Lilelmo - Kept the order, very happy to wait. Actually, this site has made it kinda fun. Hey, your getting your truck sooner than later anyway, right?
Maincowgirl - I sympathize with your axle dilema, feeling some of it myself, but I'm not going to be towing like you are.
1cjd and Bess - Good input on info./stories about ratios and performance.
So here's my understanding at this point. The 4.3 will give better acceleration and aid with towing. It won't necessarily increase towing capacity, it will just make it easier to get started and maintain speeds on grades. The 3.73 helps keep rpms down, which imroves gas mileage. But based on what I've read, mpg w/3.73 sounds like 12 city 14 HWy and mpg w/4.3 sounds like 10-11 city 12-13 Hwy. So my question now is, what driving conditions would make the 3.73 preferable over the 4.3? My truck will have auto. Don't want standard (did that for 14 yrs that's enough1)
to finish the story. As you probably can guess, I tow a sailboat about once a month. Weighs about 3,500 pounds with trailer and gear. The boat may grow up some day to the 5-6K range. Truck will be F250 4WD CC SWB V10 3.73 265 tires. By the way, I test drove the V10 with a 4.3 and the acceleration was unbeleivable!
lilelmo first: Sounds like you and I ordered almost the identical truck .... including RED! Ordered mine on 12-29-99 with a priority of 10. Dealer told me to start looking for it around mid-March. I'm not too sure about that after reading many of these posts! Hope we don't have to wait too long!
chrispal:
When I ordered my rig the FDAF was $80.00. I wonder why such a difference in amounts? Can you answer, or can anyone for that matter?
I'll keep reading and savoring all of the information all you folks are providing. This is the coolest site I've come across!! Keep the good work!
Man you don't look in for a couple of days and they move the house on you.
No MC I have not heard from any one who has retro-fitted the 00, extendable TT mirrors to a 99. I am still looking for any help if anyone has attempted it. Otherwise it is off to Ford and hope for the kindness of strangers (dealer counter people). I think I would get sent to the canners long before the family would give up on the big dog. Besides she knows much more about roping and cattle than I do. And she is the best bear alarm in the world, it is easy to sleep knowing she is on guard!!
The axle problem is always a fun one, milege vs pulling power. The money says go with the 3.73 for long range return on milege. I have lots of highway miles but could not say no to knowing I had the lowest axle for getting up and out of tough places, both in the hills and merging on the highway.
Oh yes the folks out here in the Bannana Belt are enjoying 60 degree days 40 degree nights and no snow, no wind, no ice for the fish folks, geese still in montana and N. Dakota, Is this really January? P.S. I must commend everyone for not giving the interloper the attention they so wanted. Have Fun Cowpokes Lysite@msn.com
lewac, sorry to here about your wait, I bet it's hard. But it sounds like you have a good case for free oil changes for the life of your vehicle like crazy elvis did. I was real happy the way my deal went, they missed the delivery date by only one day. John
You can also get fairly up-to-date TSB (recall) information from the ford-diesel.com web site. The only one I can remember is for the fuel tank. Fix varies depending on the exact truck configuration. Notification is being sent from Ford to owners but it sounds like the mailing is being staged over time. Dealers may need to order parts so you should check with the dealer once you've gotten the notice from Ford.
floppy...
FDAF (Ford Dealer Advertising Fee) is an assessment from FoMoCo (it can be seen as a line item on the invoice price) and from what I understand varies based on actual vehicle and region of country (which is why some of you see a higher FDAF than others). Mine in Colorado was $160.
cowpokes...
The telescoping TT mirrors for the 99. You looking for the power mirrors or just the telescoping feature? (Not that I'd know the answer in either case I suspect the power would be more difficult since the wiring may not be in place at all for the 99's. I don't remember seeing this question in Ford-diesel.com but there are folks there who have retrofitted things such as the Excursion heated mirrors and the mirrors with the turn signals so I'd ask there before asking Ford.
all...
Check http://www.ford-diesel.com . It is a member supported site with over 4000 members. The amount of technical information available is pretty amazing.... (I'd bet you could find plenty more discussions on axel ratios there
Bess ..... thanks for the repeat of your engineering job on the drink holder .... I will try it as soon as I can. By the way, your technical writing abilities are much better than most I've seen over the years.
Chrispal, Lewac ..... clutches .... The guy I was talking about is a friend of my brothers and pulls horse trailers all over the country. He drives one truck and a worker for him drives the other. Manytimes they haul two trailers at once and they are not the short ones .... most of the trailers have the living quarters up front and are pretty fancy. They normally are making runs of 1000 to 1500 miles one way on interstate highways. Being they aren't stopping and going much, it should be easier on the clutches. However, you bring up a very good point about driving habits, and I don't know their habits. Then again, maybe there is something inherently hard on a clutch when you haul two long heavy trailers. They have never had any problems with the transmissions, only the clutch.
