Hello all, been lurking for several days, have noticed several names/stories on several different boards. Request some education on some issues. Apologize in advance for length but should make sense :)Also, I don't mean to 'slam' anyone with options I am steering away from, nothing personal, $$$ value has a lot to do with life, understand that, but if I can spoil myself once, this is it, and want the best, no harm meant to anyone for their choices
Currently own a '95 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 extended cab, 410 RE, Silverado - loaded, after market mods. Not bad, don't like looks (personal). GMC didn't come out with redesigned heavy duty and tired of waiting (not a 'brand loyalist', owned a F150 prior but trashed it, wasn't up to hell I put it through). The new Super Duty seems to fit me (live in DC at moment, been pickup person since I could drive, tow occasionally, mostly have fun offroad and face it, a truck IS a TRUCK!) and as fate would have it, I can get my 'dream truck' now (not a 3 year keeper and trade in, this one for 10 or so years...). Wife pregnant (1st after 11 years) and if in debt for baby, just as well get what I want in process Actually, extended cab is not worth much as people hauler, 3 door gmc not sufficient, unsure about super cab (dodge/ford) and cab 'bow' (granted new truck, time will tell if stress...) wife suggested crew cab which she has been against prior... (no luck on dually though...) Anyhow, what I am looking to get and questions:
- Planning on ordering in next couple weeks: 3/4 ton, crew cab, long bed, 4x4, V10, Lariat, all the bells and whistles, etal etal. Decision between V10 and PSD tough one, I wanted diesel but loud (I know a truck but have to appease other half) Tradeoffs either way, for my purposes (not a 'full time hauler' not a requirement for Diesel but over the 'long haul' not sure if gas best choice - granted can get new V10 for cost of maj repair to PSD).
Question 1: 373 RE seems sufficient given y2k's enhanced hp/torque on V10, 430 better for engine life, duration???
Question 2: Enjoy shifting manual but 'auto' is conducive to majority of city driving (hills, stop n go, etc...) Any word from experts on Fords auto trans (besides the lag I have heard about from R to F)
Question 3: Largest/SAFE tires can put on the 16" premium aluminum wheel with chrome hub cover??? (looks better in catalogue then the deluxe alum). Trying to figure out if I should spend the little bit for AT 265s or just get the standard ones and buy from Maj Tire Place (ie Firestone, etc) I want to deck this thing out (not Bigfoot style but 'tough') since this is my one shot to spoil myself. Suggestions?
Question 4: Stereo. The premium with cd player. Who makes it? quality of sound? worth it to get or just get 3rd party and go for it (want premium cd quality/sound) Will 3d party fit in std ford stereo slot?
Question 5: Ford Accessories - Bug shield and Bed liner, not sure if Ford bug guard the best looking. The Ford rubberized liner looks good from what i can tell (hate the cheap plastic liners, to slick for one) Comments from those with? Rhino??? Seen demo (at trade shows, seems nice, don't want 'chipping' or fading though...
Question 6: Superchip, worth it??? especially for V10 if go that route? comments?
Question 7: Exhaust. Currently running straight pipes out of the CC. Doesn't sound overbearing but everyone can tell, something big (350+) sitting next to them, a manly cough cough cough, sound, not super quiet, not obnoxious either. Suggestions for SD? hearing that CC not used in new models (rumor or diesel only or???) Right now I'm street legal, if combined CC & muffler, can't do much about it unless ya'll know of way to get the 'deep big engine sound'.
In general, several 'little questions' but want this to be the best, may not get this chance again prior to retiring, LOL... Comments to forum or directly appreciated (column posts help others reading) Enjoy all and may all your days be good trucking ones
I have the 5.4, 3.73 and tow my Bobcat at 7500 pounds. I haven't driven a V10 so I can't comment on the added power but mine is sufficient for me. If I had to drive hills all day it might be worth it. I would drive them both first. I have heard a lot about mpg on both but don't know who to believe. Someone that is getting 16mpg on a V10!
