All I've ever owned is fords, and the reason is because I don't have any problems with them. This includes, escorts, rangers, probe, and windstars. My current 89 Ranger has 188k miles on it and is running great. (I had to replace a water pump on it at 80k, and rear universal at 120k).
Looking at www.ford-diesel.com, the only issue with the durability of the diesel is to consistantly check the antifreeze mixture each time you change the oil.. Check out the ford-diesel site if you want all of the propaganda on why diesel is the option in the SD.. However, all the propaganda in the world won't keep the black soot and diesel smell out of the garage.
I fully expect to get 200+k miles on the V10. My 2 cents on getting long life out of a vehicle:
a. I always change the oil at 3k miles. b. always use the same brand of oil to avoid poor mixing of different brands additives. c. Only 1 driver for a vehicle, (I have no science to explain why this seems to be a factor, just my experience)
Had the work done on my 99 F250 SD CC SB last week. Seems like the fix is a simple 1/2" cable bolted to both frame rails and running through several openings in the bed frame members. My assumption is that someone must have torn their bed from the frame in an accident, severing the filler neck from the tank causing a fire. Anyway, they had it for 3 days (also did some body shop work on some paint imperfections) and I suffered withdraw. I love my truck!
well, you're correct about at least one thing. you ought to derive some cut out of Ken English's commission over there at Gator Ford, that's for sure (others... see crazyelvis's previous posts). we've spent the last week researching FL for a good truck quote along with a good, solid delivery (that isn't indicating Ford's default 6 to 8 month time frame). seems like these dealers don't have a decent allotment. net result? they can't deliver & tell all kinds of "lies" to cover this shortcoming. We've checked Orlando, Jax, Miami areas & they "exclusive OR" the thing (can give one OR the other.. but not both). hell, we're in the West Palm Beach area & the dealers around here don't even have SD brochures, much less any SD y2k trucks (all they have is 99's). and we're more or less curious as to their long term business methodology constructs. btw. Ken quoted us $500 over invoice so this appears to be his default pricing scenario. that's a great deal for both "sides" (if they move enough vehicles). well, we recently "retired" from a service related business and there is nothing quite like an excellent price/performance ratio to not only build your rep... but to maintain it. and already we're able to discern the little things in regard to Ken. he knows the option codes as well as Edmund's does (even better in fact). while some of these sales people don't even know what 99F stands for. would you really want to do business with a dealership like that? not us. we feel there's more to a deal than simply the price. and finally, these "lousy" dealers ought to be reading these message boards because these boards will eventually make or break same. it is simply a matter of time. we'll let all of you folks know how the deal progresses, what we've ordered & why.
Please help me figure out your post. Were you happy with Ken at Gator Ford? I've read your post a couple of times and can't decide. When I deal with a dealer I go in knowing there are two sides. I want a good/great service dept. Those are the people I will be doing all business with after the sale. I want reliable people who know what they are doing. The sales people on the other hand....I thought Ken was a decent guy. He is not a "shlickmeister" type. I feel he was honest with me and did not try any bait a switch as I talked with him on the phone about pricing before I went in. When I am talking with the sales dept. there is ONLY ONE thing on my mind. PRICE. That is all you are dealing with the sales dept on. What else is there to deal with in the realm of the sales dept.?? All I know is that I got a GREAT price and I know that when and if I have a problem with my new truck I can trust the service dept. at Gator Ford.
I get from your post...lewac...that you thought it was funny that Ken at Gator Ford knew price codes and things that are quite open to the public from the edmunds page...and from many other sources?? I believe that is his job. It is a fact that any dealer who wants to stay in business these days better get familiar with the internet and the information that consumers are bringing in when they buy a car. When I dealt with Ken, I informed him on many things concerning the 2000 super duties that he was unaware of. Seems to me that he has been doing his homework since I dealt with him. BRAVO!! That is his job. I own a sign business and that is half of my time...keeping up with new products, ideas, application techniques...etc. All I know is that I went in to the dealership...told them what I wanted to order...waited for their price (31,000)....then whipped out my edmunds stuff and walked out with the truck for 26,400. I have a neighbor that tried to deal with Gator Ford a year and a half ago and they wouldn't even touch a 2% over inv. sale. Seems to me that at even $500 over inv. they are attempting to attract business that they know will go elsewhere because of internet buying services and just plain people coming in armed with invoice pricing info and dealer holdback proffits. If I am reading you wrong.....correct me.....
