I test drove a SD rc 4x4 with v10 automatic today. Took it out on the highway and was disappointed with the shake in it. Between 70 - 80 MPH there was a slight shake in the wheel and even noticeable in the mirrors. I checked the hubs and they were in the free position. The truck had 58 miles on it. Is this typical of the new SD? I have been driving my father-in-laws Dodge and it's smooth and solid at 90mph+. What gives?
the reason that the Dodge rides so much more smoothly is that the Dodge is a 1500, and the Superduty is at least 2500. And everyone knows that a smaller truck is more likely to have a better ride.the superduty is one big truck, and is heavier and much more powerful. the dodge ram is also a very good truck, and powerful. but, the superduty out performs the dodge. anyone that diagrees with me, e-mail me, at VETTEetc@aol.com
One bit of additional information about the Dodge's smooth ride. The Dodge I drove was a 2500 (8800# GVWR)Ext cab 4x4 with a V10 manual trans with 35,000 miles.
The ride is not the issue that I'm concerned about with the SD. I understand that this is a truck and the expectation is a truck ride. I concerned about the shake or vibration that I was getting thru the steering wheel. Once the speed was reduced to about 45-50 the steering wheel smoothed out. Is anyone getting a slight shake thru the steering wheel or is this just simply a out-of-balance tire? The dealer claims this is not a typical trait with the SD, but I would like opinions of current owners. Thanks a bunch. This is not intended to be a slam against Ford, I like the SD, just trying to get additional information.
Wow! I have the F-250 and can only say that once it gets over 70 mph is is very smooth and unfortunately wants to go faster. I have noticed no vibration anytime. V8, 4x4, SD ext cab
Can anyone explain the the Gas Guzzler and/or Luxury tax concept and tell me if it applies to the super duty F250 or F350 in any of its configurations ? I am unclear about any extra costs beyond my 5.5 sales tax in WI and the price that I can bargin with from the dealer.
My F250 SD CC 4x4 V10 3.73lsd ESOF is absolutely smooth at any speed I have driven it. It seems to have smoother and quieter acceleration from 60 -> 90 than at low speeds and always seems to want to exceed the 70mph max speed, especially crossing the desert from San Diego to Vegas and back.
I have, however, noticed a slight vibration in the brakes lately. This is not from the 4 wheel abs, as it is not occurring in emergency stops but during normal braking. Has anybody else noticed this, and is it just a matter of getting the brakes adjusted? I have about 9K miles on the truck and the brakes were "checked" at 6K when I had my 2nd oil change.
BTW, marbuck, I wasn't really bitchin' about my cupholder, although I do love to complain. Just relating a humorous event that could have been not so humorous. Believe me, I've got some more stressful things going on than spilled root beer!
has anyone heard of the 4" blocks in the suspension of the ford f250 superduty 4x2 longbox being to high to pull fifth wheel trailers. thought I read somewhere that ford will change them to 2" blocks
It could also be an imbalance in the drive train. When I took delivery of my truck it vibrated quite noticeably at highway speeds. I thought it was a tire imbalance. I took it back to the dealer, test drove it with the service man and he immediately suspected an out of balance drive shaft, but he wanted to take a look at it. It turned out that three of the four bolts that connected the shaft to the tranny were only hand tight and the fourth was missing (kind of scary, especially at the front of the drive shaft). It drives nice and smooth at all speeds now. I suggest test driving a few more trucks.
From the factory/dealer, my truck came with a tire pressure of 45 PSI all around. The door sticker gives the load ratings with 55 PSI up front and 70 PSI in the back. I put in 55 all the way around, with the plan to put 70 in the back when I have a load. Right now, I run empty in the back most of the time. Does this matter, or should I run 70 in the back all the time?
99 F250 SD SC 2WD SWB 5.4 liter VS auto w/410 ratio limited slip rear, 2650 miles, averaging 10.5 mpg. What's the deal? Why is the mpg so bad? Does anyone have suggestions on what I can do to improve the gas mileage, engine add-ons, etc.? If so, please email me at ltmjkenney@aol.com. Thanks.