Lewac .... I feal really bad now about saying anything about the clutches ... you are having enough trouble without hearing bad news ... I agree with the rest of the folks .... you ought to get lots of free oil changes, discounts on parts for life, etc. .... hope you get it soon.
Brutus .... Thanks for the info on the RPM/MPG/rearend.
For the folks deciding on the rear end ..... something to think about .....if you get the 3.73:
1. You can always drop out of overdrive into 3rd gear if the rpms drop too much with the load uphill and you won't be cranking the RPM that the 4.3 would be doing if IT had to go to 3rd gear.
2. You would be getting the better gas mileage at higher speeds unloaded.
Just my opinion ....... happy motoring .... gotta go to Walmart supercenter and pick up my wife after converting hair from rats nest to bee hive.
lew...baby....the cxs railhead is ACROSS the street from the allied place. Geez.....if it is there they should be able to take a walk out and SEE it. That is what Clayton did for me. I called about on Oct. 13....he went out on foot and located my truck...which was mislabed somehow as to VIN #....and I called back at 1:30 to get the good news. He put the truck on the hauler and I had it on Oct. 15. Hell...I bet I could find it in about an hour if it is at the cxs or at allied. It has to be there......where the hell else would it be. Especially if someone signed for it.....they need to find that person if it is true. Hang in there..... As for the front end problem....no I have not taken it in yet....had no time actually....work work work.....as stated before...front bumper assembly is on crooked....that is where I am getting the clicking noise on front drivers side.....will get it in ASAP.... Ahhhhhhh....tax time....WHAT FUN!!!!!!
from what I understand, the DRL module runs the low beams at 75% power or so. That leads me to believe those have to be the fog lamps. Look to be about the same size as the ones on my spousal units old Grand Am (3 1/2" to 4" dia.).
Yes, you are correct about the headlights at 75%. For some reason I was thinking they were using seperate lights for the DRL like Chevy does. I must have had a "Duh Attack"!! Bob
Glad you kept in the game. I'm getting the 3.73 because: l)I don't tow heavy very much 2) I drive 11 miles each way to work and back in stop and go. Don't need a lot of grunt all the time. I'll make it up with cubes when I need it. But...I drive 300-400 higway miles each month at a reimbursed flat rate for work that DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE to covering my gas bill, not to mention depreciation, maint. etc. I never had a diesel and I do my own maint. when I can so, the compromise is power, convenience, and ease of maintenance when I need it (V10 & auto) and mileage the rest of the time (3.73). My reasons, yours may vary.
sailboat... the 3.73 would be my choice if I wasn't hauling & average terrain was flat or rolling hills for majority of driving or most driving was interstate. Mileage would be a little better under those conditions (IF mileage was a REAL concern I'd probably opt for something a little smaller than an SD, though). The 3.73 would even work with moderate hauling & less highway driving. And even occasional heavy hauling in more mountainous areas would be okay.
mainCowgirl... read just above. also, your situation mileage would actually suffer somewhat as the engine is being "loaded" over the amount you'd normally save with the 3.73. for your situation the 4.3 would actually increase your mileage because of your usage of 90% hauling with an "average" load. I'd get the 4.3 for this reason alone. and don't forget, you also get limited slip (which isn't available with 3.73). If I were to "guess" where the "break-even" point is mileage wise between the 3.73 & 4.3 for hauling under your conditions... I'd say you'd have to keep the speed down & towing light (maybe around 2-3k or so). And finally, look at it this way. These are NOT economical vehicles no matter what your config or load is! But you need this "beef" if you want to get where you're going with the truck, yourself, & the trailer in one "piece". Over the long haul that's what these SD's were designed for. hope all of our posts help as there's really very little contradiction here.
well, the discounts you all mentioned would be nice.. but the dealership's 250 miles from our front door... we'd eat up the diff just getting there!
crazyelvis... Ken's "allegedly" been talking with Clayton (but I now begin to have doubts). and it would seem logical that there's really only ONE railhead (why would a company locate their own railhead several miles away?.. makes no sense). Regardless, Ford is in process of "investigation" to physically locate the truck. should DEFINITELY know where it is in a day or so.
However; if FORD can't find that truck by Friday evening some "fur" is really going to start "flying" relevant to FORD AND this dealership (because we've flat out been given the "runaround") by the both of them. My question to Ken today was: "How long ought it take to find something as big as one of these trucks (even if everyone looking for it IS a complete imbecile?)". Finally, Ken's been doing this for six years and never has Ford had to pull their own "investigation" to find a truck. and it has to be OUR truck!. this truck was built almost TWO MONTHS ago! THAT remains our question... where's the frikking truck?
wildside1... clutches. we'll just have to wait and see. maybe it's lousy design. but these people have made a lot of clutches in their time & it therefore is not a logical assumption that they'd be problematic. I'm placing bets on "lousy" driving habits instead. Often people aren't even aware of them. You know, like the person who NEVER signals in their entire lives because they mistakenly have been "taught" that signaling their future intentions is "optional" behavior? And then when you run OVER them with a truck they look at YOU (IF they're still able)?
