I'm considering ordering the molded splash guards from Ford. I see they are available for 4x2,4x4 and Lariat. I assume the 4x2 are shorter than the 4x4. Does anyone know what the lengths are? What's the difference between the Lariat and the others? I seem to remember in previous posts that some thought the 4x4 looked too long. Any help is appreciated. Also a question/observation about fuel. I noticed my mpg increased .5-1.0 when I fill up with 47 centane diesel(previous fillups 40 centane),plus engine is definitely quieter with less cackle/rattle. This seems to be worth the .02 difference in cost. Current mileage is 14.0-14.5,all city,'00 F250 Lariat, PSD 4x4,auto,3.73LS,CC,SRW
Dumb question: "what does centane mean?" I'm familiar with octane. Is it a ten molecule *ane vs. an 8 molecule hydrocarbon *ane rating or is it related just to diesel? Just curious.
Don't mean to put anyone on the spot, just showin' my ignorance. :-)
Sorry to all of you who are still waiting for your rigs, but my baby rolled of the transport last night (10 weeks to the day after the order was placed). I guess I just got lucky. bobh12, does your catalog show which opening the fog lights mount in (and where did you get that catalog anyway?)? Sounds like I need to get one so I can find more things to add to mine and then listen to the wife complain.
Well first of all I can't spell...it's cetane not centane. Yes, it's a rating for diesel fuel. The cetane number is the performance rating of a diesel fuel,expressed as the percentage of cetane that must be mixed with methylnapthalene to produce the same ignition performance as the diesel fuel being rated.(Cetane is a colorless liquid,C16H34,used as a solvent in standardized hydrocarbons- from Latin "cetus"=whale...so called because it belongs to a series of compounds found in sperm whale oil). Octane number for you gassers-a numerical measure of antiknock properties of motor fuel based on the percentage by volume of isooctane in standard reference fuel. For example, a motor fuel that produces the same degree of knocking as a standard reference fuel containing 90% isooctane has an octane number of 90. Now you're ready for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"
Unfortunately the only picture of the fog lights in the catalog is on a Ranger which of course does the Super Duty Community absolutely no good. Looking at a picture of the SD front end, my guess is they would mount somwhere near the tow hooks. I got my catalog from my dealer's parts department. They had a whole stack of them, and there is tons of stuff in there (cab steps, splash guards, fender flares, drls, mirrors inside and out, and on and on) for Rangers, F-150s SDs etc. The title is "Ford Truck Accesories". If you can't get one let me know via this forum or email me at rhannaford@netscape.net and I will see if I can get one and send it to you. I have an appointment to get a bed rail cap replaced on my F-150 (lot damage before delivery) on Tuesday PM the 11th so let me know. Bob
My price is the sum of the Invoice column for items ordered. I believe that Edmunds and Kelly have the same prices listed. I don't have my paperwork in front of me but there is definitely no FDAF or additional charges (other than the dealer "admin" charge of $160 I believe).
VOPC - just curious - do we really believe that Ford Motor Company isn't aware of this forum and that there is a whole host of us diehards using the VOPC (automated portion only of course)? If I were them I'd be checking out all these forums to see what the consumers are talking about. I would be shocked if they were not checking in and gauging what the buzz is. Very tempting to call and talk to the horses mouth (I haven't). Actually my dealer is complaining that the VOPC is so screwed up that the info is unreliable. As we all know, that is true to a great extent.
I'm starting to consider changing over to the PSD from the V10. Just have to figure out which bank to rob on the way home.
Based on a previous post on the Ford Class IV hitch (I'm sorry I don't remember by whom), I am changing mine to delete it. I don't want to be restricted to having to use the equalizer hitch. Since I am still clean and unscheduled, why not!
That makes sense about the fog lights. If you are using your high beams, you probably don't need your fog lights ince fog lights help you see better in fog and snow. When visibility is poor because of fog or heavy snow, I always find it amusing when people have their brights on.....and then complain that they still can't see. High beams make it harder to see the road in snow and fog, not easier.
Crazyelvis, 1048%! That's amazing. Another year or two at the pace and it would be "retirement here I come" for me. That puts my tech fund to shame, but it closed the year at 100.99%, so I can't complain. I've got about 70% in a tech fund and the other 30% in a S&P 500 indexed fund.
mainegirl,
I'd drive them both and figure out which one you like the best. Normally, most people would recommend the PSD if you're doing nothing but towing. However, it sounds like your trips might be short and they won't be through mountains or at altitudes, so that eliminates some of the advantages of the extra torque.
You'll pay more for the diesel up front and you'll pay more for routine oil changes, but you should get more on resale and you'll pay more at the pump with the V-10. The PSD should get 5-6 better mpg empty and 2-3 better towing. Many people have calculated the break even point on a purely financial basis between the two engines and it comes out to anywhere between 80,000 and 180,000 miles. By the way, my younger brother is a captain in the Army. He and his family moved ot Bangor in June where he is teaching ROTC at the University of Maine.
Just a question to toss out there that I was thinking about recently. What kind of impact does anyone think the introduction of the next generation PSD by Ford in a couple of years will have on the resale value of the current PSDs? The new PSDs are rumored to be a 6.0L with 305hp and 550 torque and are allegedly going to shave some serious time off the 0-60 run. They are also suppose to weigh several hundred pounds less which will increase the tow rating by about 500 pounds. Does anyone think that will have any kind of serious impact on the resale value? I wasn't very knowledgable about diesels when they first became turbo diesels, so I don't know what kind of impact that had on the resale of the older, non-turbo models, if any. If it did, will it be similar? In the gas arena, I suspect the introduction of the V-10 will have an impact on the resale of the trucks with the 460 since the V-10s are more powerful with better mpg. Then again, I still think a V-12 is in the Ford future that might do the same for the V-10.
Thanks for the info. I pick my beast up Saturday morning, so I'll check with the parts dept. and see if they have some. On the hitch topic, are we all sure that the hitch Ford says is Class IV is actually Class III. As far as I know (which isn't saying much) the main difference between them is in the inserts (2" sq. tube for Class III, 2" sq. solid bar for Class IV). Seems to me, if Ford is selling a III as IV, they're asking for a lawsuit when one fails.
Interesting. I have a copy of the VOC (Vehicle Order Confirmation) that shows the invoice pricing from Ford Motor order system. Gas and FDAF show up as line items (and I didn't pursue dropping either one). FDAF is a fee that corporate assesses the dealer and I get the impression that most dealers don't like eating that charge.