How much does the 3/4 ton, single rear wheel weigh? My 92 F-250HD 4x4 standard cab weighed 5,300 pounds, including a fiberglass shell. My 99 F-350 SC dually 4x4 weighs 7,100 pounds. I'm interested to see how much of the weight differences is because of the jump from the 3/4 ton to the one ton, and how much is related to the Superduty design.
my fronts look kinda flat--when cold, it's about 43/44. if i'm not mistaken, the sidewall says not to inflate above 40psi cold. and the mech says they're alright.. yet they definitely really look flatter than rears (well, expected, because usually empty bed).. so could i inflate the front a little? if so, how much more? (f250 SD SC SB 4x4)
What was the name of that dealer and what city was it that screwed that order up? Let us know so nobody else gets screwed over from them. People can take there business elsewhere and save some headaches.
The dealer is Sheehy Ford of Gaithersburg, MD. 9 months without delivery of the truck, and lies, lies, lies. I have sent letters to the Ford CEO, Chairman, and Customer Service with no useful response of course. People do need to beware this dealership. If I didn't have better things to do, I would picket the showroom. I filed an online complaint with the Better Business Bureau tonight, and I urge others with problems with Ford to do the same. Maybe they will get the message at some point, but I doubt it.
I will be buying a new truck soon and have been impressed with everything I've read about the F-250 Super Duty's except maybe the long wait to get one. The conflict I have is that I will be placing a 10' to 11' Camper on it and wonder whether to go with the 350 or stay with the 250. I understand the main difference between the two is the heavy duty springs in the 350. Is this right? Also, will I pay the price for the heavier springs by a rough ride/handling on the road when the camper is off of a 350. Decisions, Decisions! Unfortunately I'm a long ways from retirement so my trips with the camper will be fewer and far between than I'd like.
I currently have a SD F-250 supercab lwb with 460 V8 4.11 rear end that pulls my 5th wheel (30ft. about 8000 lb. loaded. This total rig weighs in at almost 14,000 lbs, and it pulls effortlessly. It should, the GCWR is 18,000. I was reading the specs. on the new 2000 SD F-250 and had planned on ordering the V-10, but was agonizing over which rear end to order 3.73 or 4.30. The 3.73 GCWR is 17,000 lb. and the 4.30 is 20,000 (in the 1999 Ford RV and trailer towing guide). However for 2000, the V-10 engine power and torque have been increased hp from 275 to 300 and torque from 410 to 430. I think that answers my question for me. The increase should put the GCWR for the 2000 with the V-10 and 3.73 axle at about 18,000 lb., the same as the V-8 460 that I'm replacing. This still gives me a margin of 4000 lb. pulling power. No need to go down to the 4.30 axle that with the 2000 increase in power should top out over 20,000 GCWR. Comments?
Anyone heard about transmission problems with the new super duties. Heard a rumor that the transmissions are made at three different plants and 2500 transmissions from one of the plants have failed.
I haven't heard anything about the transmissions going bad, but have read a few articles that stated that the automatics sap more power than usual and than most automatics in other vehicles including the F150. My truck with V-10 and 4x4 seems to have a mushy shift every once in a while under hard acceleration. If it starts coming more frequently, I will take it back.
My PSD with auto is running great except for the shift to reverse. When I stop moving forward (yes it's a complete stop) and then put it in reverse, it takes about 3/4 second til the trans locks up. (If I'm not patient, I'll have started on the gas already, then it spins the tires when it catches, but I've learned to feel it connect.) Dealer says this delay is normal for electronic automatics. 3/4 second really isn't that long, except when you're trying to back into your driveway and you see other vehicles coming at 50mph. Do other people's trans do the same thing? Or should I hassle the dealer more?
Ordered my 250 SD PS 4X4 last March. Received word on Thursday, 8/22, that my truck will be in on 9/19 as a Y2K. The dealer told me since I ordered a 99 but it did not get built in time and upgraded to the 2000 I am getting $500 rebate from FoMoCo. Anyone else should check in with there dealership so you can get all that is coming to you for waiting so long.