My information shows that the 3.73 ls is available with the 99s(v10) and 99f(psd). 99s(v10) requires 44e(auto) transmission. 243.00 ivoice, 285.00 msrp.
Guess what, I wasn't there to talk to him, he stated he may have some good news on my truck. What's all this I hear about a Priority 10, My dealer said the most I could hope for was a 12 from the regional Rep....seems like I'm getting snowballed here...7 more days it will be 4 months from date of order...it's getting to be a long wait. My wait can't be for the reason they ran out of RED paint....cause it sound like you all ordered RED..I order Woodland Green, Catch ya all later....
Just my opinion, but pulling 7000# with valuable (horsey) cargo/friends often, I'd be more concerned about getting going and getting stopped than how fast I could go as a top end speed. I'd go for the 4.30. Bigger rear numbers are easier on the old auto tranny, too. FYI,I got the 3.73 and the LS with the V10 and auto (see above).
An old guy told me one time (and I believe him) that 4X2 gets you in and 4X4 gets you out. 4X4 gets you stuck deeper if you start with it, but LS helps forestall the time you need 4X4. So go into an area in 4x2 and get out with 4X4 if it looks bad.
If I personally had to choose 4X4 and no LS or LS and 4x2, I'd go with the LS & 4X2. When I lived up north, I loved LS for half plowed/de-iced roads. The back end is always paying attention. My $.02
lewac/crazyelvis: where exactly in the Tampa area is this rail yard? I used to travel down there and I'm curious about what part of town it's in. Maybe somebody made a lowrider out it.
No, no. just kidding. Put down the weapon. Lewac? Lewac?????? come back here!!!
There. That's better.
Seriously. Sympathies. I'd be furious, too.When you find it, we want to see a picture.
Echoing an earlier post...miss a day or so and you have to spend half-an-hour getting caught up. I'm going against the grain, i guess, with respect to axle recommendations. I think a V-10 and a 3.73 will pull that horse trailer like a big dog. 00 XLT CC V-10 3.73ls
the rail head is on Anderson rd. just north of Hillsborough Ave and south of Waters. About a mile or two west of Dale Mabry. Lew.....You have talked to Clayton?? He should be able to put your last 8 from the VIN in his "puter" and locate your truck if it is in the yard. I get the feeling something fishy is going on here. I hope I'm wrong....but....well...I'm sure you've had the same feeling.
Thank you all for your input. I heard exactly what I needed to hear. And the winner is............... the 4.30 limited slip!!! Johnny, tell them what they've won. Seriously, safety really does outweigh economy when you're hauling your faithful companions behind you. You all are great!
Lilelmo - you raise a good point about work mileage and getting reimbursement. I too drive about 3-5H miles per month at a pathetic reimbursement rate. I hadn't even considered the 4.3 until it was in the only v-10 I could find to test drive. That engine with the 4.3 really accelerated like a BIG DOG! Couldn't help notice. So now I'm dealing with second thoughts. I do think the 3.73 is right for how I'll use the truck, but just want to make sure.
Lewac - the 3.73ls is available w/ V10. that's what I've got ordered.
Tmats1 - I was hoping to hear from some one like you. Planned on asking if there was anyone out there with the V-10/auto/3.73 combo that didn't like and why. Guess I just asked it anyway!
Hey mainecowgirl, how's that ice cold NE weather! I feel for ya! PHX is sunny and 70.
The priority number is really only how the dealer manages to prioritize orders within the dealership. They really don't have much effect on how Ford prioritizes your truck order. So one dealer might order spec trucks at 40 and custom orders and 30 while a different dealer orders spec trucks at 15 and custom orders at 10 and Ford would see the prioritized list from each dealer but wouldn't treat the 10 any different than the 30 (since the list itself is prioritized in dealer priority order
Things that affect your truck order are dealer allocation and commodity availability (where commodity in this case can be things like PSD vs V10 vs V8 or 6sp vs 5sp vs auto).
As always, the FAQ in http://www.ford-diesel.com does a great job of explaining the ins and outs of how trucks get built... (fwiw, dealers can go "up" to 10; regional reps only can assign lower numbers (higher priorities) than 10...)
My VOPC status changed tonite from "scheduled to be built week of January 24th" to "locked for production week of January 24th with ETA to dealership week of February 14th". Wahoo my wife and I are excited (I am hoping for a Valenties Day present)!
Of course, my apologies to those of you still waiting for your build dates, but damn I just had to share this with somebody!
Now waiting for my SuperDuty accessories catalog to show up so I can order up a whole bunch-o-goodies for the truck.