The $160 dealer prep I'm not paying (that is a dealer charge, not corporate).
You are right, KBB and Edmunds invoice pricing should be the same but their pricing web pages don't list all the things that may show up on your VOC (like FDAF and gas). I saw mention of advertising fees etc, but nowhere that indicates where that charge may be assessed. I also don't recall seeing gas and FDAF on the sticker on the window either
For us that are not chemist, cetane rating is the ability to burn. The higher the cetane rating the quicker the fuel burns, just the opposite of octane ratings for gas, the higher the slower it burns. In the good old days before OPEC cetane was higher and the fuel was cleaner.
Thanks. I'm impressed. I guess you're smarter than the average bear! :-) Now I know what tell my wife about why my new SD is so big, that it can be equipped to burn sperm whales!!!! Cool.
Info: I found the pull out feature of the fog light switch on my F250SD so I removed the switch panel to take a meter to the terminals and find out it the switch does anything. Interesting I found that none of the terminals on the switch changed voltage when I pulled the switch on to the fog light posistion. However I like having my separate switch anyway so that I can run my fog lights with just the parking lights on. In extreme fog I've found that even the low beams are blinding. The ford switch only allows the fog posistion with the headlights on..... newman
The distinction between Class III and IV is muddled a little bit, but the real point is the *actual* Maximum rating as shown on the hitch. Before I bought the truck I checked the lot for trucks with hitches. The 5000# WC hitches from the factory were listed as option code 86R which is shown on KBB and others as a ClassIV hitch. The sales/fleet guys couldn't give me a straight answer, so I didn't chance it.
The Drawtite Ultra (and other similar brand models) have a much thicker plate mat'l and more welds. The drawbar square part is solid shank and very heavy.
I didn't want a hitch that was rated for only half of what the truck is capable of!
Your configuration sounds a lot like mine. I ordered it on October 01, 1999 -- just took delivery last night.
250SD V10 Lariat 4X4 manual short box crew cab 3.73 ratio
I don't think you can get LS on 3.73 with manual transmission (I tried and failed), you can only get it with 3.73 automatic.
Delivery time was too long if you ask me, but well worth the wait -- the truck is awesome.
qmeister -- Re: Cap
Just read that you're getting a cap. Which manufacturer? Clamp on? Bolt on? I've looked at a million different versions on paper, but haven't been able to see/touch one in real life. What was your selection criteria? I really need help selecting a cap. Thanks for any assist.
Anybody know where to get a good deal on Smittybilt Outland stainless steel brush guard? Price quote I got was 699.00 installed -- is that good? I don't think so.
Any other suggestions on brush guards? I picked Smittybilt because they have one-piece construction and they have a stainless steel model.
I read in a trailer life mag...I think I've seen stated in the forum before.....that with NO towing you would have to drive the deisel 190,000 miles to even out cost wise with the V10. Lower cost of engine, gas price, and cost diff. of oil changes. If you pulled a regular size travel trailer..smaller than a 5th wheel....the cost diff. would even out when you pulled the trailer 86,000 miles. I think Brutus commented about this article...I could be mistaken and it might have been someone else..... Hey....100% is pretty good on the tech fund...and the S&P fund should have done between 14 and 17%...thats not bad either.....with the way we are going so far this year I'm kinda worried...but we are only 6 days into the year. The 1048% was obtained by buying into about 6 individual stocks....kinda making up my own mutual fund......I think I may not do the same this year...I have a feeling things aren't going to go so smoothly....all the Y2K hysteria over and everything......oh well...... New Topic....Super Duty Wall Street Wrap Up!!!
I have the Trailer Life Mag at home with the 99 V-10 vs the 99 PSD if you want more info from it. As I've mentioned before, it didn't appear to be a very thorough test and I didn't like the way they matched the trucks. They went for equal tow ratings, rather than equal trucks. I think the V-10 was a 3.73 axle Supercab and the PSD was a 4.10 regular cab.
I think the S&P 500 did around 20% last year, which is fine by me. Still, it would have been nice to have invested in Cisco or Qualcom a couple years ago. I'd probably be retired and down in your neck of the woods this time of year swapping Superduty stories with you and Lewac et al......
I relied mostly on the comments of a truck cap dealer that I know has been around a long time. He deals mostly in A.R.E. and Shurtop. I had been looking for a high profile cap, like the looks and the additional height for hauling furniture,etc, and had picked one from A.R.E.. The dealer suggested that I consider the Shurtop for a couple of reasons. 1.Supposedly several of the manufacturers have been having problems with their clamps on superduties, I think the more rugged use caused the clamps to work loose and the cap to move around the truck bed. 2.The Shurtop actually laps over the truck bed slightly hiding the plastic rail cap. Looks more like the cap and truck are one piece. 3.Shurtop provides a rubber gasket between the rear cab window and the truck cap. There is no window on the front of the cap itself. This eliminates any problems with not being able to clean the rear windows when they get full of road dust. 4.The base cost of the A.R.E. was less, but by the time I added the additional windows, etc, the cost was within $150 +/-. The cap I purchased was an Excalibur by Shurtop, it is clamped on, and was painted Bright Amber to match my truck. It was put on yesterday and so far I love it. Also with the high profile cap I have a lot more visibility out my rear view mirror. Another thing, it makes this truck look huge! It sits another 6" higher than the cab of the truck. A friend of mine with a '98 F-150 4wd short bed calls it my armored personnel carrier.
I checked my VOC/DORA. No FDAF. Straight invoice price (with some gas added) totals $30,804. I was wrong, my dealer "processing fee" is $210 vice $160. But that and license, title, tax and Dealer's Business License Tax fees round it out and is added to the 30.8K. No FDAF anywhere on the VOC or sales form. I'm certainly not going to raise the point to them. Since then I've switched stereos - upgrade to CD - and am dropping the hitch if it is true that it won't tackle the 10K #. But these will be at the same deal - invoice - if I stick with these guys. I really thought things were going great. There's a chance they can salvage it with me. Asking them what can they do for me if I swap the V10 for the PSD. Not expecting a thing but trying to see if they respond with something substantive and if it would result in delivery sooner (at least get us a data point on the V10 vs. PSD delivery time issue).