I believe I have found a Great Dealership and a special individual to work with. We have ordered a 2000 Ford F-250 SD Crew Cab Lariat pkg. with plenty of options. We are paying dealer invoice plus $300.00. After reading some of the horror stories I thought I would pass it on. The dealership is Titus-Will Ford-Toyota of Tacoma,Washington. The person that I have dealt with is Tunya(pronounced Tonya) O. Hampton. She is the fleet sales manager there. Her direct E-mail address is fleetexec@tituswill.com . I told her of some of the problems others have had across our United States and she said she could sell and drop ship the vehicle anywhere in the U.S..She`s Christian and a straight shooter. The truck that I ordered should arrive in September. I can hardly wait!! Will keep everyone informed if interested.
Chances are that you will want a 1 ton, rather than a 3/4 ton if you are getting a 10-11 foot camper. With a single rear wheel truck, you'll probably also end up getting airbags and possibly Rancho adjustable shocks. A camper that size will have a dry weight of 2,800-3,000 pounds. Options can add as much as 1,000 more pounds.
I opted for the F-350 dually, and am glad I did. I've got a 10'11" camper with all of the options. Loaded for trip, I tip the scales around 12,000 pounds, including passengers. The truck handles great with the duallys. The airbags should help stabilize a SRW. I may even get them for my truck.
You don't need to be retired to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. I've been getting out at least two out of every three weekends since May, and plan to get out every weekend until Labor Day. I'm 36, so retirement isn't happening anytime too soon for me either. I've been taking the camper on and off quite a few weeks. It takes less than an hour.
Thanks for the e-mail address, Tunya is my contact for my truck, I am in Guam and have ordered through military car sales. I am glad to hear she is a strait shooter. I pick up my F250 SC 4X4 V-10 on Sep 23, maybe I will see you there!
I just tried that link and it didn't work. Let's try www.ford-diesel.com. Then click on faq on the menu on the left side and then go to the new SD info.
I have an F250 SD 4x4 CC swb V10, etc. To leave my house, I have to back down an approx. 175' driveway, fairly steep at the end of a private road. I back across the road and far enough down the driveway on the other side to make the turn to get out. There is always a delay when shifting from R to D. It is espcially noticeable if I get off the brake and on the gas too quickly because I am facing pretty steeply uphill and I will drift back what seems like a foot or two before it catches. It was very aggravating at first and when I forget to wait, but I have gotten used to waiting for a second or so.
Hi, I own a 99 F250 PS Diesel, and I have had some problems with it. It started to make funny noises (sort of like a chain rattling). I asked the service manager about it numerous times, all the time hearing "It's normal". Finally, I caught the owner of the dealership walking out of the door, and asked him to listen. He said that there was definitely something different, so he brought another diesel over to compare sounds...Well, sure enough, there was a big difference. It was in the shop for a couple of days...They put a new turbo charger in. I got it back today, and now it has no power at all! I was driving it up a small hill and it started shuttering and making another strange, loud, noise (sounded like pressured air leaking out of something..sort of like air conditioner on high times 5). I turned the AC off, and it still made this sound. So, It is going back tomorrow morning! Has anyone else had this problem?
I love this truck to death...I use it to pull a 4 horse trailer, and the truck acts like the trailer is not even there! It is just starting to annoy me! I am leaving to go on a long road trip Friday, and now it looks like I will be renting a car.
I don't know a lot about truck engines, so please forgive me for any mistakes! )
hi, just wanted to share my experience: just got a superchip for my v10 auto and it feels goood don't want this to sound like a plug but i highly recommend it. will up the specs a pass the 2000 model (+29 hp & +46 ft-lb dyno'd, available at lower rpms and part throttle)
I am interested in putting 285's on my new 350 SD 4x4, and want to go with new wheels. Does anyone know what the stock offset is on the Ford wheels? I haven't had the opportunity to measure them yet (I take delivery 2nd week of Sep.) and would like to know.
Do you have to run premium gas after installing the chip? Is it easy to install where you can put the stock one back in from time to time if you want without messing with wires?(like returning the truck for warranty work or taking emission tests)
I don't have any pictures of my rig on the internet, but I did find a photo of one that is almost identical at the link below. There are five pictures on that page. My rig looks almost like Brian Aut's truck/camper combo, except for the color. My truck is black and the pinstriping on my camper is green.
yes, you have to use 90+ octane to prevent knocking. but you really do gain a couple mpgs.