The UAW announced a strike authorization vote on August 17. The national contract ends at midnight on September 14. The UAW is extremely upset that Ford wants to spin off Visteon (the parts division) as a free standing company, as it could cost the UAW 30,000+ members, and is preparing to strike ALL Ford assembly plants if the issue is not resolved. Those planning on ordering 2000-model Fords should pay very close attention to these developments.
I ordered a '99 F-250 SD XLT with a V10, auto, LWB, ext. cab, 2WD, 4.30 diff. and camper pkg ---ON 2-9-99!! Around July 15, the dealer said to give up any hope of getting it. They placed an order for a 2000, and the good news seems to be that there is little or no price increase. The base price will be a bit higher because the following items are now standard on XLT; 4 wheel ABS, full-size spare, rear step bumper, floor mats, tow hooks, power windows & door locks, and fold-up rear bench seat (on ext. cabs). Yes, FORD sent me 2 certificates for $500 each with a little letter saying how grateful they are that I'm a loyal Ford fan. They said they were overwhelmed with orders. The "F-Super Duty Order Appreciation" is only good for those of us that ordered a '99, and is good only for the 2000 that supersedes it. You can not use it to buy a 2000 off the lot, or order one. By the way, production of the 2000's started on 8-2, so my 2000 is to be in on 8-16. I'm still anxious!
Sounds like the delay definitely worked to your advantage. Not only did you get the order appreciation certificates, you're also getting in more power in your truck. The 2000 V-10 is reported to have 310hp and 430 torque, compared to 275/410 for the 99. Whoever said that good things don't happen for those who wait?
You should love the truck. I have the 99 V-10 with the 4.30s, although mine is a 4wd Lariat dually. The 4.30s will cost you a couple mpg, but will give you power with a load. I get 11.5-12 on the hwy, 10-10.5 in a combo of city/hwy and 8.5-9 carrying a 4,000 pound truck camper.
The truck is a work horse. I've got close to 20,000 miles on my truck and almost half of that is carrying my camper. I'll be headed out this weekend on a 500 mile roundtrip with the camper again this weekend, which will also include a roundtrip ferry ride.
I agree with Brutus, sellmeatruck. Things sometimes do work out better the longer you wait. I've also got the 99 F250 SD/SC/V10/4.30/Camper/Trailer and LOVE it! It smokes!! Be sure to let us know how yours works.
I ordered a lightduty F-250, then changed my mind. Called my salesman and told him I would like to upgrade a bit :)I was one day past the last day to order a 1999 model.I ordered a F-250 S.D 4wd cc 158" bed V-10 3.73LS. I mentioned to him about the day late thing and the $500. He thinks they will honor it. I heard they wont have the telescopic mirrors in the plant untill Sept. 18th. So I called my salesman and we changed the mirrors. The next day they pulled my truck from the computer and are getting ready to build it. I know it is gunna cost me more to have the mirrors put on after at the dealership, but I need that truck. I run a landscaping co. and fall clean-ups are just around the corner. I also haul Christmas trees up from North Carolina to my tree lots here in Michigan. My salesman said he will call me with a build date. Hope it is soon
The fix that you need for your squeaky front springs is SSM #12884 or TSB 99-16-03 which will stop the squeak by installing new spring isolators Part #F81Z-5586-AA.
Guess what?? My truck came in today!! Whooppee!! I was heading home, which takes me by the dealer, so I thought I'd stop in and ask for a build date since I have a VIN. Lo & behold, there was a hauler with a big, red, V10, extended cab, XLT on the top rack! Welllll... I just had to jump up & check the VIN. MINE! MINE! MINE! and now for a little bad news-- No invoice info for the dealer, so they won't release it until they get it. (They say a day or 2, which means a week) It was really odd to see a window sticker with NO PRICES and no option codes listed. Everything is correct though, and I'll keep you posted on performance and any problems.
My springs squeek only after I take it four wheeling in the sand. My problem is that I have had my springs re-arched so they wont be covered under the warranty. So what exactly is the spring isolator? Is it part of the spring or the mount? If it is the mount, I should be able to get mine replaced. If it goes between the spring leaves, I am SOL. If it is the bushing in the spring eye, I might be covered. So please describe it for me.