For the record: F250 Lariat, CC, PSD, 4X4, 3.73LS, Tow Package, CD, Sliding Rear Window, Captains Chairs, Toreador Red
Thanks again for the personal insight!!!! Come to think of it, it probably would be just MY luck to blind someone of authority and then have them rear end the truck !!!! All my fault !!
Hit the wrong key!!!! Anyway, you put Hella FF100 fog/driving lights in front and they work great !!! But what was the brand of back up lights installed ???? Sorry I missed it if you already told me. Thanks!!
Lewac: Keep up the faith! It will show up !!! Just think of all the suck-up goodies you're going to get!! Untill then we will all feel for you.
If I remember correct you are getting my same configuration as far as 6 speed, psd, 3.73ls. I can tell you it is well worth the wait. Still averaging 20+ mpg and with all the range of the 6 speed still all the pulling power anybody would ever need! After you get your truck you will forget about this frustrating time. Best of luck.
sailboat: I'd LIKE the 4.3, but the 3.73 has more get-up-and-go than my 5.0 F150. You'll be okay.
koakay: Your comments tie together a few loose ends that I've been struggling to put together. Thanks.
porky: I think there's a law (around here in Georgia anyway) that says that no white lights can be illuminated and visible from the back of the vehicle while driving. That's why the backups are hooked directly to a switch activated by selection of a reverse gear. You'd wind up "under the jail" as we say if you lit up one of these Georgia boys with a badge. The best we can do is to flip down the vanity mirror and focus it on the windshield of the tailgater.
Pins and needles just don't say it, huh? I know what you mean. First thing I wanted to do when I heard mine has a build week was to tell someone who understood. Congrats! Now you can paint the nursery,.... er, garage. (You know that centerfold in the SD brochure makes a nice shop pinup) (I'm told that anyway, I wouldn't really know, you see.)
I read some where else was having the same problem with a C***y they ordered, both the dealer and the factory were looking all over for it for a month or so, they finaly found that it had been used in a random crash test! I doubt if this what happened to your truck, but you might have Ford check into it Sorry for the suggestion but....... John
A couple of suggestions as to compensation for this screw-up. I understand not wanting to drive all those miles for free oil changes. If I were you, I'd pull out my truck accesories catalog and select some items, mud flaps, bedliner, etc that I would want at No Charge. Another suggestion, tell them to give you the truck at Invoice Less Holdback!! Hope they find it soon. Good Luck. Bob
I am a first time truck buyer and have been doing some research. The 250 SD CC V-10 Automatic seems to be what I have been looking for. I don't tow, haul or go off road so I have been considering 2WD for the fuel economy. I have read some of these posts on the rear end option but, as I want the speed, I would probably go with the large one. My question, what would be the fuel savings over the 4WD and how much lower would the truck sit? Thanks
I've ordered the V10,CC,4X4 because I do some hauling, light/medium towing (3000-5000#),and go off on wet roads and in fields with my scout troop, but I have an acquaintance who has a '99 CC with 4X2 and the 5.4L. He has a couple of kids (8 & 11) and a travel trailer. He says he loves it just like that and it was reasonably priced.
If I didn't tow some, haul some, go off road some, or just like 4X4, I'd go 4X2 w/ the 5.4L.and the limited slip rear end (whatever ratio that comes in). Get the 4.10 rear end and all weather tires and I think you'll have a sweet riding, responsive truck. You'll save a bunch of weight by not getting the 4X4 (the transfer case and front axle mostly)if you don't need it, so you'll save some on fuel.
The 350 4X4 sits about 2" higher than the 250 4X4 and both are several inches taller than the 4X2. a neat site to visit is: http://www.ford.com/ look for the buyer connection page and you can "build your own truck online."
But....drive them all decide what YOU like. Have fun.
I had sat in the Dealer's office around the 20th of Dec. and we had a buld date, plus a pickup date & a delivery date. Then POOF!!! after New Years......it was back in the computer waiting to be scheduled, if it wasn't for that I did be fine, I would of understood if they (ford) would of said they had a delay and it might be another month or so. I sold my other truck back in Nov. It's rough prying my wife's fingers off the steering wheel of her Durango...tension is high, plus we are finally getting snow in Wisc. I had ordered a cap (a Z type from ARE, and a full brushguard thru the dealer)maybe they will throw them in for the wait. I have always had LS, as for going into the slop in 2wd and shifting into 4wd, no way I go in and come out in 4wd, this guy isn't going to wade thru the mud to lock them. You hit the ruts and settle down into them with stopped tires while you switch to 4wd, you aren't going to get out, you will dig down, still your sitting on your axle. Then you better have a buddy near by......or a shovel....
I've always locked the hubs before the muck then shift into 4wd before it gets real bad with no stopping,but you're right about settling. With the auto hubs I've got on my 150 I can shift w/o stopping. How bad do you really want to bury a 6000# truck? You may need a shovel, but it better have crawler tracks. If it's too bad don't go in. If you're already in, do what you have to to get out. It's a matter of degree and judgement.