Thanks to everybody for all of your input on the PSD vs V10 issue. The info you all have given has taught me so much! I went to the dealer today really knowing what I was talking about, and I got a different attitude from them. I drove both PSD and V10 today. Was surprised to not fall in love with the diesel. I was told if I order a V10 to my specifics it would more than likely be a 6 month wait, and then they would probably throw me into the 2001 model, and I'd have to wait longer still (he may have been bs-ing to get me to buy on the lot, of course, but he knew they didn't have my exact configuration.) Sadly, and surprising to me, I think I may be leaning towards a V10, but finding an existing one with my specs (250SD SC SB auto 4X4 4.30LS-esp. this) is tough. Now I am beginning to think about what I can give up on my wish list to be in one before the next century. I think limited slip is important, but is it mandatory(I generally don't haul on slippery winter road conditions, but am in wet fields during riding competitions)? Is 4.30 mandatory? And why is it that the diesel only comes in 3.73 in the F250 (dually F350 PSD has 4.10 as an option.) That makes me wonder if 3.73 would be ok in the V10. My "hills" aren't passes after all. I know you all have answered this about 18 different ways for me, but still..any thoughts?
sangerpl-
Your info on the "class IV" hitch from Ford was invaluable. My load is really precious to me, and I would never have looked at the rating on their hitch if you hadn't pointed that out. I looked at it in their trailering guide last night, and saw that you need stabilizers to get about a 5000# rating. Yeah, I'm going to drive a beefy F250 around with stabilizer bars! No thanks.
Brutus-
I was in Bangor today! The dealer I am working with (Whited Ford) is located there. It's about an hour away from where I live on the coast. I hope your brother is not a winter sports enthusiast as we haven't had a drop of snow all winter here.
And finally...I am presently, and have been for the past seven years, been hauling with a '93 F150 SC 5.8L auto 4X4 with a regular 3.55 axle (I only just looked this all up two days ago-you'd think I would have done all this research the LAST time I bought a truck), and really have not had any problems. I did just upgrade to a 7000# trailer in the last year. Will I get way better gas mileage from the V10 because it is an overhead cam engine? My dealer told me this, and I need varification...Night all!
I was reading back over this forum from before Christmas, and you wrote that one of your biggest concerns about diesels is cold weather starting (not such a big problem, I don't think, here on the Coast O' Maine) "and too many starts and stops without adequate warm-up time for the diesel." My truck lives a true life of leisure as it only hauls during about 9 months of the year 3-4 times a week ten miles out, three hours waiting for me to do my riding thing, then ten miles back home to sit around until next time. (The remaining three summer months it does haul out of state and more often.) Do you think a ten mile haul is considered enough "warm up time" for a diesel or will that kind of lifestyle be detrimental to a more work-happy diesel?
In some configurations of the Superduty, the 5.4L is just fine.. Although, I think I would encourage folks who get CC, auto, 4x4 to go with the V10.. The mileage would be the similar, and you get the extra power of the V10.
As far as wait times, there are several factors at work:
a. on average V10's seem to be a little slower comming off the line. This makes dealer allotments even more important.
b. Dealer allotments. They change monthly, and are unique for each dealer.. Allotments are based on previous sales of that dealer for particular configurations. There are allotment categories for many aspects, CC, Lariat, Dually, V8, V10, PSD etc.. So, if a dealer has a low CC allotment, this could slow things down as well..
The factory can/often do build trucks for dealers even if it is over that dealers allotment, however, when parts start getting constrained, the factory will build for those dealers who are within their allotments first.
c. I've noticed that most Dealers (even small ones) tend to have PSD's on the lot, so they also have good PSD allotments.
It is my opinion that the reason dealers do this is because the dealer makes more money selling a PSD than not (at least $138 in holdback alone).
Here is a real world example of allotments in action: A local dealer is alloted 12 SD's a month. The SD v10 allotment for this dealer was 3%. ie, only 3% of their monthly allotment could be a V10.. BUT! for us mathmatically challenged, 3% of 12 is less than 1. So it would be 2 months before this dealer would even have an allotment slot available for 1 V10. This dealer told me it would be at least 16 to 20 weeks maybe more to get the truck if I ordered the V10..
btw, same dealer had 87% allotment for PSD.
On the positive side, they're great trucks and worth the wait..
well, we're now into our 4th month & still no truck. the history on the vopc update (for us) has been quite frankly; atrocious. someone mentioned that it was highly unlikely that Ford was not aware of these sites & I have to agree. but we are using the automated process so our usage shouldn't be "clogging" the system (unless they've got some really "clunky" servers (which is quite unlikely).
it's now been a couple of weeks since our last vopc change (shipped via rail as of 12/26). can't really believe that it takes 12 days to get from the factory & Tampa, FL rail head (approx 800 miles). unreal.
on the delayed build dates. I believe that the "problem" is not so much with the v10 option as it is with the "Lariat" package. think about it. we've seen very, very few Lariat's on the road or at the dealer (at least in our area here in West Palm Beach). They build 10,000 trucks a week... but how many are Lariat's? maybe 5-10%? so they run part of one day to build ALL the Lariat's allocated for that week. It also seems that the one's waiting the longest have ordered the Lariat trim level (like us). or maybe it's the combo of Lariat/v10... but we've ordered the psd with manual tranny. that config ought to have been built quite quickly (the dealer had the allocation)... but the truck was not actually built until almost 2 months after the order date. ford-diesel.com gets into this pretty heavily in their faq's so it's worth having a look over there. there are a LOT of issues that affect actually WHEN your truck gets built (even after it has been scheduled). now, once you GET the thing built the next "challenge" is: when are you going to actually "see" it? Our truck was built 11/27 & it may STILL be a couple of weeks away!!!... and we certainly do NOT live in Antarctica so where in hell could it be?
crazyelvis... nothing new since last update from Ken. as mentioned, no vopc change indicating that the truck was at the yard... but I find it very difficult to believe that the truck is not there yet... the vopc, in my opinion is one big POS that could use an overhaul. will call Ken Monday (if we don't hear b4hand).
oh. hang in there on that NASDAQ, everyone.... nothing's changed in the past few days within the tech sector that supports a downturn. profit taking off the big runup at year's end. my .02.
Lookin at the DORA, submitted 1/3, processed 1/5 priority 10. Figured out dealer code and body code, but can't find "order number". Where is it on the form. There is a short 5 character code after the VIN:, is that it?
On my DORA, the order number can be found in two places:
Near the top, right underneath the dealer number and the name of your dealer there is a line that starts with the word "BODY":
BODY XXX BEGIN ORD YYYY # UNITS 001
XXX = body code and YYYY = order number
On my DORA I also see the dealer number, body code and order number in a vertical column to the right of the paragraph which starts with "THIS IS NOT AN INVOICE.".