Have read all posts regarding SD. Ordered F-250XL SRW SC Long bed 4x4 4:10LS Auto 5.4L Signed papers on 9/17. Got order number from dealer on 9/27. My understanding was that to use the VOPC line I would need the order # and the dealer code. Read that the dealer code should be 5 digits beginning with F (drop the F). Dealer gave me a code of 13E101. VOPC says that's an invalid code. Dealer said that's the only code he has! Help!!!! Also tried 13101. VOPC said "we can't locate that information!
Drop the F....my dealer code is F24902...but I just enter 24902.....you can on the VOPC either find out info using VIN # or using dealer code/order #/body type. Read post #588 in this discussion group for great info on the VOPC. The 13E101 does not sound like a dealer code to me. Try and speak with someone else at your dealer about the code. Good luck. If you know the VIN then you don't need the other info...although I never tried the VIN # route...even though I had the VIN...
first, our apology for any misunderstanding our post may have conveyed. Brutus is correct. so far we're very happy with Ken. we've not visited the dealership as of yet (later this week) but are looking forward to placing the order for this truck through him. will keep all posted. in regard to crazyelvis's neighbor (recent post). wow. maybe they (Gator Ford) have learned that the net is going (and maybe already has) changed the way they are doing business. btw. we did get a price at $800 over invoice locally, but the allotment issue reared it's ugly head and the dealership could not commit to a reasonably timed delivery. it looks to us that this is becomming more of an issue with time passage. anyhow, they took Ford's default quote (of 6 to 8 months) and "ran" with that. now. the internet (or what's known in the trade as simply: the "net"). follows is "off the trail" just a bit: we purchased an airstream 5th wheel from that same general area (Tampa, we're from West Palm Beach) & without the net we would never have found it. not in a million years. and yes, the net will forever change many aspects of our lives. we most certainly have all seen just the tip of the preverbal technological "iceberg" of which vehicle purchasing is only a small segment. just look at this board (and others with similar interests). where else can we all exchange/share our thoughts, knowledge, etc.; via pictures, text; so others may benefit in such mass? nowhere else. ah! what a great time to be alive, huh?
You set me strait. Gator Ford should have the greatest allotment in the area since all they sell are trucks. I ordered on Aug 16 and my truck was released from the plant on Sept. 22. That is 5 weeks and 2 days. I was looking today at the Pace-Edwards Roll Top Cover. Anyone had any experience with this?? They also have a product called the Bed Rug. I actually got to look at one up close today installed in a Chevy bed. I thought I might give it some serious consideration. Again, anyone with info please speak up...thanks....someone passed along the website pace-edwards.com to me the other day. Thanks. Sorry, lewac....I just was having an off day I guess. Who was it....I can't remember...but he went to gator ford and bought a truck they had in stock. He was from Orlando and saved a lot of money by going to see Ken. He said everything was above board. Wish I could think of his edmunds screen name....I'll have to scroll back and look for it. I was happy everything worked out so I feel more confident going in to finish my deal in a week or so.
This note is for anyone living in California and trying to get the 3.73 LS on a super duty truck.I talked with Ford yesterday and I was told by Ford and later by my dealer that now you can get this option when you order a truck.Hope this helps others out.
I still can't understand why Ford can't produce enough trucks to satisfy the demand. I can see being a little swamped when they first introduced the new truck, but that was over 18 months ago. It's not really difficult to guage how many trucks they would have needed each month this year.
I'm not usually sympathetic to dealers (if I had my way, I'd buy directly from the factory), but they have really put the dealers in a tough situation. In too many cases, the dealers have passed this on to the consumer by being misleading about allotments, priorities and anticipated delivery dates.
Last 8/31 I ordered an F250 SD, Lariat, SC, 5.4L, 5spd man, LB, 4WD, 4.10LS, trailer towing pkg, off-road (yes skid plates, but important thing is damper on steering gear!), etc. With info I got off the net, I was able to get about $400 over dealer invoice from a dealer in No VA (Ted Britt), and it got delivered 10/29, about 6 wks later. Not bad at all, and very fair, considering a couple of dealers wouldn't even talk under sticker, or even promise delivery this century!! I got a Rhinoliner (Rhinoliner.com) put in locally for ~$500, including color to match lt tan (black is VERY HOT to walk on in summer!!) It's REALLY worth the $$! I've abused it and only a slight chalking so far, which I understand can be fixed. Is there a REAL down-side to rust-proofing? Gas mileage has been improving, as low as 11+ around town, BUT recently to ~19.5 on the road - for ~6650 lbs, WOW!! Been watching the posts for some time, and a few things haven't been kicked around very much. After some jaw-boning, the dealer finally adjusted both sets of suicide doors (L & R) - loose. After the truck sits a few days (must admit it's not a carpool vehicle - won't fit in the office garage!) there are unnerving engine noises when it first fires - is that piston slap? Also, exhaust sounds a bit like a diesel - any experience with exhaust gas blow-by (gaskets, etc)? What's the status of "the piston slap fix?" I've also noticed the brake pedal vibrates with moderate braking and it even pulls left just a bit - included in the rotor / hub fix? Power towing mirrors vibrate - dealer doesn't want to spend the time - have others gotten it done? Also, the exhaust system, even though supposedly stainless steel, it looks rusted; anyone else notice this? Still, I'm thrilled with it. WHADUYATHUNK?