And installation is a major pain. I tried to do it myself but couldn't get to the back of the computer to loosen the wiring harness because I didn't have the right tools (to do it without removing the battery and other parts). So I took to a shop and they used (don't know what it's called, so I'll describe it) a wrench with a long socket about 2ft, with a "flexible"/bent head, to get at it from a distance, because for one, I'm not mechanically inclined and I tried simply getting to it directly from above with a wrench but could barely reach it, can't see at all, and didn't have a socket that'll fit 10mm.
An alternate way would be to remove the fender skirt though there are also compenents attached and wiring taped onto it.. but if you can do it that way, it'll be much easier.
So, to prevent going through this ordeal again, they cut an opening in the plastic casing that holds the computer box so the chip can be easily removed/accessed from the front, however, in any case, you definitely have to secure it with tape or some attachable velcro or something.
I just ordered a 2000 SD extended cab 4x4 with the 5.4 V8 auto and 3.73 rear end. I also have a 5th wheel that weighs 7000 pds loaded. My question is, will my new truck tow my camper without any problems? I presently have a 1992 f-150 with the 302, the motor and suspension don't quite have it.
I have an F-250 Crew Cab w/ V10 and pull a 5,000 pound camper. The chassis is an awesome tow vehicle compared to my old Chevy 1500. I would agree with the previous guy if you are going with the V8, the 4.10 rear end is the way unless you live on the Bonneville Salt Flats. I highly recommend the V10 if you are going mountain camping. I even get 14 mpg with the trailer on and a load of gear and firewood in the bed. Of course it is about 16 without.
my dealer suggested the 4.10 rear end, but also said the 3.73 would be alright. The towing I do is mainly in the summer 5 or 6 trips. I live in upstate NY and we do have hills and mountains. My salesman said with the 3.73 it would be lacking for power a little bit on the hills, but not bad. I was concerned with gas mileage at the time. The main use will be back and forth to work. My f-150 with a 302 pulled the camper up Mendon mountain in Vermont, not easily but it did it. I am hopeing my new truck will do the job much better. Is there anyone else out there with the same setup.
Comments
Took it out on the highway and was disappointed with the shake in it. Between 70 - 80 MPH there was a slight shake in the wheel and even noticeable in the mirrors. I checked the hubs and they were in the free position. The truck had 58 miles on it. Is this typical of the new SD? I have been driving my father-in-laws Dodge and it's smooth and solid at 90mph+. What gives?
Luxury tax concept and tell me if it applies to the
super duty F250 or F350 in any of its
configurations ? I am unclear about any extra costs
beyond my 5.5 sales tax in WI and the price that I
can bargin with from the dealer.
99 F250 sd sc 4wd v10 lariat 7700 miles,8 months old
P.S. When I'm walking away from my truck, I still have to look back and check it out. NICE TRUCK!
I have, however, noticed a slight vibration in the brakes lately. This is not from the 4 wheel abs, as it is not occurring in emergency stops but during normal braking. Has anybody else noticed this, and is it just a matter of getting the brakes adjusted? I have about 9K miles on the truck and the brakes were "checked" at 6K when I had my 2nd oil change.
BTW, marbuck, I wasn't really bitchin' about my cupholder, although I do love to complain. Just relating a humorous event that could have been not so humorous. Believe me, I've got some more stressful things going on than spilled root beer!
thought I read somewhere that ford will change them to 2" blocks
Go for equal buldge all around. If you are really anal retentive, you can measure the height of tire to get exact bulge.
I'd get to 6,000 miles before I worried too much.
Your truck does weigh close to 3 tons......
43/44. if i'm not mistaken, the sidewall says not
to inflate above 40psi cold. and the mech says
they're alright.. yet they definitely really look
flatter than rears (well, expected, because
usually empty bed).. so could i inflate the front
a little?
if so, how much more?
(f250 SD SC SB 4x4)
Are your tires P series or LT series? What load range?
Are your tires P series or LT series? What load range?
9 months without delivery of the truck, and lies, lies, lies. I have sent letters to the Ford CEO, Chairman, and Customer Service with no useful response of course. People do need to beware this dealership. If I didn't have better things to do, I would picket the showroom. I filed an online complaint with the Better Business Bureau tonight, and I urge others with problems with Ford to do the same. Maybe they will get the message at some point, but I doubt it.