I sometimes see folks post the personalized license plates for their SuperDuties, and I thought it might be kinda fun to collect a few of these up in one place.
So how about it? Anyone have or seen a personalized plate that they would like to share?
A couple that I have come across that I liked:
1. T-RED (from a story on ford-diesel.com) 2. I8A RAM (from this forum I think) 3. BUGCRSHR
I sometimes see folks post the personalized license plates for their SuperDuties, and I thought it might be kinda fun to collect a few of these up in one place.
So how about it? Anyone have or seen a personalized plate that they would like to share?
A couple that I have come across that I liked:
1. T-RED (from a story on ford-diesel.com) 2. I8A RAM (from this forum I think) 3. BUGCRSHR
I'm surprised that you're surprised after your test drive. I've been saying in my opinion on a lot of posts that the diesel may be a better hard core pulling machine but for everyday driving and lighter loads(7000 lbs for a SD is a lighter load) the V10 is an easier truck to live with. like you, I will moving up from a 351 (5.8) and I couldn't stand the way the diesel felt. To me it was sluggish. For you gas mileage of the diesel is negated by the up-front costs, longevity advantage of the diesel is negated by you not keeping the truck over 100,000 miles, altitude performance is a nonissue for you (BTW it's not the diesel that is the advantage for high altitude; it's the turbocharger)So after my test drive of both vehicles I felt the V10 was smoother, quieter, quicker, less expensive and just as capable of towing my loads(aprox. 7000lbs of boat and gear. Sorry to ramble and good luck on whatever you decide
Performance is more of an issue for me, that's why I will always have the highest numerical gear ratio(4.30 LS) at the expense of a little fuel economy.
Sounds as though your decision is made, and it sounds like the V-10. The wait will be a long one if you order, mine in 99 was 4 months.
The LS will help with not tearing up as much turf when you are getting in and out of your comps. But you will have 4WD which should do the job.
You have been hauling the new trailer with a 351 and 3.55 axle so the V-10 and the 3.73 will certainly seem like a big step up, and you will see better milege on your longer trips during the summers than a 4.10 or the 4.30.
With risking stepping on toes, a 7000lb trailer plus horses, which I assume would bring the loaded weight up to at least 10,000, those jumpers and crosscountry horses are not small ponies, the 10 miles should warm the PSD to operating temps.
regarding your hitch questions, I think that you care as much for you four legged parts of the family as we do, so I would go to the RV shop you can trust and have them recommend and install your hitch. My apologies to Rv and boat people, but insurance can replace a thing, nothing can replace a friend you can trust in a tight situation. Have fun and enjoy your new truck Cowpokes
You guys are going to laugh, but my trailers GVWR is 7000#! Now are you going to tell me I could really live with the new 5.4L? My horses are big though (cowpokes, you'll relate 17.1H and 1200 lbs or so), and I'd rather have the overkill for safety purposes, but I do think diesel may be too much of a good thing.
I'll be a bit sad to finally get my truck because it has been such a pleasure finding a bunch of "big brothers" to talk to. I'm sure I'll be picking your brains a bit more in the near future though. Thanks again.
Your truck has to at least be at the yard...don't you think???? I couldn't hurt to give a call over there....they can put your last I think 8 numbers from the VIN in the computer and locate your truck on the yard. Let me know if you want the number. Hell....When I had my "yard" experience....I was way past the feeling like I was going to bug someone over there....they can't hold the truck over there for spite or anything...they need the space for new trucks and cars coming in....and I know Ken's line of "they don't like the dealers to come over and get trucks..." bullhockey!!! Dealers go over there all the time and drive cars to their dealerships....I go by that area about once a month and see convoys of cars being DRIVEN off the yard lots......geeez...even I'm getting a little mad about your truck!!!!! Good luck!
You folks can start laughing now! Does any one or has anyone ordered a set of TT-mirrors for a 99SD? I need to replace one of my mirrors, A 1300lb dog scratching herself on your mirror can make them a little tough to see out of. I would love to get the 2000 TT-Mirrors that extend, has anyone had any experience with swapping the 99 TT-mirrors to 2000? Thanks for any help.
Mainecowgirl: I would never suggest that the 5.4l would be a good choice, the V-10 or PSD would be the only way I would go! Your longer trips over the summer would really be a little much with the heat, AC, and 10,000lbs of trailer and horses. Off the track, what events do you compete in? With a big-un like that it sounds like a jumper?
I don't have my new truck yet, but I have a friend with a 99 F350 CC 4X4 and he ordered the Class IV hitch. We didn't look at it close enough to read the stamped-on info, but we put a 99 Expedition on a trailer and pulled it up the ALCAN...that load was easily 7000 lbs. No hitch problems. One other thing: Increased capacity also comes from using different balls. Example: there are several 2" ball configurations, but the ball with a 3/4" or 1" shaft (the threaded part where the big nut goes) are only rated at 3500 lbs or so. For the trip I mentioned above, we used a 2" ball with a shaft nearly as big in diameter as the ball, and it was rated at 10,000 lbs. Again, no problems.
Warmer today, only 25 below. Cold coming back -- forecast -55 by Monday. Yee Haw.
mainecowgirl, a block heater will resolve any cold weather start issues with the PSD. It sounds like the V-10 is the better engine for you. The 4.30 axle ratio will likely cost you 1-2 mpg. FYI, my brother is disappointed with the lack of snow over there. He, his wife and one of his daughters all x-country ski.
northpole, we're over 20 above this morning with a chance of snow down here in the tropics of Anchorage.
Speaking of four legged creatures, the bulls appear to running again this morning.....
I was always under the impression you meant 7000lbs would be your towing weight, that's why I said it would be nothing for a V10. As far the 5.4 is concerned I agree with you and I don't think it would do the job comfortably. Don't want to ever have to slap myself and say "I could have had a V10". Have you ever thought about ordering west of you and taking a little road trip to break your new beast in? Sounds like your dealer is a little lacking.
My last truck was 93 F350 w/ 7.3 non turbo, and I swore that I would never go back to gas, but after talking with many people who run alot of miles (99's with 125+) and listening to the problems that arise just out of warranty ie: $5000 for injectors, I went with the v10, it pulls as good if not better than my diesel it gets better fuel mileage. Besides, I drove both and the gas seemed to have more low end power. Mine is a rare beast in these parts, as I have only seen 2-3 other gas SD's on the road.