Crazyelvis, and others with recent VOPC experience, HELP!!! Last week VOPC said my truck was 'locked in' for production week of 9/27. Now today, it no longer says 'locked in'! Is this normal, or am I entering the dreaded 'two-week' mode and getting pushed out? Have a call into the dealer, but this post is usually quicker than the dealer - and more accurate.
I recently purchased a '99.5 F250 SD SC XLT with the PSD. It was my 1st experience with a diesel in 30 years of car ownership. I was a bit reluctant because of the fumes, noise, unfamiliarity. I just got back from a trip out west (3400 miles - 8 days). I was very impressed & pleased with truck & especially the diesel. With cruise-control locked at 80 mph much of the time - 18/19 mpg. Of course, that's running fairly clean (couple hundred lbs. of camping gear). The PSD is a beast. Like a locomotive up/down mountain passes. I found diesel available everywhere - rural Utah,Arizona,N.Mexico & Texas. I would recommend the PSD wholeheartedly.
What exactly did the VOPC say?? Mine changed from "locked in" to "scheduled" for some reason. It was built last Tuesday 22nd. Today I got a new message that "as of Sept. 23rd your order was shipped via convoy carrier and will arrive week of oct. 11".....how the hell long does it take to get from Kentucky to Tampa???? Maybe that is a worse case scenario. Hope so!!!
RE: Post #765 I'm not an economist, or an MBA or anything like that (and I don't know squat about how auto manufacturers schedule production), but maybe the reason that Ford has been unable to meet demand so far is that they don't expect demand to stay so high. If the demand for the vehicle is at a peak from, say, month 6 through month 24 of the vehicle's production (as more people decide that they want one right now), and then falls off and levels out at 50% - 75% of the peak, then it seems that it would be better (for Ford) to set their capacity at around 80% of the peak demand and spread the sales out over several more months after month 24. This assumes that people will not give up on waiting for their trucks (some probably will). But it most likely costs a lot to boost production temporarily and then be stuck with a lot of excess capacity that must be converted to some other use. This scheme allows them to spread out the peak sales and still end up with enough capacity to meet long term demand.
This may not make all of the coustomers particularly happy but Job 1, after all, is to make money.
Crazyelvis, thanks for the quick reply! You beat the dealer by 30 minutes! Sounds like your experience is the same as mine. Went from 'locked in' last week to 'scheduled' this week. Also the same is the additional week of delivery time. I went from Oct. 11 (two weeks after build start) to Oct. 18. I know Colorado is farther from Kentucky than Florida, but it still doesn't make much sense.
When the dealer did finally get back to me, he gave me a very interesting piece of information. Apparently there was a fire at the V10 engine plant yesterday (maybe the day before). That may be why my delivery date was slipped - but doesn't explain yours. He wasn't certain of the effect of the fire on the V10 production. His check (in Concepts) shows that my unit is 'bucked'. Apparently this means it's on the assembly line (don't know if that's a FORD term, or this guys particular vernacular). This may mean that the engine is already in inventory for my unit and the fire won't affect it. Man, I hope not. Ordered my toy on Aug. 12 and getting IMPATIENT!!
Mikey.....are you sure your not a closet economist??? That post almost put me to sleep...reminded me of a economics class in college...ha ha!! smccarthy.....as beavis would say...."Fire, Fire heh heh heh".....If yours is buckin on the line I'm sure your engine is already there. Buckin excellent dude!!!! So no one in here has experience with the roll top cover and the bed rug.....I guess I will have to find some info elsewhere......Off I go to look....seeeeeeeeeeeeee ya!!
bigass report in a few more days. no problem, crazyelvis. we all have days like that. thanks, Brutus. dandy2, curious about that (alleged) piston slap. gas ought never sound like a diesel. you need to get that on record with the dealer right now in WRITING. jeez! none of us need any engine problems with these big buck trucks so early in their lives. if dealer can't discern problem (with all their modern computerized wizardry)... i'd attempt to find someone that knows something about that wizardry. maybe another dealer in locale has a better (trained) service dept. it's just like with doctors. good ones and bad ones. you hope you never get the latter... but sometimes you really don't know. as Crazyelvis mentioned in one of his posts, you hope you get the best of all worlds, good price, good delivery, good service (department). I sincerely wish Dandy2 some luck on the latter.