Sounds like your dealer sold your order and re-entered w/o letting on.
If anyone agrees, I think it would be a good idea to start including our dealers names and locations (just like in post 96) when making new posts. Good or bad, like those of us waiting. The exposure could greatly help a good dealership, and probably steer someone away from a bad or mediocre place. I think we figured out FoMoCo must monitor these comments...it's likely people such as regional reps do also. My $.02
I finally sat down and ordered my truck today. Great feeling...although now the waiting just begins. I had a stack of papers full of all of my on-line info with me that made me look like a salesman! I ended up upgrading to a Lariat at the last minute. I had been toying with getting a lot of the features that were standard for a Lariat on my XLT. It ended up being only $1000 more so I thought what the heck!
I ordered...drumroll... '00, F250SD, Lariat, SB, V10, auto, 4.3LS, ESOF, Trailer Pkg.,CD, PWR trailer mirrors, sliding rear window, and hey, they threw in the license plate bracket for FREE! (Ford's great, aren't they?) I was a little bummed that I couldn't get the exact color combo that I wanted. I was set to get Toreador Red/Silver two-tone on my XLT. Lariats don't come in that config. and they only come in two-tone (except bright red) so I ended up getting Tor. Red/Black (my trailer is brushed silver with black so it should be nice together). Unfortunately color is important to me as ones truck and trailer should match your "barn colors." Mine are hunter green, maroon and black.
Kallis Ford Belfast, Maine. Great people to work with...but I have only waited 4 hours so far!!
sdman-What accent color are you getting with your Lariat?
sailboat-I haven't had a day this week that hasn't been warmer than -5' as I've headed out to the barn in the morning. And that wind chill...-35 the other day. Yikes! (now we will be hearing from our Alaska contingent who will say that even we Mainers don't know what cold is!)
Thanks all for indulging me while I experience that moment of post-order excitement. You know, that's the one that comes just before the post-order stress disorder...
Finally heard from VOPC, "Your vehicle has been released" today. It sounded on the message like it said it was built at the "foreign" factory. Does that make sense? What factory could it be from? Delivery is to be week of 1-31. SD-250, V-10, SD, CC, LWB, 4.30, XLT, (ordered 9-15-99). Can't wait. We (my wife) have a baby due on almost the same day! Hope they don't come on the same day! Man, would I be in trouble!
Regarding the back up lights I added to my F250 CC 4x4 V10 LB (AKA, the bus) I found the packaging for the $24.95 flame throwers. They are "pilot" brand model #PL250, "Back up lights for mounting on trailer hitch". They are made in Taiwan specials so you may very well find the exact same thing by another brand name.
Also today was my first use of 4 wheel drive on this wondefull new truck. I do not have ESOF but set my hubs before I left for work and then shifted to 4H on the way. Every thing worked perfectly and she just went were I pointed her. (Snow and Ice covered roads this morning in Northeast PA.)
1384 miles on this fine machine since Dec 6,1999 and no complaints. For those waiting.. Hang on your in for a great ride..... (my 4 month ordeal has been erased by the awsome power of the V10) .... newman
Alas, the colors on my truck were picked out by my wife, who does not like accents (I think they are cool), so our Toreador Red F250 will be one solid color (when it comes to picking out colors, I have learned over the years that it makes my life easier to just say "yes dear").
I love your comment about your truck colors matching your barn colors! Like others here, my wife gives me the illusion that I am ordering the truck for myself, but it's really for her to pull her horse trailer around town. One of the things she mentioned was how nice the truck would look with the shiny aluminum trailer hooked to it! I knew right then the only time I will get to drive the truck is the initial drive home from the dealer :-)
Congratulations on ordering your truck. Try to be patient and enjoy the wait. I have certainly had fun reading the posts here, and talking to friends and family about my (er, my wife's) new truck.
The dually trucks are 1-2" shorter than the SRWs. I can tell my truck is a little shorter when I park it next to a SRW.
After the snowfall yesterday, I saw a city pickup plow truck plowing the sidewalks and curb areas. They were doing a fine job in fairly heavy traffic without causing a backup. The pickup plow driver was female. I almost stoppped and asked her if she owned horses.
Those of us up here in Anchorage can't hold a candle to Northpole when it comes to cold weather. He knows what real cold is. I sympathize with the Maine weather. It's over 30 (above zero) here today. Spring is in the air....
Comments
Does the CC have any interior storage space behind or underneath the rear seat??
Thanks.
Maincowgirl - I sympathize with your axle dilema, feeling some of it myself, but I'm not going to be towing like you are.
1cjd and Bess - Good input on info./stories about ratios and performance.