I can't agree with KEH4x4 about "wearing your engine out" when going to the 4.30 instead of stock 3.73 differential(#488). Mathematically, the 4.30 will make you run about 15% more RPM's than the 3.73. I figured that at 60 MPH in top gear with a 4.30, I'm running at 2000 RPM. This is the same for the other two vehicles at my house. If I had a 3.73 instead, the RPM's would be about 1735. BIG DEAL! I would rather have the reserve power than save a decimal point of gas mileage.
I agree with you that a 4.30 axle will not wear out your engine noticeably faster. And I would also rather have the 4.30 for more power (I ordered the 4.30). I was posting that in responce to post # 486 where he said the 3.73 would seem sufficient because of the increased power of the 2000 model year. Then he wanted to know if the 4.30 would be better for engine life and duration. I got the impression that he thought the 4.30 axle would have his engine turning at a slower RPM than the 3.73 would. Thats why I posted that the 4.30 equipted engine would wear out faster. I just meant that it would be turning more per mile than the 3.73 equiped one would. Sorry if I confused anyone.
sellmeatruck & KEH4x4: Thanks. What I was getting at but think failed to clarify is that I want to make sure the gearing I get will consistently be in the 'sweet zone' ie the power zone for the PSD; 1800-2100rpms I believe. Didn't want to go to light and underutilize nor get too heavy (ie 4.30) and 'go over' the power zone. Based on your comments I think the 3.73 would keep me in the power area, but I could be wrong, again, I'm not a truck genius, own em, drive em, occasionally trash em up but not sure about the 'math' behind it. Granted the 4.3 will have more power when needed but at highway speeds towing, will it consistently put me over 'sweet spot' for the PSD. Whew, think I got it right that time! thanks again!
Just took delivery of my 2k SD CC 2x4 SWB today. Ordered the truck on May 24. It was well worth the wait. It is supposed to be the first 2000 in the state of Florida. If anyone around Tampa is looking for a straight forward no bull salesman, call Kish at Bill Currie Ford. He gave me priority 10 ordering and a VIN # within a week. Several other dealers would not even take an order for me at that time on the 2k model. I ordered the 5.4 w/3.73 It has plenty of power and rides like a cadillac. Braking is really impressive too.
Has anyone heard why Ford recommends using 5w-30 regular oil instead of synthetic oil in the triton engines?I asked the dealer but he had no answer.Thanks.
I am getting ready to order a 2000 F350 Lariat crewcab LWB DRW PSD with a 4.10 rear axle. I will mainly be using it on the Highway to pull a gooseneck horse trailer but will also use it some for long trips without the trailer. The rest of the time I will be using it around the Farm. The 4x4 option would be help full around the farm but I wonder how much it would affect the Highway ride and handling since the 4x4 and 4x2 have very different front suspensions (twin I-Beam vs solid axle I think. Any comments on 4x4 vs 4x2 Super Duty will be appreciated. Thanks,
PS. Any comments on the current wait time is on a 350 Lariat.
My guess for Ford specifying 5W-30 oil (#505) is simply that it flows better into the smaller spaces on the new coated pistons than higher viscosity oils. True, the synthetics do have better flow characteristics, but it's just an issue of cost for the auto (& truck) makers. Ford does not say that you can't use synthetics; you can. Unless the book says to NOT use synthetics, I would. Try asking the oil experts at the Pennzoil/Quaker state web sites. www.pennzoil.com
For whatever it is worth, I have a friend who bought the F-350 Crew Cab with Long Box (whopping 22+ feet without the towing yoke) with a powerstroke and 2WD.....nothing but good things to say...roomy, quiet, very, very powerful....he pulls a 6,000 lb tandem gooseneck flatbed and believe me, he runs it......other than expensive oil changes and one trip to the dealer to fix a coil wire....very happy with it.
I am looking at a 250 SD with the same setup tomorrow....hopefully I can get it for around 29-30K, if not I will opt for the 5.4..good enuf..
Go for the Diesel if you can afford it and DEFINITELY the Crew Cab
Just received VIN # on my SD SC. Dealer doesn't know if it's built yet. Can you tell by the VIN # what date truck will be built? If not, how can you tell? Dealer said they wouldn't know if it's built until they receive the hauler's sheet. Appreciate any info.