Had an '83 thurderbird turbo...first yr of new body style back then.....the car would just die all the time....service dept. would hook it up to the computer....computer would say everything is AOK.....dealer wouldn't do anything but up the rpm....actually left the dealer one day and the car was revving at 3500 rpm when clutch depressed....went to visit family in Detroit so I drove it up there....at the FACTORY they found the problem in 2 seconds......fixed it and never had the problem...it was some kind of cellanoid ?? problem......anyway Dandy2....if you are ever near the Kentucky plant stop on buy....no seriously, I had to almost lemon law a 92 VW Passat (wifes car). After numerous times to the dealer (all documented), the car would get stuck taking off in third gear (automatic trans). Not to safe when you are trying to pull out in traffic. I finally went into a tirade at the dealership...threw my keys at the owner of the dealership and informed everyone in listning distance (about 3 miles) that this was not my car anymore. I had a new 93 Passat in about a week. About a year later (did not have the car anymore) we got a recall notice basically about the same problem we had with the '92 car. Sometimes it pays to be a mean SOB....its the only way some people (dealerships) listen. Thats my 2 cents worth anyway.
You're right, man. I went back and read my last post and it almost put ME to sleep!! Don't know what I was thinking. And no, I'm not a closet economist. I've found a much more exciting existence in the world of........engineering! (I didn't even take economics in college, so I'm one up on you there)
My 2000 PSD just turned 900 miles (in two weeks) I was looking forward to my wife not wanting to drive it (too big, it stinks, etc...) She found out in short order. This truck kicks butt. The only one who smells the fumes is the turkey in the Chevy "BEHIND" us. I used to pull my 10,500lbs boat with a Suburban. The local hill (not sure of the grade) would slow me down to "7" MPH by the time I got to the top. Now I have to back out of it or I am going too fast at the top to make the 90 degree turn. I LOVE THIS TRUCK>>> T4F
I have a '99 F-250SD SWB V-10. Ordered March '98...delivered Sep. '98. Only have 7500 miles on it since it is used primarily to tow a trailer. Love the truck. Noticed during last month a clicking noise when started. Noise went away when truck warms up. Asked the dealer to check it when I took it in for annual state inspection on Tuesday. Dealer called me to let me know inspection was done and.....that the fix for the noise was to REPLACE THE ENGINE!!! The dealer checked TSB and SSM (whatever those are) and found message 12799 "replace engine".
Anyone else with this problem or hear of it?....or if your truck is making noise you may want to check on it.
I know the feeling. It's been over eight weeks since I ordered my F-350, V-10 5sp 3.73LS. Mine's also prioity 10. I know every number off of my DORA by heart, so when I call the VOPC (nightly) I do it from memory. Yes, it's very sad indeed.
I have a question, if I don't start my truck for 2 days or more, when I start it, it makes almost a real short grinding noise. All starts after that, the noise is not there. Any ideas? Also when driving real slow over bumps, squeaking noise up front is heard. One other question, when the brakes are applied fairly hard,should it be a smooth stop or should I expect the truck to shake a little. Thanks. 99 CC V-10 w/7500 miles.
Gossamar, the order # I use (from my DORA) on VOPC is 8592. If this is the # you are referring to, it doesn't sound like they are sequential. Wish I could help you pin down your build time.
gthilton, sounds like you are getting the shaft. Your order doesn't sound much different than mine (and others) yet we are in build or at least scheduled. Mine is XLT, V-10, CC, SWB, 4x4, 3.73 ls. Ordered Aug. 12, Priority 10. Had my VIN and scheduled build date 1 week later (8/19). Not sure whos head to bang, but there ought to be someone who can explain why you don't even have a scheduled date after 5 weeks of wait! Good luck.