The increase should put the GCWR for the 2000 with the V-10 and 3.73 axle at about 18,000 lb., the same as the V-8 460 that I'm replacing. This still gives me a margin of 4000 lb. pulling power. No need to go down to the 4.30 axle that with the 2000 increase in power should top out over 20,000 GCWR. Comments?
3/4 second really isn't that long, except when you're trying to back into your driveway and you see other vehicles coming at 50mph.
Do other people's trans do the same thing? Or should I hassle the dealer more?
Wonder how many '99 models there going to do as 2000 models???
Chances are that you will want a 1 ton, rather than a 3/4 ton if you are getting a 10-11 foot camper. With a single rear wheel truck, you'll probably also end up getting airbags and possibly Rancho adjustable shocks. A camper that size will have a dry weight of 2,800-3,000 pounds. Options can add as much as 1,000 more pounds.
I opted for the F-350 dually, and am glad I did. I've got a 10'11" camper with all of the options. Loaded for trip, I tip the scales around 12,000 pounds, including passengers. The truck handles great with the duallys. The airbags should help stabilize a SRW. I may even get them for my truck.
You don't need to be retired to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. I've been getting out at least two out of every three weekends since May, and plan to get out every weekend until Labor Day. I'm 36, so retirement isn't happening anytime too soon for me either. I've been taking the camper on and off quite a few weeks. It takes less than an hour.
Thanks for the e-mail address, Tunya is my contact for my truck, I am in Guam and have ordered through military car sales. I am glad to hear she is a strait shooter. I pick up my F250 SC 4X4 V-10 on Sep 23, maybe I will see you there!
Mac
Mike
I love this truck to death...I use it to pull a 4 horse trailer, and the truck acts like the trailer is not even there! It is just starting to annoy me! I am leaving to go on a long road trip Friday, and now it looks like I will be renting a car.
I don't know a lot about truck engines, so please forgive me for any mistakes!
Mary
just got a superchip
for my v10 auto and it feels goood
don't want this to sound like a plug but
i highly recommend it. will up the specs a
pass the 2000 model (+29 hp & +46 ft-lb dyno'd,
available at lower rpms and part throttle)
Just a guess...sounds like they didn't tighten the input or output from the turbo. Or at the intercooler. Good luck
www.ford-diesel.com
Once you're in the site, click on Faq on the menu on the left side of the page, and then click on 99 Superduty.
http://duedall.fit.edu/iwd2/trucks.htm
knocking. but you really do gain a couple mpgs.
And installation is a major pain. I tried to do
it myself but couldn't get to the back of the
computer to loosen the wiring harness because I
didn't have the right tools (to do it without
removing the battery and other parts). So I
took to a shop and they used (don't know what it's
called, so I'll describe it) a wrench with a long
socket about 2ft, with a "flexible"/bent head, to
get at it from a distance, because for one, I'm
not mechanically inclined
getting to it directly from above with a wrench
but could barely reach it, can't see at all, and
didn't have a socket that'll fit 10mm.
An alternate way would be to remove the fender
skirt though there are also compenents attached and wiring taped onto it.. but if you can do it
that way, it'll be much easier.
So, to prevent going through this ordeal again,
they cut an opening in the plastic casing that
holds the computer box so the chip can be easily
removed/accessed from the front, however, in any
case, you definitely have to secure it with tape
or some attachable velcro or something.
the 5.4 V8 auto and 3.73 rear end. I also have
a 5th wheel that weighs 7000 pds loaded. My question is, will my new truck tow my camper
without any problems? I presently have a 1992
f-150 with the 302, the motor and suspension
don't quite have it.
I do is mainly in the summer 5 or 6 trips. I live
in upstate NY and we do have hills and mountains.
My salesman said with the 3.73 it would be lacking
for power a little bit on the hills, but not bad.
I was concerned with gas mileage at the time. The
main use will be back and forth to work. My f-150
with a 302 pulled the camper up Mendon mountain in
Vermont, not easily but it did it. I am hopeing my
new truck will do the job much better. Is there
anyone else out there with the same setup.