Jerry- The dealer should be able to look at their direct link computer and tell you what stage it's at. If I recall correctly, there are three stages; 1.) Open (unscheduled) 2.) "Bucked", or the components are in house 3.) Scheduled #3 means they have a date when it will be built, so keep bugging them to check for you. By the way, how would you feel in my situation; I ordered a 1999 F250 SD on 2-9-99, and I now have a 2000 sitting in the dealers lot with no paperwork for me to get it? Guess I'm just a patient guy. Good luck with your dealer!
I have a little problem, i want an f350 psd sc lariat loaded, but dealers in Connecticut refuse to help. I have found dealers refusing to move on sticker price, order the truck, or shop/trade with other dealers. I thought about buying out of state until my friend got burned on a chevy(i forgive him). It seems any out of state truck even new hased to go through CT motor vechile inspection, my friends new chevy failed seven times. Any way, can someone please take my money in trade for the only real truck around? (normal dealers welcomed to responed)
I purchased my truck in Connecticut and went to seven other dealers in CT looking for the best price and only one tried to sell it to me at sticker price. All the other dealers gave me decent offers. A guy I work with bought his truck in Mass. He says it did not have to go to have his truck inspected. I have never heard of anything like that and I have lived in Connecticut all my life. He also bought a Super Duty PSD and shopped around here in Connecticut but just happened to get a little better deal in Mass. He says that most of the dealers here were willing to make him a good deal. How can a brand new vechile fail inspection? Inspection here in Connecticut applies only to a motor vechile that is ten years or older.
Any vehicle (anything that is registered at motor vehicle) that has been titled out of state has to go thourgh motor vehicle inspection regardless of age. This practice came about within the last few years. The vehicle failed on brakes, out of unaliment headlights, dim taillights. Would you mind telling where you and co-worker purchased your vehicle?
Anyone heard any more about the strike referenced in post # 492? Is it going to happen? I have a 2000 on order, and I would like to get it before 2001.
I am getting ready to order a 2000 F350 Lariat crewcab LWB DRW PSD with a 4.10 rear axle. I will mainly be using it on the Highway to pull a gooseneck horse trailer but will also use it some for long trips without the trailer. The rest of the time I will be using it around the Farm. The 4x4 option would be help full around the farm but I wonder how much it would affect the Highway ride and handling since the 4x4 and 4x2 have very different front suspensions (twin I-Beam vs solid axle I think). Any comments on 4x4 vs 4x2 Super Duty will be appreciated. Thanks,
PS. Any comments on the current wait time is on a 350 Lariat.
You should make a call to the CT Motor vechile Dept. My brother in-law who is an State of Ct DMV officer tells me that the inspection only applies if your purchase was made in such states as California that employ different standards such as emissions. He also stated that it is rare for a new vechile to fail inspection. How does a new vechile fail on so many things? I have been to a General Motors production plant and I find this hard to believe, and seven times? Yeah right Mike
Just wanted to keep everyone posted that I got my VIN # and an estimated arrival date yesterday. It is due to arrive at the dealership September 13th. I ordered it on July 14th. I went through Charles Gabus Ford in Des Moines IA, and am getting the truck @ dealer invoice. So far I have gotten weekly updates from my salesman without even having to prompt him for one. The only delay that I have had to endure was a weeks postponement due to the Kentucky plant being short on ABS brake parts. FYI - the truck is an F350 XLT V10 4x4 Regular Cab w/5 speed. Everything else is loaded. I think that the rapid turn around has had a lot to do with the dealer I went through and their priority level (due to volume of sales). In any case I'll keep you all posted.
I haven't driven the two wheel drive but the 4x4 drives and handles very well. The ride is not harsh at all for a one ton truck. Considering you may use four wheel drive on the farm, I don't think you would regret getting the 4x4 if you can afford the extra money it costs. If you ever pull that gooseneck horse trailer through sand, mud, or snow you will wish/be glad you had four wheel drive. Plus the the 4x4 will generally hold it's value better, at least in my area.