I ordered a 2wd F150 on July 23rd. Nothing special. No build date for nine weeks. Finally got build date and delivery date of the week of Oct. 11. That's 12 weeks for a not-in-high-demand truck. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to how they are scheduled. Dealer doesn't seem to know any more than I do with the vopc. Gets frustrating not being able to get any answers.
you might want to try the nhtsa(government) website for a listing of tech bulletins associated with the 1999 SUPER DUTY. There is nothing listed for the 2000's yet, but I do recall seeing a few things about the problems you are describing. You can take the tech bulletin number into the dealership and say "check this out!". The site is : www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems. Use the model year selection, then the "ford trucks" listing to get the the "super duty" listings. I believe there were about 12-15 listings. good luck....
I am new at this. I just got my 2000 F250 sd,psd,cc,sb,6 spd manual,XLT loaded. I love it!! I have got a little over 300 miles on it, I think I must be getting close 21 mpg, can that be so for this monster still,still factory tight? I will be towing a 27' t/t, it weighs about 5700 lbs. I am wondering what kind of mpg I will get towing? Talk later.
I just found this site, so I don't know if this has been discussed: I'm getting a 5th wheel camper and plan to tow it with my 99 F-250 SD. The bed is too high, and there is a Ford fix to lower it 2". It's free if you got the camper/tow pkg, which I did. Has anyone done this? Is a 2" drop enough? It can be lowered 4", but at my expense, so I'm told by Ford. Is this true, too? Any help is appreciated. Bob.
just ordered similar truck (via Ken English) of Gator Ford in Tampa, FL; except DRW (F-350 for that configuration) & 4X4. that's some incredible mileage for such a large truck... but other posts previous have indicated such #'s. bdaly2, some of yours has been seen in previous posts as well. but we looked closely at the frame/bed junction & it appears that the frame "rolls up" there on the y2k's. also, if you lower the bed the side "lines" will no longer "line up" with the cab "lines". this'd kind-of poo-poo the looks of the truck if you were to lower it. we don't have the problem with our 5th because we have 63" of ground clearance (& the F-350 cc is around 58"). you need at least 5" between the top of the bed rails & the 5th. and the 5th ought to be pulled as level as possible besides (you can "cheat" a coupla inches here, though). one solution is to reverse the axles on the fifth (to raise the entire 5th wheel) (that isn't possible on ours because we have torsion bar axles).. the other solution is larger tires on the 5th. check the distance between the tires & also the clearance between the mounted tire & the coach frame. you may be able to pick up a couple of inches here (you would raise the cg of the coach that much but this shouldn't be a real problem). of course, this requires new (larger) tires. but that's the route we'd take if it was a problem for us. forgot to check the priority on the order with Ken but from what we've gathered from other posts they seem to order priority 10. need to verify that, though, because the order doesn't actually go in until early next week. expect DORA info by end of next week or early following. will post what we purchased & more importantly; why, shortly. one "new" item that we learned from the dealer is that the telescoping camping mirrors (option 54E) are not available on early builds (what Ford is into now). so if you don't want your truck "delayed" at this time, do NOT order option 54E (order 54Y instead (manual retract tow mirrors... note that these are still "power" adjusted). also note that the short bed incarnation only gives a 29 gallon tank in SD line. that's not that big a deal with the PSD.. but it may somewhat of a problem with the V10 (limits overall range). and as far as we can discern neither the dealer nor us could find anything on extra fuel tank options (from the factory). there are some options available for the "chassis" only versions, but that's it. and hey, any additional feedback on any of this is certainly appreciated.
Congrats on ordering your truck. Do you think Ken looks like Colin Montgomery the golfer???? I am going to have them give me a job as their internet spokesperson. You are #2 that has ordered a truck based on my recomendation of Gator Ford. Anyone else in Florida or anywhere go to http://www.gatorford.com Ken English is your man. I will have my truck within 6-7 weeks after order. I think I am going with the Roll Top Cover from http://www.pace-edwards.com along with the bed rug from them also. Roll top quoted to me for $699 installed and the bed rug for $359. I have been to the truck accessory store 5 times in the last week looking around....they are probably sick of seeing me by now, but I'm sure my $1200 that I'll drop in there within the next couple of weeks will bring me into their good graces. Anyway...see ya'll around.....