Had a few brain spasms catching up...I love this site, trucks, whales, horses, submarines, what a hoot!
Mainecowgir: What an idea- You'll have a truck with 310 horses and 4 wheel drive pulling a 4 wheel trailer that has 2400 "foot pounds and eight on the floor!"
lewac: maybe your truck is stuck on one of those car trains with all the snow birds' Cadillacs. It's about that time down your way.
vanity plates: I loved that great response from baybear about the diesel ratings. I thought about switching from V10 to PSD so it might be faster to get, but then I also could get a vanity plate that said "Whalebrnr" (especially offensive to all my tree hugger buddies).
cowpokes: A 1300lb dog? Equinous caninous? My wife made me go back to the dealer last week and add the sliding rear glass to my CC so her 110# German Shepherd could have a cold nose in the A/C on those Georgia summer days and I thought I had problems. Don't want that 1300# dog near my tires.
Great dialogue folks. Makes the waiting fun if not just a little more bearable.
I know this is kind of original, but my vanity plate on order from the state of ILL. will read: "IMAVTEN". Hopefully should be here within a few weeks. So if you happen to see that plate somewhere in your travels it will be me.......
Just ordered f-250 sd xlt 4x4 cc 5.4 5spd ls 4.10 snow package, trailer package, class IV hitch. Ordered at Nichols Ford, Fort Worth, Tx from Pam Williams, paid invoice! They are a fleet dealer, and order 150 trucks a month. Was told 8 weeks. Believe it when I see it. Am moving up from Toyota 4x4. ext cab. Never could haul anything with the Toyota. Have read all of the info on v10, psd. Didn't want to wait for v10, don't want psd. Probably won't ever haul anything more than snowmobiles, small trailers for home construction. Am moving to colorado soon. Wanted something to get me and the snow out of the driveway and more than 2 people to the slopes. Didn't want to spend a fortune. Will be texas commuting most of the time until the move, which could be 1 to 2 years. Just wanted to get rid of the 150000 mile Toyota, and set myself up with a good foundation for mountain living. Any comments would be appreciated. P.S. I do all of my shopping on the net.
My truck arrived 7 weeks ago. Had to bring it in today because of a noise when I put it in a sharp turn. The guy that needs to look at it is out until next week. I have gained a lot of insight from you guys however being of the opposite sex I am mechanically challenged!! Any ideas would be much appreciated. Don't want to get the run around from the guys in the shop!!
Between now and when you take it, "practice" a time or two until you're sure you can duplicate the noise. Seeing (hearing) is believing. I can't tell you how often I've been told (after leaving a vehicle all day) "We couldn't make it do what you said it did." Put your service guy IN THE TRUCK and SHOW him what's going on.
Prepare for a few questions like: "Does it do it when you turn left, right, or both ways? When the truck is hot or cold? In traffic? On the highway? Bumpy roads? Smooth roads? Loaded? Empty? Etc.
My old F150's steering box broke a weld loose from the rail when it was brand new, but it only "clunked" when I wrapped it hard into a parking spot. It helped to get it fixed on the first visit, when I showed the service tech exactly where and when the noise occurred. Good luck.
Have you checked out Wiscasset Ford? They are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Ford dealer in New England by volume. I bought my '99 SD F250 (4x4, SC, 5.4l) from them in April last year. Seven weeks from order to delivery, all their vehicles are no-haggle priced without any BS add-ons (when I bought mine Super Dutys were $200 over invoice), all in all a great sales experience. With the volume they do, I know they have the allocation. Ask for Frank (one of the owners) or Scott. I passed up two closer Ford dealers (I'm in Brunswick) to deal with Wiscasset.
Dave84- I have thought about Wiscasset, but haven't heard great things about their service. Have you? I bought my last two Fords at Brunswick before they changed ownership/management. I have always had it in my head that you get better service at the dealership where you buy your truck, and since I would like to do all my service at one place I want to get my truck at a place that has a decent reputation for service. (At present I don't do service at Brunswick any more and haven't for years.) My thoughts with Whited Ford are that since they are only a truck dealer (F250 and up) and since they service big rigs they probably know what they are doing...although that was back when the PSD was the front-runner.
Does anyone else have thoughts on the buying your truck at the place you will have it serviced idea? I know that isn't supposed to be an issue, but I think in reality they give you a harder time if you didn't buy the truck there.
Also I never heard back about the question I had concerning my present truck F150 with the 5.8L vs the new V10. My truck is an absolute gas hog, and the dealer told me that Ford switched to the overhead cam engines thus getting more power and mpg. Is this true? And will I get better mileage from the V10 than my present 5.8L or is that a foolish thought (lets assume 3.55/3.73 regular axle to keep things even between the two.)
cowpokes-Lets just forget about horses for a moment. I think we are all just a bit more than curious about this 1300# dog of yours. They do grow them big out in Wyo.!
Wow...I thought my dog was big!!!! Took my great dane "puppy" to the vet to weigh him today...he is 14 months old.....weighed 173 pounds today!!!! I don't let him in my truck though!!! I take him in my wifes windstar....have to take the middle seat out so he can ride comfortable.....he sticks head out of front window....old lady in lane next to us today looked visably shaken when we pulled up next to her at a light....she rolled her window up in record time....I had to laugh!!! Sorry I write about stupid stuff not pertaining to the SD topic....I just want to make this a down home friendly site where we can talk about our trucks and about anything else we want to blab about. Lewac......I sent you back the email with the rail yard number and stuff.....hope it helps...let me/us know!!! Ahhhhhhh the bulls were back in force today....feeling much better!!!
if your truck is a 4wd and the noise is a clunking sound check to see if your front hubs are locked. I picked up mine on the 27th of December and before I took it off road the hubs locked themselves. It appears there is a faulty vacuum selenoid valve that needed to be replaced, if you have shift on the fly. They told me that it takes 15 in/lbs to lock the hubs and 6 to unlock, mine only had the 15 to lock or 0. The dealer replaced the vacuum valve and everything is great.
Congrats on the truck order.. 8 weeks is possible, I received mine in just over 7 weeks, but the dealer told me it would be at least 12.. I was happily suprised when I checked the VOPC and had a quick build date.
Last few tanks were right at 15mpg, my lowest thus far. (more city traffic than highway..)
I still have the light engine knocking during acceleration, but I've not had it in yet for the service folks to tell me its normal.. Maybe I get to this next week..
