC, camper spec, trlr spec and use it to pull 21' travel trailer weighing a relatively light 6,000 lb. I love it! Pulls great and mileage goes from a low of 9.25 to 10.1 mpg. It's only got 3500 miles but I mainly have towed with it. The 10.1 mpg was even going over 2 mountain passes here in Wa. (I think 10mpg is good because my 85 Bronco only got 7.5 going the same!
Anyway, you'll be happier, as KEH4X4 says, with the v10 as the pulling mpg will probably be better than the v8.
We're readying to buy an Artic Fox 27' 5th wheel that GVWR is 12,000 lb. - so if you're ever to get a bigger RV, you'll be glad you opted for bigger. I'm a power nut too on powertrains, etc.
Good luck in whatever you do!
see 'ya
My V10 CC buddy and I (4.8 Silverado reg cab) co-own a 1996 Nash 24'. Both of us love the trailer and envy each others trucks at times. He has a passle of kids and I'm a single guy.
V10 gets 8 to 10, 4.8 gets a mile or two better.
My personal opinion, is put the dang thing on (what ever plow you want) and don't worry about it. If you have problems, and you take the truck back to the dealer you bought from, and remind them that this was the purchasing dealer, they would "overlook" the plow on the front end and not void your warranty.
New catalog came in today I see Bushwhacker has come out with some neat O.E. style fender flares for our Super Duties, first pics I have seen of the new flare ON a S.D. These folks web address is www.performanceproducts.com
How much will I miss the limited slip rearend if I have 4wd? bmc
This is my first post so please excuse any dumb mistakes.
Thanks
Paul
I pulled a 12 foot U-Haul to Seattle, shipped my stuff from there, and then picked up a Bigfoot 3000 truck camper at a dealer in Canada. The truck ran great, despite poor driving conditions (25+ below zero and snowing through much of Canada). Most of the driving was done in 4wd with OD locked out because of the road conditions. The engine braking was excellent on the hills was excellent.
The truck ran flawlessly until about a month after I got to Anchorage. One morning, there was a ticking sound in the engine. Apparantly, the engine had thrown a rocker arm. I had 9,300 miles on the truck. Ford replaced the engine. No problems since. Current mileage is close to 18,000.
I've been doing a lot of camping the past few months. I have a truck camper (1999 10'11" Bigfoot 3000 with all the options). The camper dealer built a platform for the bed of the truck. I can remove the platform in about five minutes. The camper does not shift on the platform at all, and I drive on a lot of rough roads. Make sure you get the turnbuckles with the shocks (about $75) for the front tie-downs. If you own a truck camper, or are thinking about buying one, the need for a platform for the Superduty should not discourage you.
Loaded for a trip, my truck and camper tip the scales at around 12,000 pounds, which exceeds the 11,200 pound GVWR. With the duallys, the truck handles great, even through winding mountain roads with major frost heaves. If you see a SRW pickup with a decent size pickup camper, you can be pretty sure they are significantly over their GVWR, unless they have a pop-up or something that specifically says "Lite" on it. If they are riding level, check their rear springs or coils and they probably have an air-lift.
Although I lose a couple of mpg, I wouldn't trade the 4.30 rear-end. Running empty, the truck rarely downshifts out of OD, except on very steep grades. Even with the camper on, the truck stays in OD on a lot of hills. With the combo of the V-10 and 4.30s, I'm passing cars on hills, as well as RVs.
I average 10-10.5 on my daily commute (about 50/50 sity/hwy) running empty. My highway miles up here in Alaska usually include at least one steep mountain pass. My average has been 11.5-12mpg running empty. The best I've ever done running empty was just under 13mpg.
My camper has a high profile, with a clearance of close to 12 feet. I average 7.5-8mpg around town and 8.5-9mpg on the highway. I think I could get another 1 mpg better on a flat interstate, but we don't have those up here. I usually take my camper off during the week.
The bottom line is that I love this truck. The engine problem appears to have been a fluke and Ford replaced it with a new engine. I debated V-10 vs gas, and 4.30 vs 3.73, and dually vs SRW, and I have no regrets about any of the options I selected. For all of you still waiting, it will be worth it.
P.S. I caught a 48 pound King Salmon a couple of weeks ago.
I always wondered why you didn't get the PSD? With all the driving you do and with such a big load I would guess the diesel would be the only choice.
I follow a Diesel site that you might find interesting at www.ford-diesel.com just go to
the forum section and be sure to register.
Fred.
thanks for the NASH note. We're also looking at those. I understand they are actually an Arctic Fox without some of the fancy stuff like Fantastic Fans, fiberglass sides, etc. I like the NASH 'cause they are a little lighter and cost a little less. We saw one at a site the other day and the owners loved theirs.
We'll see what's available when purchase time comes up next year.
For those asking mpg questions:
it's a F350 Crew Cab DRW 4x4 PSD with 4.10 limited slip. Running empty (8000#) in a mix of highway and town, it's getting about 15mpg. But that's with a really heavy foot - it's so much fun to actually have acceleration. When I'm towing (15000#) it's about 14mpg, but I let off on the foot a little.
Now I need a month's vacation to install the cargo boxes and move the tools from the old truck to the new. I got the Rhino lining sprayed in, and it sure seems indestructable - did a load of stone and then just washed it out - couldn't tell. But it isn't a thick as I would like at some of the edges. (My fault - that's just due to a misunderstanding between myself and the sprayer. If I had to start over, I would cover the entire tailgate - both inside and out, rather than just lapping over the top. Everytime you reach over it to put stuff in the bed, you brush your belt buckle on the outside.)
Mine came with the 2" rear blocks. Looks OK empty, but when it's loaded, the rear starts looking a little low. When I get it to final weight (put the boxes in) I'll look at it again and decide if it's worth the trouble to get the 4" blocks put in.
I haven't found a rear winch bumper that fits with the trailer hitch, so I will weld one together next weekend. (It was TOO hot to put on welding leathers here last weekend) (Ranchhand and Reunel have great bumpers - they just won't fit an XD9000i between the 2" receiver and pintle plate with 4" rise and the tailgate. I'll offset the winch to one side - it will be between the frame and the center of the hitch, rather than centered)
I added a 6" convex mirror that rests in the hole created by the trailer mirror arms. NOW I think the mirrors are great. I just ignore the factory convex except when backing up - to see the ground next to the tires.
I'm 6'2", and I found that the most comfortable seating position was with the seat all the way up so that the long legs weren't cramped in, but the arms could still reach the wheel. Telescoping wheel would be nice - by the time I put the seat back for the legs, the wheel is to far away. The disadvantage to this seating is the factory convex is even less useful.
Enough rambling for today. Would I do it again - YES. That motor and the weight capacity makes up for a lot of little annoyances. Maybe Ford will start moving a few move items from their SUVs into the truck - we're paying as much.
I have a really great price on a repo'd 99 F250 SD Lariat Supercab 7.3L PS diesel longbed that I find hard to pass up. My question is - has anybody gone on longer (more than a few hours) trips with people in the back seat and had to listen to complaints about the small seat/upright seatback/rough ride? My boys are 9 and 13 and they are starting to really complain about the jump seats in my Ford Ranger!
Thanks!
BayouBoy
Regarding the electric shift 4X4 vs. manual. I know that the manual shift has a x-fer case lever in the floor. Do I have to also get out and lock the hubs? Who prefers which? My old '78 chevy was completely manual. Who prefers which rear end gear and why? I'm leaning towards the 3.73.
BTW, my truck when ordered will be F250SD, extended cab, long bed, 4X4, camper package, PSD, Auto-Trans.
thanks in advance for your time & thoughts.
Doug