I have a 1999 F-250 SD with the 5.4 V8 and a 4.10 LS. I love it. The only problem I see is that the grille is so open. My A/C condenser has a big hole in it that the dealer says was caused by a rock. I am going to Home Depot and zip tie a heavy mesh screen between the new condenser and the grille so it won't happen again. if anyone knows where to get a nice billet aluminum grille, let me know. M.Bettencourt@worldnet.att.net
I have a tubular stainless steel grille made by J&J Enterpises http://www.j-jent.com I bought mine at a local custom truck supply for about $200 installed. That was about $50 cheaper than buying direct from J&J.
Went down to Capistrano Ford in California today, they had 2/2000 models in the back. One was a 250 SD with the V10 2WD XLT. Sticker was about 31k and they said, "Don't even think about getting us to budge on this." Has any body else seen this? I have a very hard time paying sticker!! I think $1000 over invoice would be the MAX. If anybody knows a good dealer in Southern California please let me know.
In response to cowboyjpm, post 517. I was told by my salesperson that all XLT's are not going to have ABS brakes. This is due to a parts shortage and Ford is dropping them so them can keep producing the Lariats since they were already standard on the 99's. Just picked up my 2000 F250 Lariat SD, 4x4, PS, ESOF, Bright Amber Clearcoat on 8/11. Came in 2 weeks early but ordered it in March. Alreadys put 1,000 miles on it and what a joy.
Just ordered my 2000 SD Crew Cab V10 Lariat on 8-16-99. I priced out everything on the Edmunds page and came up with a Dealer Invoice of 26,980 without tax or destination. I figure those two combined in my situation with my trade <97 F150> would come to $1300, bringing my cost at invoice to 28,280. I got the truck for 27,800 total. I was pleased to say the least. I guess I will be financing about 22,000 after my trade and all. I also go approval for financing from the Edmunds page also. Through Nations bank I guess. It was really easy. Just inputed my info and about 20 minutes later they approved me for 35,0000. Anyway, anyone out there with a similar configured truck to the one I ordered? Any info would be great. Thanks.....and can't wait for it to come in.....told me 4-6 weeks
I ordered a 2000 Lariat SD CC with V10 Auto on 6/1/99. Just received a copy of the invoice today. When I placed my order, I understood that the Premium AM/FM Cassette/CD was part of a package. After reviewing the invoice, Ford is charging me $162.00(dealer invoice) for it. Has anyone else experienced this and if so what was done to correct it. Also, the ABS was part of the package and the invoice doesn't show ABS anywhere. I know Ford has had problems with ABS parts, but how can I be assured my truck has ABS?
The CD is extra even on the Lariat package. The 162 charge is at invoice so the dealer didn't make any $. Don't know about the ABS thing....only that it is standard on the Lariat package. When did they say you would take delivery. You are at 2 1/2 months already...Is that expected or were they making the 2000 as of June 1?
I noticed a couple of notes regarding brake vibration on SuperDuties. My F250SD, V-10, 4x4 has 25,000 miles on it and has had the front rotors cut at around 10K, which helped the problem. Around 15K I took it back in for the same thing. This time they replaced the rear rotors. Now at 25K the problem is coming back again. This time it feels like the fronts again. I've never warped a rotor on any vehicle I've ever had in the past, so I'm assuming its not driving style. Does anyone know if this is a wide spread problem on the SD's???
I've also got an idle problem that so far the dealer hasn't been able to fix (4 tries). The problem originally showed up as a no start problem. The engine would start, but immediately die. If you worked at it, you could feather the throttle at start up and keep it running, but for some amount of time after start up, if you let off the gas it would die. Hardly an ideal driving situation. That problem has seemed to have gone away, but a secondary problem of the idle dropping to 300 to 400 RPM during the first five minutes of operation when letting off the gas, continues. This in itself isn't so bad, but occasionally the computer realizes something is amiss and sends the RPM back up to the 1200 to 1800 RPM range. If you're not prepared for the RPM jump, the likely result is ending up in the middle of an intersection. Not exactly a pleasant sensation. The dealer has ordered more parts, but my confidence is once again less than high at the prospects that it will be fixed this time (they have been unable to generate any codes that will tell them what is wrong - to include the use of a Ford 'Flight Recorder'). Anyone have any experience with this problem???