So here's my understanding at this point. The 4.3 will give better acceleration and aid with towing. It won't necessarily increase towing capacity, it will just make it easier to get started and maintain speeds on grades. The 3.73 helps keep rpms down, which imroves gas mileage. But based on what I've read, mpg w/3.73 sounds like 12 city 14 HWy and mpg w/4.3 sounds like 10-11 city 12-13 Hwy. So my question now is, what driving conditions would make the 3.73 preferable over the 4.3? My truck will have auto. Don't want standard (did that for 14 yrs that's enough1)
chrispal:
When I ordered my rig the FDAF was $80.00. I wonder why such a difference in amounts? Can you answer, or can anyone for that matter?
I'll keep reading and savoring all of the information all you folks are providing. This is the coolest site I've come across!! Keep the good work!
No MC I have not heard from any one who has retro-fitted the 00, extendable TT mirrors to a 99.
I am still looking for any help if anyone has attempted it. Otherwise it is off to Ford and hope for the kindness of strangers (dealer counter people).
I think I would get sent to the canners long before the family would give up on the big dog.
Besides she knows much more about roping and cattle than I do. And she is the best bear alarm in the world, it is easy to sleep knowing she is on guard!!
The axle problem is always a fun one, milege vs pulling power. The money says go with the 3.73 for long range return on milege. I have lots of highway miles but could not say no to knowing I had the lowest axle for getting up and out of tough places, both in the hills and merging on the highway.
Oh yes the folks out here in the Bannana Belt are enjoying 60 degree days 40 degree nights and no snow, no wind, no ice for the fish folks, geese still in montana and N. Dakota, Is this really January?
P.S. I must commend everyone for not giving the interloper the attention they so wanted.
Have Fun
Cowpokes
Lysite@msn.com
I was real happy the way my deal went, they missed the delivery date by only one day.
John
You can also get fairly up-to-date TSB (recall) information from the ford-diesel.com web site. The only one I can remember is for the fuel tank. Fix varies depending on the exact truck configuration. Notification is being sent from Ford to owners but it sounds like the mailing is being staged over time. Dealers may need to order parts so you should check with the dealer once you've gotten the notice from Ford.
floppy...
FDAF (Ford Dealer Advertising Fee) is an assessment from FoMoCo (it can be seen as a line item on the invoice price) and from what I understand varies based on actual vehicle and region of country (which is why some of you see a higher FDAF than others). Mine in Colorado was $160.
cowpokes...
The telescoping TT mirrors for the 99. You looking for the power mirrors or just the telescoping feature? (Not that I'd know the answer in either case
all...
Check http://www.ford-diesel.com . It is a member supported site with over 4000 members. The amount of technical information available is pretty amazing.... (I'd bet you could find plenty more discussions on axel ratios there
Bob
Chrispal, Lewac ..... clutches .... The guy I was talking about is a friend of my brothers and pulls horse trailers all over the country. He drives one truck and a worker for him drives the other. Manytimes they haul two trailers at once and they are not the short ones .... most of the trailers have the living quarters up front and are pretty fancy. They normally are making runs of 1000 to 1500 miles one way on interstate highways. Being they aren't stopping and going much, it should be easier on the clutches. However, you bring up a very good point about driving habits, and I don't know their habits. Then again, maybe there is something inherently hard on a clutch when you haul two long heavy trailers. They have never had any problems with the transmissions, only the clutch.
Lewac .... I feal really bad now about saying anything about the clutches ... you are having enough trouble without hearing bad news ... I agree with the rest of the folks .... you ought to get lots of free oil changes, discounts on parts for life, etc. .... hope you get it soon.
Brutus .... Thanks for the info on the RPM/MPG/rearend.
For the folks deciding on the rear end ..... something to think about .....if you get the 3.73:
1. You can always drop out of overdrive into 3rd gear if the rpms drop too much with the load uphill and you won't be cranking the RPM that the 4.3 would be doing if IT had to go to 3rd gear.
2. You would be getting the better gas mileage at higher speeds unloaded.
Just my opinion ....... happy motoring .... gotta go to Walmart supercenter and pick up my wife after converting hair from rats nest to bee hive.
As for the front end problem....no I have not taken it in yet....had no time actually....work work work.....as stated before...front bumper assembly is on crooked....that is where I am getting the clicking noise on front drivers side.....will get it in ASAP....
Ahhhhhhh....tax time....WHAT FUN!!!!!!