no doubt... Ken's the "man" in FL. this dealership appears to have allocation availability up the "ying" (they're not "tapped" out). hell, they even have SD demo's. there's a Ford dealership in our area that "brags" about how many vehicles they have in "stock" (over 1,000). guess what? not ONE y2k SD! why? no allocation (they get THREE F-350's this entire (y2k) model year). well, a dealership like that ain't gonna' "deal" with nobody. and sure, they'll take your order for a near list price deal and wait 'til NEXT year to place it. basically; if you don't get DORA info back 2 weeks after your "alleged" order, cancel it & head for Gator Ford. that's what's great about these boards. two weeks ago we never heard of "Gator" and we never heard of "DORA" (read past posts).. and thanks to crazylevis (& now,others), we have a hell of a place to purchase these trucks (that are just about impossible to deal with elsewhere in FL (see our past posts.. we "checked it out")). we ordered: F-350 DRW (the ONLY reason to purchase the 350 as a pickup), PSD, 4X4, CC, SB, 4.1 limited slip diff, 6 speed manual tranny, Lariat trim level. the primary usage of the vehicle is to pull a 12.5k pound (gross) 5th country wide. note: if you don't have a REAL reason to purchase the PSD, don't (example, don't spend an extra 4 grand just because you like the "sound" of it). if you do have a reason to purchase the PSD (and that'd probably be for primary use towing, hauling, a large truck camper being mounted) you need to consider the manual tranny if you typically pull near the GCWR (of 20k pounds). from what we've been able to discern, the 1st limit on the GCWR rating appears to be braking capacity (with the PSD it sure the hell isn't the engine). looking at the F-450 specs and we noticed almost twice as much brake pad area as the 250/350 (and thus, a 26k pound GCWR). note: may be "all-wet" here. but appears to make sense. oh. why's "Gator" so busy? Ken's quoting $500 over invoice on a very high-demand vehicle model line. if you're near FL (and even if you're not, quite frankly); and you're reading this in anticipation of possible order, look up crazyelvis's posts above to lead you on your happy way.
Could someone review the steps after purchasing this SD truck to keep the buyer informed of the progress in building the truck - I am unclear of terms like DORA and vopc. I understand that the priority number to ask your dealer for is 10 for a faster build date and I believe that the higher the priority number the longer the wait - after that I am lost - could someone post a step by step scenario as a review to future interested buyers that would include a definition of terms such as DORA and vopc and any needed phone numbers to check building progress?
Go to post #588 in this topic for a great explanation of the VOPC. The DORA is the actual order sheet your dealer puts in for your truck. It has info needed to use the VOPC. DORA=Dealer Order Request Authorization (I think) VOPC=Vehicle Order Processing Center
So lewac.....you didn't comment on whether you though Ken looked like Colin Montgomery......
Anyone have any experience boosting power on a 7.3 diesel by installing aftermarket chips? I got a flyer in the mail claiming performance increases, but no pricing.
Called the VOPC and message changed from "As of Oct. 23rd...your vehicle has been shipped via convoy carrier".....to....."As of Oct. 24th your vehicle has been shiped via rail carrier"....guess I'm on the train now...... Then this afternoon I got home to a message from Ken English (salesman at gator ford) that my invoice arrived at the dealership today. He said it shouldn't be long now. YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
hey, crazyelvis.. seems like forever,we bet.. but yours is almost here. great. Brutus, you hit the head right on in regard to those > F-350's. just need to buy enough truck to do the primary job required of it. our rig puts the F-350 near it's limit, but no realistic way of ever exceeding any of them. we we're looking at the F-450 early on (primarily because of the huge brakes in comparison to the F-350) but decided to aftermarket some type of engine braking (exhaust, turbo, whatever) rather than opting for a larger (and considerably more cumbersome total rolling rig). exactly as you mentioned, those huge 40'+ Teton's may be nice for a small minority, but the rig required to pull them safely is substantial in every regard. we have a 30' airstream fiver that's built like the SD's (tough). it's the perfect size for us and (almost) a perfect match to the vehicle we've ordered for country wide travel. now all we can do is like most of the rest of us actively posting... wait, wait, and more wait. decided to begin covering our choice over several posts. first, the F-350 over the F-250. we'd have chosen the 250 had it been available in DRW. why DRW? two reasons: 1) more stability (especially while towing 8'6" wide coaches) than SRW as it essentially lowers the cg of the truck via a wider track. 2) more traction because there's more rubber in contact with the ground (road). 4X4: especially handy when backing on an upslope at tight angles on dirt, gravel, grass. we've ordered the 4.1 limited slip to help here too. also our place in st. Augustine is right on the beach & the campground there has sandy (unpaved) roads. the lots are small (designed during a different era) & many of them (ours included) are not pull-thru's. the combo 4X4 & DRW will most certainly help here (from constantly getting our current 4X2/SRW stuck right in the road). add some rain & we then have a very "nice" mix of stuff to get us stuck. more on next post.