Other problems I've experienced included a CD player that wouldn't work below 60 degrees and the front end squeak described throughout past messages. Overall this truck is and has been awesome. Its everything I expected and more, although to many more trips to the dealership for repairs will soon sour my overall opinion.
Yes, you are correct. I am at 2 1/2 months into my order. The dealer told me yesterday that the anticipated ship date is 8/30/99. That means it would be somewhere in the 1st or 2nd week of September before I get it. Total wait period from order to delivery will be about 3 1/2 months. The time frame doesn't bother me. It allows me more time to sell my current vehicle. My main concern is that I have it before winter. However, the order guide that I received a copy of from Ford dated 5/3/99 indicates that the Premium AM/FM Cass/CD is "Additional discounted equipment (may not be deleted)". Also, the print out from the dealer confirming my order indicates the following is ADLT Discounted Equipment: Air Conditioning CFC Free Premium AM/FM Cassette/CD 4 Wheel Antilock Brake System No order code is associated with the Premium AM/FM Cassette/CD on the order confirmation. It appears that this item was added to the order from Ford. Just wondering if anyone else has run into this problem?
Picked up my truck on 8/11 and it has the Premium AM/FM Cassette CD. I did not order this but it was added on by Ford. My salesman could not explain since he had very little to go on. Ford brochures for the 2000's will not be out until September so he has to go with what they give him, which is very little. Did get a price break on the premium package though.
ordered my s/d, Lariat supercab, V10 on 5/10 and received it 8/12, one week adhead of schedule. I ordered the c/d, it shows on spec. sheets as an option. Everything is working fine.
You guys who have recieved your 2000 SD's, do any of you have the new "telescopic" towing mirrors. I heard they were not going to have any in the plant untill Sept. 18th ???
I am having a problem with the ring gear and pinion going out on my 1999 f-250 lariat 4x4 diesel. If anyone else is having this problem please let me know. Also was this the first time for the problem? Email me at sgodsey@usd250.k12.ks.us. Thanks
My 2000 SD just arrived and it had the non telescoping mirrors. My salesman said that Ford won't even take orders for the telescoping mirrors at this time. He said they will be out mid year and we can retrofit our existing mirrors for a fee. He didn't have any pricing at this time. Too bad Ford didn't tell me this earlier. I might have waited.
I just thought I'd throw out some information given to me about some of the ABS and mirror issues brought up lately. As of today the 4 wheel ABS system is STILL Standard on my F350. The dealer stated that there was indeed a delay of 1 week to 10 days at the Kentucky plant due to shortage of parts, but that it did not affect the brakes being standard.
As for the power telescopic mirrors I had no trouble ordering them in July, and my delivery date is September 13 (before the alusive 18th). If there is a shortage, it may depend on date of order. If they did have a cuto off date it would have had to been after July 14 -- the order date of my vehicle.
Last but not least the premium radio with the CD is an option on the XLT, not standard. I don't know what it is on the Lariat.
1999 F250 SD XLT CC SB 4x4 V10 Auto 3.73LS. 8800 miles since April. Re:brakes - am starting to notice a pulsing at highway speeds when I lightly apply the brakes. Thought it was me... Thought it might be a dust buildup... Guess your problem is becoming my problem also...
My truck came in with ABS, but it was a $375 option. When ordered the truck in May, I was also under the impression that 4 wheel ABS was standard. I will be asking the salesman about it today. Should get truck early next week from dealer. Did you order the telescopic trailer tow mirrors? Did you get them?
I know for a fact that four wheel ABS was not standard on the 99 XLT. It was standard on the Lariat, and rear wheel ABS was standard on the XLT. For 2000 however, Both the XLT and the Lariat were to have four wheel ABS as standard equipment.