Bob
an yeah, I looked up "higway" and it's not in the dictionary...but it could be.
mainCowgirl... read just above. also, your situation mileage would actually suffer somewhat as the engine is being "loaded" over the amount you'd normally save with the 3.73. for your situation the 4.3 would actually increase your mileage because of your usage of 90% hauling with an "average" load. I'd get the 4.3 for this reason alone. and don't forget, you also get limited slip (which isn't available with 3.73). If I were to "guess" where the "break-even" point is mileage wise between the 3.73 & 4.3 for hauling under your conditions... I'd say you'd have to keep the speed down & towing light (maybe around 2-3k or so). And finally, look at it this way. These are NOT economical vehicles no matter what your config or load is! But you need this "beef" if you want to get where you're going with the truck, yourself, & the trailer in one "piece". Over the long haul that's what these SD's were designed for. hope all of our posts help as there's really very little contradiction here.
well, the discounts you all mentioned would be nice.. but the dealership's 250 miles from our front door... we'd eat up the diff just getting there!
crazyelvis... Ken's "allegedly" been talking with Clayton (but I now begin to have doubts). and it would seem logical that there's really only ONE railhead (why would a company locate their own railhead several miles away?.. makes no sense). Regardless, Ford is in process of "investigation" to physically locate the truck.
should DEFINITELY know where it is in a day or so.
However; if FORD can't find that truck by Friday evening some "fur" is really going to start "flying" relevant to FORD AND this dealership (because we've flat out been given the "runaround") by the both of them. My question to Ken today was: "How long ought it take to find something as big as one of these trucks (even if everyone looking for it IS a complete imbecile?)". Finally, Ken's been doing this for six years and never has Ford had to pull their own "investigation" to find a truck. and it has to be OUR truck!. this truck was built almost TWO MONTHS ago! THAT remains our question... where's the frikking truck?
wildside1... clutches. we'll just have to wait and see. maybe it's lousy design. but these people have made a lot of clutches in their time & it therefore is not a logical assumption that they'd be problematic. I'm placing bets on "lousy" driving habits instead. Often people aren't even aware of them. You know, like the person who NEVER signals in their entire lives because they mistakenly have been "taught" that signaling their future intentions is "optional" behavior? And then when you run OVER them with a truck they look at YOU (IF they're still able)?
An old guy told me one time (and I believe him) that 4X2 gets you in and 4X4 gets you out. 4X4 gets you stuck deeper if you start with it, but LS helps forestall the time you need 4X4. So go into an area in 4x2 and get out with 4X4 if it looks bad.
If I personally had to choose 4X4 and no LS or LS and 4x2, I'd go with the LS & 4X2. When I lived up north, I loved LS for half plowed/de-iced roads. The back end is always paying attention. My $.02
lewac/crazyelvis: where exactly in the Tampa area is this rail yard? I used to travel down there and I'm curious about what part of town it's in. Maybe somebody made a lowrider out it.
No, no. just kidding. Put down the weapon. Lewac? Lewac?????? come back here!!!
There. That's better.
Seriously. Sympathies. I'd be furious, too.When you find it, we want to see a picture.
I'm going against the grain, i guess, with respect to axle recommendations. I think a V-10 and a 3.73 will pull that horse trailer like a big dog.
00 XLT CC V-10 3.73ls
Lew.....You have talked to Clayton?? He should be able to put your last 8 from the VIN in his "puter" and locate your truck if it is in the yard. I get the feeling something fishy is going on here. I hope I'm wrong....but....well...I'm sure you've had the same feeling.
lewac...my condolences.
Lewac - the 3.73ls is available w/ V10. that's what I've got ordered.
Tmats1 - I was hoping to hear from some one like you. Planned on asking if there was anyone out there with the V-10/auto/3.73 combo that didn't like and why. Guess I just asked it anyway!
Hey mainecowgirl, how's that ice cold NE weather! I feel for ya! PHX is sunny and 70.
Things that affect your truck order are dealer allocation and commodity availability (where commodity in this case can be things like PSD vs V10 vs V8 or 6sp vs 5sp vs auto).
As always, the FAQ in http://www.ford-diesel.com does a great job of explaining the ins and outs of how trucks get built... (fwiw, dealers can go "up" to 10; regional reps only can assign lower numbers (higher priorities) than 10...)
Of course, my apologies to those of you still waiting for your build dates, but damn I just had to share this with somebody!
Now waiting for my SuperDuty accessories catalog to show up so I can order up a whole bunch-o-goodies for the truck.
For the record: F250 Lariat, CC, PSD, 4X4, 3.73LS, Tow Package, CD, Sliding Rear Window, Captains Chairs, Toreador Red
Come to think of it, it probably would be just MY luck to blind someone of authority and then have them rear end the truck !!!! All my fault !!
Anyway, you put Hella FF100 fog/driving lights in front and they work great !!! But what was the brand of back up lights installed ???? Sorry I missed it if you already told me. Thanks!!
Lewac: Keep up the faith! It will show up !!!
Just think of all the suck-up goodies you're going to get!! Untill then we will all feel for you.
