Ford F250 - 5.4,V10 or Diesel?

24

Comments

  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    It will last. Get the diesel. with those outrageous miles you are driving, you need it.

    Personally I am leary of the Dodge, but there are lots of folks who love them and have no probs.

    If you want to wait for the GM diesel, it will be quite the hoss, great mileage, and a bulky tranny on it for pulling longevity. but, very expensive, and long wait.

    If you wanna truck now, get the Ford diesel.
  • belljobelljo Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the update. As you might have guessed my concern is one of $$$$$. My plans are to finance for 3 yrs after which time the truck will have 150K on it. True it will be 99% highway miles but still alot of miles. Any guess to the value of the truck at that time??
  • mrwyndmmrwyndm Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a 2000 F-250 7.3 turbo diesel I had a 97 F-150 trying to tow a 20 ft enclosed car hauler. The total weight was 6500 lbs. The F-150 was struggling all the time, so I decided to try the diesel, what a difference!!!!!! This truck could probably pull out stumps. In fact the first time I towed it was raining out and I could break the rear tires loose!!! Not real crazy about the mileage about 12-13 towing or not. But I have heard that you have to get at least 30000 miles on the motor before you will notice any difference? Any feed back from anyone would help I should mention that I have the 3:73 rear end.
  • rrichf1rrichf1 Member Posts: 47
    mrwyndm,
    I've got the '99 version of your truck. Your mileage will get a little better after about 15-20 K miles. I don't know how to get my mileage down to 12. Even when I play in LA freeway traffic I cant get much below 15. Typical, in traffic, is mid 16 to low 17.
    Rich
  • lariat4x4lariat4x4 Member Posts: 22
    97 F-150 trying to tow a 20 ft enclosed
    car hauler. The total weight was 6500 lbs.

    Did you have the 5.4l? I find it hard to believe if you had the 5.4l. Mine pulls a horse trailer like its not even there.
  • beckesbeckes Member Posts: 4
    I need some assistance from the pros. I am looking to replace and update my present Ford F-150. I am looking to the F-250 XLT powerstroke diesel. I have driven the vehicle and I am very impressed with the power. It is too far fetched to expect 20 MPG with the diesel?
    Thanks, Beckes
  • skihoserskihoser Member Posts: 12
    I also need help from the pros. I am looking at the F-250 XLT to tow our 32 ft 13225lbs GVWR 5th wheel. My concern is an automatic or 6 spd. I will also use the truck as a daily comuter about 23 miles each way although not much city travel. Right now there are pretty good deals on 2000 6 SPDs and no one wants to deal on 2001 autos. Any thoughts on towing a pretty big/heavy trailer with a 6 SPD?
  • jdtopperjdtopper Member Posts: 58
    I have a 2000 F350 Power Stroke Automatic 4x4 with 8,000 miles. Since the end of June, my mileage is averaging 15.6 mpg. I commute 52 miles each workday, of which 46 miles is freeway or high-speed boulevard. Extended highway cruising yields a little over 18 mpg, but any in-town driving knocks it way down. I'm using all standard equipment (filters, chip, etc.) Are there any things I can do to increase it?
  • swanee1swanee1 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2000 F250. Mt Question is how many miles does it take to break in the Engine.
    My current MPG is 14 around town and 17 on the Highway. Note this is a two wheel drive?
  • rrichf1rrichf1 Member Posts: 47
    beckes,
    Once, and only once, I got 19.5 MPG from my Super Duty 7.3L. It was a LEISURELY round trip between Reno and Silver City. (Maybe a 3500 foot altitude gain too.) I used cruise control as much as possible. From Huntington Beach to Reno, again leisurely (65-73 MPH) and using cruise I got 19 MPG. The claims of greater than 20 MPG are the probable result of not filling the tank all the way. Diesel fuel foams and shuts off about 3.5 gallons before the tank is full. A friend has a six speed transmission (Mine is an auto.) and gets in the mid 19s regularly but he doesn't drive like I do either. [He's much more timid ;) than I and rarely exceeds the posted speed limit.]