As for the trailer mirrors, sorry but I ordered mine with power mirrors, but not the trailer mirrors, so I can't help you there
Comments
Currently own a '95 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 extended cab, 410 RE, Silverado - loaded, after market mods. Not bad, don't like looks (personal). GMC didn't come out with redesigned heavy duty and tired of waiting (not a 'brand loyalist', owned a F150 prior but trashed it, wasn't up to hell I put it through). The new Super Duty seems to fit me (live in DC at moment, been pickup person since I could drive, tow occasionally, mostly have fun offroad and face it, a truck IS a TRUCK!) and as fate would have it, I can get my 'dream truck' now (not a 3 year keeper and trade in, this one for 10 or so years...). Wife pregnant (1st after 11 years) and if in debt for baby, just as well get what I want in process
- Planning on ordering in next couple weeks: 3/4 ton, crew cab, long bed, 4x4, V10, Lariat, all the bells and whistles, etal etal. Decision between V10 and PSD tough one, I wanted diesel but loud (I know a truck but have to appease other half) Tradeoffs either way, for my purposes (not a 'full time hauler' not a requirement for Diesel but over the 'long haul' not sure if gas best choice - granted can get new V10 for cost of maj repair to PSD).
Question 1: 373 RE seems sufficient given y2k's enhanced hp/torque on V10, 430 better for engine life, duration???
Question 2: Enjoy shifting manual but 'auto' is conducive to majority of city driving (hills, stop n go, etc...) Any word from experts on Fords auto trans (besides the lag I have heard about from R to F)
Question 3: Largest/SAFE tires can put on the 16" premium aluminum wheel with chrome hub cover??? (looks better in catalogue then the deluxe alum). Trying to figure out if I should spend the little bit for AT 265s or just get the standard ones and buy from Maj Tire Place (ie Firestone, etc) I want to deck this thing out (not Bigfoot style but 'tough') since this is my one shot to spoil myself. Suggestions?
Question 4: Stereo. The premium with cd player. Who makes it? quality of sound? worth it to get or just get 3rd party and go for it (want premium cd quality/sound) Will 3d party fit in std ford stereo slot?
Question 5: Ford Accessories - Bug shield and Bed liner, not sure if Ford bug guard the best looking. The Ford rubberized liner looks good from what i can tell (hate the cheap plastic liners, to slick for one) Comments from those with? Rhino??? Seen demo (at trade shows, seems nice, don't want 'chipping' or fading though...
Question 6: Superchip, worth it??? especially for V10 if go that route? comments?
Question 7: Exhaust. Currently running straight pipes out of the CC. Doesn't sound overbearing but everyone can tell, something big (350+) sitting next to them, a manly cough cough cough, sound, not super quiet, not obnoxious either. Suggestions for SD? hearing that CC not used in new models (rumor or diesel only or???) Right now I'm street legal, if combined CC & muffler, can't do much about it unless ya'll know of way to get the 'deep big engine sound'.
In general, several 'little questions' but want this to be the best, may not get this chance again prior to retiring, LOL... Comments to forum or directly appreciated (column posts help others reading) Enjoy all and may all your days be good trucking ones
k-man aka parrot_head
I have the 5.4, 3.73 and tow my Bobcat at 7500 pounds. I haven't driven a V10 so I can't comment on the added power but mine is sufficient for me. If I had to drive hills all day it might be worth it. I would drive them both first. I have heard a lot about mpg on both but don't know who to believe. Someone that is getting 16mpg on a V10!
kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
You should love the truck. I have the 99 V-10 with the 4.30s, although mine is a 4wd Lariat dually. The 4.30s will cost you a couple mpg, but will give you power with a load. I get 11.5-12 on the hwy, 10-10.5 in a combo of city/hwy and 8.5-9 carrying a 4,000 pound truck camper.
The truck is a work horse. I've got close to 20,000 miles on my truck and almost half of that is carrying my camper. I'll be headed out this weekend on a 500 mile roundtrip with the camper again this weekend, which will also include a roundtrip ferry ride.
Be sure to let us know how yours works.
I mentioned to him about the day late thing and the $500. He thinks they will honor it.