Mainecowgirl: Right choice
sailboat: I'd LIKE the 4.3, but the 3.73 has more get-up-and-go than my 5.0 F150. You'll be okay.
koakay: Your comments tie together a few loose ends that I've been struggling to put together. Thanks.
porky: I think there's a law (around here in Georgia anyway) that says that no white lights can be illuminated and visible from the back of the vehicle while driving. That's why the backups are hooked directly to a switch activated by selection of a reverse gear. You'd wind up "under the jail" as we say if you lit up one of these Georgia boys with a badge. The best we can do is to flip down the vanity mirror and focus it on the windshield of the tailgater.
lewac: hang in.
I doubt if this what happened to your truck, but you might have Ford check into it
Sorry for the suggestion but.......
John
Ron
Bob
Sorry lewac.
John
If I didn't tow some, haul some, go off road some, or just like 4X4, I'd go 4X2 w/ the 5.4L.and the limited slip rear end (whatever ratio that comes in). Get the 4.10 rear end and all weather tires and I think you'll have a sweet riding, responsive truck. You'll save a bunch of weight by not getting the 4X4 (the transfer case and front axle mostly)if you don't need it, so you'll save some on fuel.
The 350 4X4 sits about 2" higher than the 250 4X4 and both are several inches taller than the 4X2. a neat site to visit is: http://www.ford.com/ look for the buyer connection page and you can "build your own truck online."
But....drive them all decide what YOU like. Have fun.
I have always had LS, as for going into the slop in 2wd and shifting into 4wd, no way I go in and come out in 4wd, this guy isn't going to wade thru the mud to lock them. You hit the ruts and settle down into them with stopped tires while you switch to 4wd, you aren't going to get out, you will dig down, still your sitting on your axle. Then you better have a buddy near by......or a shovel....
Sounds like your dealer sold your order and re-entered w/o letting on.
Billingsley Ford, Lawton OK. No problems so far.
I ordered...drumroll... '00, F250SD, Lariat, SB, V10, auto, 4.3LS, ESOF, Trailer Pkg.,CD, PWR trailer mirrors, sliding rear window, and hey, they threw in the license plate bracket for FREE! (Ford's great, aren't they?) I was a little bummed that I couldn't get the exact color combo that I wanted. I was set to get Toreador Red/Silver two-tone on my XLT. Lariats don't come in that config. and they only come in two-tone (except bright red) so I ended up getting Tor. Red/Black (my trailer is brushed silver with black so it should be nice together). Unfortunately color is important to me as ones truck and trailer should match your "barn colors." Mine are hunter green, maroon and black.
Kallis Ford Belfast, Maine. Great people to work with...but I have only waited 4 hours so far!!
sdman-What accent color are you getting with your Lariat?
sailboat-I haven't had a day this week that hasn't been warmer than -5' as I've headed out to the barn in the morning. And that wind chill...-35 the other day. Yikes! (now we will be hearing from our Alaska contingent who will say that even we Mainers don't know what cold is!)
Thanks all for indulging me while I experience that moment of post-order excitement. You know, that's the one that comes just before the post-order stress disorder...
Also today was my first use of 4 wheel drive on this wondefull new truck. I do not have ESOF but set my hubs before I left for work and then shifted to 4H on the way. Every thing worked perfectly and she just went were I pointed her. (Snow and Ice covered roads this morning in Northeast PA.)
1384 miles on this fine machine since Dec 6,1999 and no complaints. For those waiting.. Hang on your in for a great ride..... (my 4 month ordeal has been erased by the awsome power of the V10)
.... newman
I love your comment about your truck colors matching your barn colors! Like others here, my wife gives me the illusion that I am ordering the truck for myself, but it's really for her to pull her horse trailer around town. One of the things she mentioned was how nice the truck would look with the shiny aluminum trailer hooked to it! I knew right then the only time I will get to drive the truck is the initial drive home from the dealer :-)
Congratulations on ordering your truck. Try to be patient and enjoy the wait. I have certainly had fun reading the posts here, and talking to friends and family about my (er, my wife's) new truck.
On order: F250 Lariat, CC, PSD, 4X4, 3.73LS, ESOF, Trailer Tow, CD, Sliding Rear Window, Captains Chairs.
Ordered: 12/8
DORA: 12/10
Scheduled on 12/10 for build week of 1/24
ETA to dealer week of 2/14
Sound Ford, Renton WA. (Don Wellner is the Fleet Manager and a nice guy to deal with).
00 F350 Lariat V10 Auto 4x4 SRW LB 3.73LS Trailer Tow, Power Mirrors, ESOF, CD, sliding window, 40/20/40.
Beach Ford,VA Beach, VA
Ordered 10/31, VOC 11/2 - clean and unsked
After the snowfall yesterday, I saw a city pickup plow truck plowing the sidewalks and curb areas. They were doing a fine job in fairly heavy traffic without causing a backup. The pickup plow driver was female. I almost stoppped and asked her if she owned horses.
Those of us up here in Anchorage can't hold a candle to Northpole when it comes to cold weather. He knows what real cold is. I sympathize with the Maine weather. It's over 30 (above zero) here today. Spring is in the air....