    Rich
  • needinfo2needinfo2 Member Posts: 4
    I just test drove 2000 F250 SD SC 4x4, auto, both the diesel and the V10. I didn't really like the diesel, a little too noisy and sluggish for me (and more $). I currently have a 99 F150 5.4 and am used to the quickness, so the V10 seemed the best fit for me. Anyway, the sales guy said "honestly" most customers with V10 3.73 4x4 are reporting 12 city and 15 highway. V10 owners, is this accurate? I would buy it if that is the mileage, that is only a little less than my 14-16 in my F150 (which I thought was pretty good!).
  • lockshoplockshop Member Posts: 5
    Needinfo2

    I own 2000 sc sb larait 3.73 4x4 with the v10. To date with ownly 610 miles on her. I am getting 9.8 mile city and 12.5 highway. Not good but It leaves almost everything at the light. I'll take the mileage hit to leave the diesels chattering noise behind. (way behind)
  • bowhuntwi2bowhuntwi2 Member Posts: 80
    I have a 2YK CC Lariat Sb 5.4 4x4 with 4.10 at 10,000 miles city averages 12, highway up to 16 on cruise at 70. I carry an average of 700lbs in bed at all times with at least 3 adults. I would think the V10 should be getting 1 or 2 mpg less, unless your heavy on the foot. But then I'm pushing the 265's and the CC is heavier, so you may even stand to get better mileage then me. I have just added a K&N air filter, so we will see if this helps any.
  • fordtuffordtuf Member Posts: 101
    My 99 F250,sc,V10,4x4,3.73 has 21,000 miles.

    12.5 to 13 mpg city (Atlanta)
    15 to 16 mpg highway (unloaded @ around 75 mph)
    9 to 10 mpg pulling 7500 lbs @ around 70 mph


    Mom's 00 F250,sc,V10,4x4,4.30 has 1500 miles
    10 to 11 city
    11 to 11.5 highway
    8.5 to 9.0 pulling 9000 lbs @ 65-70 mph

    Your 5.4L has lower gears than most everyone posting mileage on a V10. Your mileage is actually a little better than the V10 W/4.30.

    Driven normally the V10 has so much power/torque that you don't NEED to push it hard; therefore, you can achieve good mileage. But I have found that I REALLY NEED to punch it, A LOT. I have a 2 chamber Flowmaster that splits into 4" chrome tips. They come out at 45 degrees just past the rear tires. I wish ya'll could hear it but I don't have the stuff to get it onto the computer.
    I also have the K&N. Love this truck!

    Hope I didn't bother anyone with this longwinded post.
  • lockshoplockshop Member Posts: 5
    Where did you get the exhaust work done ? I am putting something on, just don't know what or where. Can you email me some pictures ?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • lonnie35lonnie35 Member Posts: 1
    Hi. I just came across this board and thought i would add my findings.
    I purchased a 1999 F-250 Super Duty XLT with the diesel. I have never had a pickup or diesel before.
    I love driving this. I have 43,000 miles on it in 18 months.
    Here is what i find. At first it got 18 mpg (until 20K miles)
    After that it went to 20 mpg
    Put a 9'6" slide in camper weighing 2100 lbs empty and went to Alaska. 16 MPG
    Upon my return I traded for a 24 ft travel trailer which we now pull at about 8000 lb loaded.
    14 MPG.
    When with friends I get asked to drive all the time as this truck carries 6 people easily.

    AT 43,000 miles i have had no problems and have not replaced the brakes yet nor had any problem with them.

    I thought when I got this truck it would be good.

    Well, all I can say is its better than that.
  • carterwcarterw Member Posts: 1
    2000 F-250 CC Lariat - 22,000 miles so far
    V-10 4.30LS 4X2

    City: 10-11.5 mpg
    Hwy: 14-15.5 mpg
    Typical mix: 13.8 mpg
    Towing: 9-10.5 mpg with 7,000 lb TT and four adult passengers with 1,000 lb gear

    I doubt the 4.30 gears cost me 0.5 mpg and I've seen mileage as high as 16.5 mpg on a 590 mile all highway trip. The lower gears make towing in the mountains a breeze. I can pull 7% grades at 65 MPH with no problem. I pulled the trailer up the Eisenhower pass (10,000 ft)keeping 55 mph at the top. The gears are great for braking down long 7% grades. Just push the OD button (out of overdrive) and the truck trailer combination hold at 65-70 mph without using brakes. I am very happy with the towing performance.
  • rrichf1rrichf1 Member Posts: 47
    fordtuf,
    You have to have the lighest foot on earth!
    Rich
  • fordtuffordtuf Member Posts: 101
    LOCKSHOP,
    I really don't have stuff to do pictures online. At my old job I could have, but not here yet. I'm new and don't want to go there yet. Anyway...
    My neighbor owns a garage and one of his guys did the work. My advice would be get your own muffler and 4" chrome exhaust tips from JEGS(usually best prices). I have spent over 5 grand with them over past 4 years. They actually recommend a certain Flowmaster muffler, I however chose to go more aggressive. Mine is actually more for racing.