When I finally get my truck (ohhh, it hurts thinking about how much longer I have to wait), I intend to have it serviced at a dealership different than the one I bought it at.
Dealers make good money on your service business. According to a friend who is in the car business (consults with dealers to make their parts department more efficient), dealers who know what they are doing make plenty of money on warranty work, even if it's not as much as they make on non-warranty work. Besides, Ford requires that they take on your warranty work.
The dealer I am going to use for servicing would not give me the price I wanted on my rig (his loss). This dealer sells and services plenty of SuperDuties, and I intend to give him my service business. The dealer I bought from is just too far away.
So, my feeling is that you should buy the truck wherever you can get the best deal, and then take the truck to the dealer that is most convenient for your service needs. If they hassle you, call the regional Ford rep. and let them know you are unhappy with the way you are being treated.
Comments
Also a question/observation about fuel. I noticed my mpg increased .5-1.0 when I fill up with 47 centane diesel(previous fillups 40 centane),plus engine is definitely quieter with less cackle/rattle. This seems to be worth the .02 difference in cost. Current mileage is 14.0-14.5,all city,'00 F250 Lariat, PSD 4x4,auto,3.73LS,CC,SRW
Don't mean to put anyone on the spot, just showin' my ignorance. :-)
Ron
The cetane number is the performance rating of a
diesel fuel,expressed as the percentage of cetane that must be mixed with methylnapthalene to produce the same ignition performance as the diesel fuel being rated.(Cetane is a colorless
liquid,C16H34,used as a solvent in standardized hydrocarbons- from Latin "cetus"=whale...so called
because it belongs to a series of compounds found in sperm whale oil).
Octane number for you gassers-a numerical measure of antiknock properties of motor fuel based on the
percentage by volume of isooctane in standard reference fuel. For example, a motor fuel that produces the same degree of knocking as a standard reference fuel containing 90% isooctane has an octane number of 90. Now you're ready for
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire"
Bob
VOPC - just curious - do we really believe that Ford Motor Company isn't aware of this forum and that there is a whole host of us diehards using the VOPC (automated portion only of course)? If I were them I'd be checking out all these forums to see what the consumers are talking about. I would be shocked if they were not checking in and gauging what the buzz is. Very tempting to call and talk to the horses mouth (I haven't). Actually my dealer is complaining that the VOPC is so screwed up that the info is unreliable. As we all know, that is true to a great extent.
I'm starting to consider changing over to the PSD from the V10. Just have to figure out which bank to rob on the way home.
Based on a previous post on the Ford Class IV hitch (I'm sorry I don't remember by whom), I am changing mine to delete it. I don't want to be restricted to having to use the equalizer hitch. Since I am still clean and unscheduled, why not!
Crazyelvis, 1048%! That's amazing. Another year or two at the pace and it would be "retirement here I come" for me. That puts my tech fund to shame, but it closed the year at 100.99%, so I can't complain. I've got about 70% in a tech fund and the other 30% in a S&P 500 indexed fund.
mainegirl,
I'd drive them both and figure out which one you like the best. Normally, most people would recommend the PSD if you're doing nothing but towing. However, it sounds like your trips might be short and they won't be through mountains or at altitudes, so that eliminates some of the advantages of the extra torque.
You'll pay more for the diesel up front and you'll pay more for routine oil changes, but you should get more on resale and you'll pay more at the pump with the V-10. The PSD should get 5-6 better mpg empty and 2-3 better towing. Many people have calculated the break even point on a purely financial basis between the two engines and it comes out to anywhere between 80,000 and 180,000 miles. By the way, my younger brother is a captain in the Army. He and his family moved ot Bangor in June where he is teaching ROTC at the University of Maine.
Just a question to toss out there that I was thinking about recently. What kind of impact does anyone think the introduction of the next generation PSD by Ford in a couple of years will have on the resale value of the current PSDs? The new PSDs are rumored to be a 6.0L with 305hp and 550 torque and are allegedly going to shave some serious time off the 0-60 run. They are also suppose to weigh several hundred pounds less which will increase the tow rating by about 500 pounds. Does anyone think that will have any kind of serious impact on the resale value? I wasn't very knowledgable about diesels when they first became turbo diesels, so I don't know what kind of impact that had on the resale of the older, non-turbo models, if any. If it did, will it be similar? In the gas arena, I suspect the introduction of the V-10 will have an impact on the resale of the trucks with the 460 since the V-10s are more powerful with better mpg. Then again, I still think a V-12 is in the Ford future that might do the same for the V-10.
The $160 dealer prep I'm not paying (that is a dealer charge, not corporate).
You are right, KBB and Edmunds invoice pricing should be the same but their pricing web pages don't list all the things that may show up on your VOC (like FDAF and gas). I saw mention of advertising fees etc, but nowhere that indicates where that charge may be assessed. I also don't recall seeing gas and FDAF on the sticker on the window either
The Drawtite Ultra (and other similar brand models) have a much thicker plate mat'l and more welds. The drawbar square part is solid shank and very heavy.
I didn't want a hitch that was rated for only half of what the truck is capable of!
Your configuration sounds a lot like mine. I ordered it on October 01, 1999 -- just took delivery last night.
250SD
V10 Lariat 4X4
manual
short box
crew cab
3.73 ratio
I don't think you can get LS on 3.73 with manual transmission (I tried and failed), you can only get it with 3.73 automatic.
Delivery time was too long if you ask me, but well worth the wait -- the truck is awesome.
qmeister -- Re: Cap
Just read that you're getting a cap. Which manufacturer? Clamp on? Bolt on? I've looked at a million different versions on paper, but haven't been able to see/touch one in real life. What was your selection criteria? I really need help selecting a cap. Thanks for any assist.
Any other suggestions on brush guards? I picked Smittybilt because they have one-piece construction and they have a stainless steel model.
Thanks for the help.
If you pulled a regular size travel trailer..smaller than a 5th wheel....the cost diff. would even out when you pulled the trailer 86,000 miles.
I think Brutus commented about this article...I could be mistaken and it might have been someone else.....
Hey....100% is pretty good on the tech fund...and the S&P fund should have done between 14 and 17%...thats not bad either.....with the way we are going so far this year I'm kinda worried...but we are only 6 days into the year. The 1048% was obtained by buying into about 6 individual stocks....kinda making up my own mutual fund......I think I may not do the same this year...I have a feeling things aren't going to go so smoothly....all the Y2K hysteria over and everything......oh well......