My August 28th order (250SD CC V-10 Lariat, to remind) is still not scheduled as of this past Thursday's order pull. (Ford does most order scheduling on the SD's on a weekly Thursday order pull). I went to the dealership and spoke with the sales manager. He told me that allotment is definitely not a problem with my order at this dealership. After a lengthy discussion he told me that if my order is not scheduled next Thursday they will contact the zone manager and have my order investigated for a determination as to it's scheduling. Like many in this forum before me, after 5 weeks it's like water under the bridge and no turning back unless I don't want one of these at all. (But I do!) At least I have my cap already . . .just no wheels!
Depends on allotment grubby.....where did you order from...i.e. state, city?? gthilton....sounds to me like the sales manager is blowing smoke you know where.....If he has allotment then it should take nowhere near 5 weeks to have a schedule date. I had one in about a week. It even got bumped up one week about 3 weeks into the wait. Of coarse it is the job of the sales manager to say he has allotment...how are you to know the truth....He doesn't want your business to go down the road, so what else is he to say??? I know it is a hard position to be in. You don't want to tick him off....he might loose your order or something...but you want him to get results. This is my big peeve in the world.....people who say any and everything to sell something to you and then finding out that your instinct that they were/are A-holes was/is correct.....What to do then...thats the hard thing. I'm not saying that the sales manager you are dealing with is like that....but...there is always a but......what is your gut instinct??? After all if he doesn't produce results you can go elsewhere.......
Has anybody even seen a pair of these mirrors yet? I just saw the ISLAND BLUE, Not bad. I think I will stick with the Woodland Green, I don't want to add another two weeks to the order. I would like to hear from anyone that has seen the E54 mirrors. I don't believe that they exist. My truck is still clean and unscheduled, no VIN# as of this date. Last post #699.
they're not available 'til later build & your vehicle build date will be continuously "cycled" until they become so. it's probably best not to order them unless you have the patience to wait on your vehicle as you won't be scheduled until the entire truck is in inventory (in a million pieces of course). read somewhere that early build orders terminate around 10/15/99 and orders after that apply to later build so your truck may not be delayed all that long if you order them now. note that these mirrors can be purchased from "Parts" as an after market option once they become available (albeit... expensive, around $160 EACH!). we're going with the "manual" extension (54Y) as that is "standardized" option that won't slow the truck build date. note that we're used to driving with a full "spot" mirror rather than the partials on the lower section of the 54Y (or 54E) mirrors. don't know how those are going to work as only demo'd the vehicle for about 5 miles (just enough to know we had to have one of these things).
as far as you went, that's the same combo we ordered. what's the GCWR going to be? we've seen many postings (some in other areas) that recommends manual tranny if you're within 3k of the GCWR (20k on that vehicle). anything over that an you ought to consider the 6 speed manual tranny. my suspicion is that you are because it's 34' & you've ordered a dually. you've also ordered the PSD which indicates you're either pulling some beef and/or mountains. if so, once again the manual ought to be considered... and especially so if tow is the primary purpose of vehicle. to determine status of your truck you can check with the factory computer via the VOPC (see one of the most informative posts on this board, post 588 by dave84, Crazyelvis turned us onto this one). hope this info helps.
checked with vopc friday. my f250 sd psd sc 4x4 6 sp was produced on schedule. ordered 9/10. my dealer said it would take 6-8 weeks. if all goes to plan it will arrive in 4 wks. still it takes almost 2 wks to transport it from ky to il. does any body have any experience with putco brand stainless steel running boards and accessories? i am looking for frame mounted boards rather than body mounted. any advice greatly appreciated. thanks
Comments
My current 89 Ranger has 188k miles on it and is running great. (I had to replace a water pump on it at 80k, and rear universal at 120k).
Looking at www.ford-diesel.com, the only issue with the durability of the diesel is to consistantly check the antifreeze mixture each time you change the oil.. Check out the ford-diesel site if you want all of the propaganda on why diesel is the option in the SD.. However, all the propaganda in the world won't keep the black soot and diesel smell out of the garage.
I fully expect to get 200+k miles on the V10. My 2 cents on getting long life out of a vehicle:
a. I always change the oil at 3k miles.
b. always use the same brand of oil to avoid poor mixing of different brands additives.
c. Only 1 driver for a vehicle, (I have no science to explain why this seems to be a factor, just my experience)
I could be wrong, but I think Lewac was impressed with Ken at Gator and was providing a compliment.
pace-edwards.com to me the other day. Thanks.