I heard they wont have the telescopic mirrors in the plant untill Sept. 18th. So I called my salesman and we changed the mirrors. The next day they pulled my truck from the computer and are getting ready to build it. I know it is gunna cost me more to have the mirrors put on after at the dealership, but I need that truck. I run a landscaping co. and fall clean-ups are just around the corner. I also haul Christmas trees up from North Carolina to my tree lots here in Michigan. My salesman said he will call me with a build date. Hope it is soon
will stop the squeak by installing new spring isolators Part #F81Z-5586-AA.
Fred.
Kevin
buying a y2k F250, 4x4 CC, LB, PSD, 373, towing, Lariat, loaded. Life will go on
PS. Any comments on the current wait time is on a 350 Lariat.
For whatever it is worth, I have a friend who bought the F-350 Crew Cab with Long Box (whopping 22+ feet without the towing yoke) with a powerstroke and 2WD.....nothing but good things to say...roomy, quiet, very, very powerful....he pulls a 6,000 lb tandem gooseneck flatbed and believe me, he runs it......other than expensive oil changes and one trip to the dealer to fix a coil wire....very happy with it.
I am looking at a 250 SD with the same setup tomorrow....hopefully I can get it for around 29-30K, if not I will opt for the 5.4..good enuf..
Go for the Diesel if you can afford it and DEFINITELY the Crew Cab
my SD SC. Dealer
doesn't know if it's
built yet. Can you tell
by the VIN # what date
truck will be built? If
not, how can you tell?
Dealer said they
wouldn't know if it's
built until they receive
the hauler's sheet.
Appreciate any info.
crewcab LWB DRW PSD with a 4.10 rear axle. I will
mainly be using it on the Highway to pull a
gooseneck horse trailer but will also use it some
for long trips without the trailer. The rest of
the time I will be using it around the Farm. The
4x4 option would be help full around the farm but I
wonder how much it would affect the Highway ride
and handling since the 4x4 and 4x2 have very
different front suspensions (twin I-Beam vs solid
axle I think). Any comments on 4x4 vs 4x2 Super
Duty will be appreciated. Thanks,
PS. Any comments on the current wait time is on a
350 Lariat.
I bought mine at a local custom truck supply for about $200 installed. That was about $50 cheaper than buying direct from J&J.
Lead time 6-8 wks. according to the dealer.
paid $300 under invoice. very suprised to say the least
I've also got an idle problem that so far the dealer hasn't been able to fix (4 tries). The problem originally showed up as a no start problem. The engine would start, but immediately die. If you worked at it, you could feather the throttle at start up and keep it running, but for some amount of time after start up, if you let off the gas it would die. Hardly an ideal driving situation. That problem has seemed to have gone away, but a secondary problem of the idle dropping to 300 to 400 RPM during the first five minutes of operation when letting off the gas, continues. This in itself isn't so bad, but occasionally the computer realizes something is amiss and sends the RPM back up to the 1200 to 1800 RPM range. If you're not prepared for the RPM jump, the likely result is ending up in the middle of an intersection. Not exactly a pleasant sensation. The dealer has ordered more parts, but my confidence is once again less than high at the prospects that it will be fixed this time (they have been unable to generate any codes that will tell them what is wrong - to include the use of a Ford 'Flight Recorder'). Anyone have any experience with this problem???
Other problems I've experienced included a CD player that wouldn't work below 60 degrees and the front end squeak described throughout past messages. Overall this truck is and has been awesome. Its everything I expected and more, although to many more trips to the dealership for repairs will soon sour my overall opinion.
Air Conditioning CFC Free
Premium AM/FM Cassette/CD
4 Wheel Antilock Brake System
No order code is associated with the Premium AM/FM Cassette/CD on the order confirmation. It appears that this item was added to the order from Ford.
Just wondering if anyone else has run into this problem?
Thanks
As for the power telescopic mirrors I had no trouble ordering them in July, and my delivery date is September 13 (before the alusive 18th). If there is a shortage, it may depend on date of order. If they did have a cuto off date it would have had to been after July 14 -- the order date of my vehicle.
Last but not least the premium radio with the CD is an option on the XLT, not standard. I don't know what it is on the Lariat.
As for the trailer mirrors, sorry but I ordered mine with power mirrors, but not the trailer mirrors, so I can't help you there