New Topic....Super Duty Wall Street Wrap Up!!!
I think the S&P 500 did around 20% last year, which is fine by me. Still, it would have been nice to have invested in Cisco or Qualcom a couple years ago. I'd probably be retired and down in your neck of the woods this time of year swapping Superduty stories with you and Lewac et al......
1.Supposedly several of the manufacturers have been having problems with their clamps on superduties, I think the more rugged use caused the clamps to work loose and the cap to move around the truck bed.
2.The Shurtop actually laps over the truck bed slightly hiding the plastic rail cap. Looks more like the cap and truck are one piece.
3.Shurtop provides a rubber gasket between the rear cab window and the truck cap. There is no window on the front of the cap itself. This eliminates any problems with not being able to clean the rear windows when they get full of road dust.
4.The base cost of the A.R.E. was less, but by the time I added the additional windows, etc, the cost was within $150 +/-.
The cap I purchased was an Excalibur by Shurtop, it is clamped on, and was painted Bright Amber to match my truck. It was put on yesterday and so far I love it. Also with the high profile cap I have a lot more visibility out my rear view mirror. Another thing, it makes this truck look huge! It sits another 6" higher than the cab of the truck. A friend of mine with a '98 F-150 4wd
short bed calls it my armored personnel carrier.
If I had more hair I'd be pulling it out.
sangerpl-
Your info on the "class IV" hitch from Ford was invaluable. My load is really precious to me, and I would never have looked at the rating on their hitch if you hadn't pointed that out. I looked at it in their trailering guide last night, and saw that you need stabilizers to get about a 5000# rating. Yeah, I'm going to drive a beefy F250 around with stabilizer bars! No thanks.
Brutus-
I was in Bangor today! The dealer I am working with (Whited Ford) is located there. It's about an hour away from where I live on the coast. I hope your brother is not a winter sports enthusiast as we haven't had a drop of snow all winter here.
And finally...I am presently, and have been for the past seven years, been hauling with a '93 F150 SC 5.8L auto 4X4 with a regular 3.55 axle (I only just looked this all up two days ago-you'd think I would have done all this research the LAST time I bought a truck), and really have not had any problems. I did just upgrade to a 7000# trailer in the last year. Will I get way better gas mileage from the V10 because it is an overhead cam engine? My dealer told me this, and I need varification...Night all!
As far as wait times, there are several factors at work:
a. on average V10's seem to be a little slower comming off the line. This makes dealer allotments even more important.
b. Dealer allotments. They change monthly, and are unique for each dealer.. Allotments are based on previous sales of that dealer for particular configurations. There are allotment categories for many aspects, CC, Lariat, Dually, V8, V10, PSD etc..
So, if a dealer has a low CC allotment, this could slow things down as well..
The factory can/often do build trucks for dealers even if it is over that dealers allotment, however, when parts start getting constrained, the factory will build for those dealers who are within their allotments first.
c. I've noticed that most Dealers (even small ones) tend to have PSD's on the lot, so they also have good PSD allotments.
It is my opinion that the reason dealers do this is because the dealer makes more money selling a PSD than not (at least $138 in holdback alone).
Here is a real world example of allotments in action:
A local dealer is alloted 12 SD's a month.
The SD v10 allotment for this dealer was 3%.
ie, only 3% of their monthly allotment could be a V10.. BUT! for us mathmatically challenged, 3% of 12 is less than 1. So it would be 2 months before this dealer would even have an allotment slot available for 1 V10. This dealer told me it would be at least 16 to 20 weeks maybe more to get the truck if I ordered the V10..
btw, same dealer had 87% allotment for PSD.
On the positive side, they're great trucks and worth the wait..
Y2K F250 XLT 4x2 SC, 5.4L, 5sp, 4.10LS
it's now been a couple of weeks since our last vopc change (shipped via rail as of 12/26). can't really believe that it takes 12 days to get from the factory & Tampa, FL rail head (approx 800 miles). unreal.
on the delayed build dates. I believe that the "problem" is not so much with the v10 option as it is with the "Lariat" package. think about it. we've seen very, very few Lariat's on the road or at the dealer (at least in our area here in West Palm Beach). They build 10,000 trucks a week... but how many are Lariat's? maybe 5-10%? so they run part of one day to build ALL the Lariat's allocated for that week. It also seems that the one's waiting the longest have ordered the Lariat trim level (like us). or maybe it's the combo of Lariat/v10... but we've ordered the psd with manual tranny. that config ought to have been built quite quickly (the dealer had the allocation)... but the truck was not actually built until almost 2 months after the order date. ford-diesel.com gets into this pretty heavily in their faq's so it's worth having a look over there. there are a LOT of issues that affect actually WHEN your truck gets built (even after it has been scheduled). now, once you GET the thing built the next "challenge" is: when are you going to actually "see" it? Our truck was built 11/27 & it may STILL be a couple of weeks away!!!... and we certainly do NOT live in Antarctica so where in hell could it be?
crazyelvis... nothing new since last update from Ken. as mentioned, no vopc change indicating that the truck was at the yard... but I find it very difficult to believe that the truck is not there yet... the vopc, in my opinion is one big POS that could use an overhaul. will call Ken Monday (if we don't hear b4hand).
oh. hang in there on that NASDAQ, everyone.... nothing's changed in the past few days within the tech sector that supports a downturn. profit taking off the big runup at year's end. my .02.
Near the top, right underneath the dealer number and the name of your dealer there is a line that starts with the word "BODY":
BODY XXX BEGIN ORD YYYY # UNITS 001
XXX = body code and YYYY = order number
On my DORA I also see the dealer number, body code and order number in a vertical column to the right of the paragraph which starts with "THIS IS NOT AN INVOICE.".
I sometimes see folks post the personalized license plates for their SuperDuties, and I thought it might be kinda fun to collect a few of these up in one place.
So how about it? Anyone have or seen a personalized plate that they would like to share?
A couple that I have come across that I liked:
1. T-RED (from a story on ford-diesel.com)
2. I8A RAM (from this forum I think)
3. BUGCRSHR
Any others?
I sometimes see folks post the personalized license plates for their SuperDuties, and I thought it might be kinda fun to collect a few of these up in one place.
So how about it? Anyone have or seen a personalized plate that they would like to share?
A couple that I have come across that I liked:
1. T-RED (from a story on ford-diesel.com)
2. I8A RAM (from this forum I think)
3. BUGCRSHR
Any others?