Sorry, lewac....I just was having an off day I guess. Who was it....I can't remember...but he went to gator ford and bought a truck they had in stock. He was from Orlando and saved a lot of money by going to see Ken. He said everything was above board. Wish I could think of his edmunds screen name....I'll have to scroll back and look for it. I was happy everything worked out so I feel more confident going in to finish my deal in a week or so.
I'm not usually sympathetic to dealers (if I had my way, I'd buy directly from the factory), but they have really put the dealers in a tough situation. In too many cases, the dealers have passed this on to the consumer by being misleading about allotments, priorities and anticipated delivery dates.
Thanks
especially the diesel. With cruise-control locked at 80 mph much of the time - 18/19 mpg. Of course, that's running fairly clean (couple hundred lbs. of camping gear). The PSD is a beast. Like a locomotive up/down mountain passes. I found diesel available everywhere - rural Utah,Arizona,N.Mexico & Texas. I would recommend the PSD wholeheartedly.
I'm not an economist, or an MBA or anything like that (and I don't know squat about how auto manufacturers schedule production), but maybe the reason that Ford has been unable to meet demand so far is that they don't expect demand to stay so high. If the demand for the vehicle is at a peak from, say, month 6 through month 24 of the vehicle's production (as more people decide that they want one right now), and then falls off and levels out at 50% - 75% of the peak, then it seems that it would be better (for Ford) to set their capacity at around 80% of the peak demand and spread the sales out over several more months after month 24. This assumes that people will not give up on waiting for their trucks (some probably will). But it most likely costs a lot to boost production temporarily and then be stuck with a lot of excess capacity that must be converted to some other use. This scheme allows them to spread out the peak sales and still end up with enough capacity to meet long term demand.
This may not make all of the coustomers particularly happy but Job 1, after all, is to make money.
When the dealer did finally get back to me, he gave me a very interesting piece of information. Apparently there was a fire at the V10 engine plant yesterday (maybe the day before). That may be why my delivery date was slipped - but doesn't explain yours. He wasn't certain of the effect of the fire on the V10 production. His check (in Concepts) shows that my unit is 'bucked'. Apparently this means it's on the assembly line (don't know if that's a FORD term, or this guys particular vernacular). This may mean that the engine is already in inventory for my unit and the fire won't affect it. Man, I hope not. Ordered my toy on Aug. 12 and getting IMPATIENT!!
smccarthy.....as beavis would say...."Fire, Fire heh heh heh".....If yours is buckin on the line I'm sure your engine is already there. Buckin excellent dude!!!!
So no one in here has experience with the roll top cover and the bed rug.....I guess I will have to find some info elsewhere......Off I go to look....seeeeeeeeeeeeee ya!!
(I didn't even take economics in college, so I'm one up on you there)
Happy Truckin
Anyone else with this problem or hear of it?....or if your truck is making noise you may want to check on it.
gthilton, sounds like you are getting the shaft. Your order doesn't sound much different than mine (and others) yet we are in build or at least scheduled. Mine is XLT, V-10, CC, SWB, 4x4, 3.73 ls. Ordered Aug. 12, Priority 10. Had my VIN and scheduled build date 1 week later (8/19). Not sure whos head to bang, but there ought to be someone who can explain why you don't even have a scheduled date after 5 weeks of wait! Good luck.
DORA=Dealer Order Request Authorization (I think)
VOPC=Vehicle Order Processing Center
So lewac.....you didn't comment on whether you though Ken looked like Colin Montgomery......
Anyone have any experience boosting power on a 7.3 diesel by installing aftermarket chips? I got a flyer in the mail claiming performance increases, but no pricing.
John Taylor
Then this afternoon I got home to a message from Ken English (salesman at gator ford) that my invoice arrived at the dealership today. He said it shouldn't be long now. YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Also hope is right combo for towing 34 ft. Airstream.
thanks
gthilton....sounds to me like the sales manager is blowing smoke you know where.....If he has allotment then it should take nowhere near 5 weeks to have a schedule date. I had one in about a week. It even got bumped up one week about 3 weeks into the wait. Of coarse it is the job of the sales manager to say he has allotment...how are you to know the truth....He doesn't want your business to go down the road, so what else is he to say??? I know it is a hard position to be in. You don't want to tick him off....he might loose your order or something...but you want him to get results. This is my big peeve in the world.....people who say any and everything to sell something to you and then finding out that your instinct that they were/are A-holes was/is correct.....What to do then...thats the hard thing. I'm not saying that the sales manager you are dealing with is like that....but...there is always a but......what is your gut instinct??? After all if he doesn't produce results you can go elsewhere.......