Sounds as though your decision is made, and it sounds like the V-10. The wait will be a long one if you order, mine in 99 was 4 months.
The LS will help with not tearing up as much turf when you are getting in and out of your comps. But you will have 4WD which should do the job.
You have been hauling the new trailer with a 351 and 3.55 axle so the V-10 and the 3.73 will certainly seem like a big step up, and you will see better milege on your longer trips during the summers than a 4.10 or the 4.30.
With risking stepping on toes, a 7000lb trailer plus horses, which I assume would bring the loaded weight up to at least 10,000, those jumpers and crosscountry horses are not small ponies, the 10 miles should warm the PSD to operating temps.
regarding your hitch questions, I think that you care as much for you four legged parts of the family as we do, so I would go to the RV shop you can trust and have them recommend and install your hitch. My apologies to Rv and boat people, but insurance can replace a thing, nothing can replace a friend you can trust in a tight situation.
Have fun and enjoy your new truck
Cowpokes
I'll be a bit sad to finally get my truck because it has been such a pleasure finding a bunch of "big brothers" to talk to. I'm sure I'll be picking your brains a bit more in the near future though. Thanks again.
You folks can start laughing now!
Does any one or has anyone ordered a set of TT-mirrors for a 99SD?
I need to replace one of my mirrors, A 1300lb dog scratching herself on your mirror can make them a little tough to see out of.
I would love to get the 2000 TT-Mirrors that extend, has anyone had any experience with swapping the 99 TT-mirrors to 2000?
Thanks for any help.
Mainecowgirl:
I would never suggest that the 5.4l would be a good choice, the V-10 or PSD would be the only way I would go! Your longer trips over the summer would really be a little much with the heat, AC, and 10,000lbs of trailer and horses.
Off the track, what events do you compete in? With a big-un like that it sounds like a jumper?
Have fun
And thanks again for any help
Cowpokes
Warmer today, only 25 below. Cold coming back -- forecast -55 by Monday. Yee Haw.
northpole, we're over 20 above this morning with a chance of snow down here in the tropics of Anchorage.
Speaking of four legged creatures, the bulls appear to running again this morning.....
Mainecowgir: What an idea- You'll have a truck with 310 horses and 4 wheel drive pulling a 4 wheel trailer that has 2400 "foot pounds and eight on the floor!"
lewac: maybe your truck is stuck on one of those car trains with all the snow birds' Cadillacs. It's about that time down your way.
vanity plates: I loved that great response from baybear about the diesel ratings. I thought about switching from V10 to PSD so it might be faster to get, but then I also could get a vanity plate that said "Whalebrnr" (especially offensive to all my tree hugger buddies).
cowpokes: A 1300lb dog? Equinous caninous? My wife made me go back to the dealer last week and add the sliding rear glass to my CC so her 110# German Shepherd could have a cold nose in the A/C on those Georgia summer days and I thought I had problems. Don't want that 1300# dog near my tires.
Great dialogue folks. Makes the waiting fun if not just a little more bearable.
not to mention, the 100,000 mile warranty.
even the $100.00 deductible don't hurt much.
snow package, trailer package, class IV hitch.
Ordered at Nichols Ford, Fort Worth, Tx from Pam
Williams, paid invoice! They are a fleet dealer, and order 150 trucks a month. Was told 8 weeks. Believe it when I see it. Am moving up from Toyota 4x4. ext cab. Never could haul anything with the Toyota. Have read all of the info on v10, psd. Didn't want to wait for v10, don't want psd. Probably won't ever haul anything more than snowmobiles, small trailers for home construction. Am moving to colorado soon. Wanted something to get me and the snow out of the driveway and more than 2 people to the slopes. Didn't want to spend a fortune. Will be texas commuting most of the time until the move, which could be 1 to 2 years. Just wanted to get rid of the 150000 mile Toyota, and set myself up with a good foundation for mountain living. Any comments would be appreciated. P.S.
I do all of my shopping on the net.
Prepare for a few questions like: "Does it do it when you turn left, right, or both ways? When the truck is hot or cold? In traffic? On the highway? Bumpy roads? Smooth roads? Loaded? Empty? Etc.
My old F150's steering box broke a weld loose from the rail when it was brand new, but it only "clunked" when I wrapped it hard into a parking spot. It helped to get it fixed on the first visit, when I showed the service tech exactly where and when the noise occurred. Good luck.
Dave
Does anyone else have thoughts on the buying your truck at the place you will have it serviced idea? I know that isn't supposed to be an issue, but I think in reality they give you a harder time if you didn't buy the truck there.
Also I never heard back about the question I had concerning my present truck F150 with the 5.8L vs the new V10. My truck is an absolute gas hog, and the dealer told me that Ford switched to the overhead cam engines thus getting more power and mpg. Is this true? And will I get better mileage from the V10 than my present 5.8L or is that a foolish thought (lets assume 3.55/3.73 regular axle to keep things even between the two.)
cowpokes-Lets just forget about horses for a moment. I think we are all just a bit more than curious about this 1300# dog of yours. They do grow them big out in Wyo.!
Sorry I write about stupid stuff not pertaining to the SD topic....I just want to make this a down home friendly site where we can talk about our trucks and about anything else we want to blab about.
Lewac......I sent you back the email with the rail yard number and stuff.....hope it helps...let me/us know!!!
Ahhhhhhh the bulls were back in force today....feeling much better!!!
Last few tanks were right at 15mpg, my lowest thus far. (more city traffic than highway..)
I still have the light engine knocking during acceleration, but I've not had it in yet for the service folks to tell me its normal.. Maybe I get to this next week..
Y2K F250 XLT 4x2 SC, 5.4L, 5sp, 4.10LS, Oxford White, grey interior + options.
Dealers make good money on your service business. According to a friend who is in the car business (consults with dealers to make their parts department more efficient), dealers who know what they are doing make plenty of money on warranty work, even if it's not as much as they make on non-warranty work. Besides, Ford requires that they take on your warranty work.
The dealer I am going to use for servicing would not give me the price I wanted on my rig (his loss). This dealer sells and services plenty of SuperDuties, and I intend to give him my service business. The dealer I bought from is just too far away.
So, my feeling is that you should buy the truck wherever you can get the best deal, and then take the truck to the dealer that is most convenient for your service needs. If they hassle you, call the regional Ford rep. and let them know you are unhappy with the way you are being treated.