    Talk to people and find somebody with a good rep and take your stuff to them. Usually its the local shops that mess with this more than your Midas & Meineke(?) types. The muffler will fit in the factory location if you bend the heat shield about 1 " out of the way. They only had to add 1 extra hanger for the extra tip.


    RRICHF1,
    I really don't have a light foot, I promise. Does it seem like my mileage is that good? I do swear that the K&N air filter and Flowmaster exhaust help a great deal.

    I will always give anyone in a truck the chance to see if the can outrun my truck, if they want to. (I'm 37 going on 18 you know.) And I am always getting on it wherever I go, I just love the way it sounds and feels.
  • coloradogtcoloradogt Member Posts: 1
    I am debating whether to get the Powerstroke in my next Ford truck but have a question about cold starts. I often leave the truck parked for 4-5 days in the Colorado mountains during the winter. I don't have access to an electrical hook up nor would I be close enough to periodically start the vehicle.

    Will the diesel start upon my return? Any damage caused by very cold starts? Any aftermarket solutions to this problem?

    Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  • tomcrostomcros Member Posts: 1
    1. I am looking for gas mileage information (city/highway/towing) on the following F-250 powertrain combinations:
    5.4L, 3.73, 4WD, automatic
    5.4L, 4.10, 4WD, automatic
    6.8L, 3.73, 4WD, automatic
    6.8L, 4.30, 4WD, automatic

    2. Has anyone had problems with any of the F-250 limited slip differentials?

    3. Is anyone aware of any magazine articles about F-250 performance or reliability?
  • fordtuffordtuf Member Posts: 101
    You can look up at post #64 that I made for the 6.8 L (V10) 3.73 & 4.30 gears
  • madisonhmadisonh Member Posts: 1
    I just picked up my new F250 turbo diesel..I am averaging 17 mpg.. she holds a lot of fuel but I fill her up once every two weeks! at $ 45 a fill up..im very happy with the performance and the fuel economy
  • spudco1spudco1 Member Posts: 1
    I am ready to order a new Ford truck,4x4,Diesel,SC,LB, but I've run into a
    problem. Before choosing a 350 over a 250 there
    seems to be some over-lapping choices. If I put
    the camper package on a 250, which includes
    "heavy-service front springs and auxiliary rear
    springs", how would this capacity compare to a 350
    without the camper package?
    If I order the 350 with the camper pkg. will this
    be a ride stiffer than one would want to put up
    with when running empty. Thought perhaps the camper springs would only come into play under load. Is there a difference in sway bars? Any feed back??
    Thanks
  • rhwoodpeckerrhwoodpecker Member Posts: 26
    I have seen earlier posts referencing fleets of Ford diesel trucks so I want to ask if anybody has experience with an F-350 chassis cab with a dumper. I can get a great deal on a chassis cab but wondered what payload would be left after adding a dumper.
  • bmaigebmaige Member Posts: 140
    This may seem an ignorant question, but gear ratios in a truck are important to the user. I believe the "lower" the ratio, the greater the load pulling power, but the worse the gas mileage, and the "higher" the ratio, the greater the gas mileage, but the worse the load pulling power.

    What, exactly, does, say, a 4.30 ratio mean? I assume it means one gear turns 4.3 times when another turns one. In the simplest of terms for a simple person, does it mean the drive shaft turns 4.3 times each time the axle turns 1, vice versa, or neither?
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    If you're having problems with your Ford F-150, or have insights to offer those with F-150 truck problems, please visit Pickups Topic 3034, 2000 Ford F-150 Problems. Thanks. ;-)

    Pocahontas,
    Edmunds.com/Roving Host
  • jcmdiejcmdie Member Posts: 594
    You hit the nail on the head.
  • merbesfieldmerbesfield Member Posts: 2
    i need help. i love the F250 cc swb 4x4, but i can not make up my mind which motor to get. it is not a matter of power b/c i will not tow anything. resale seems to matter b/c gas burners drop big time, but i just don't know if the noise will drive me crazy. any thoughts.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    with diesels? Parking it in your garage? Ugh. Though improvements have been made in the area of how loud they are, only by test driving will you be able to tell if it'll drive you crazy. They do get better mileage than the V10. I guess there are tradeoffs for everything. Good luck!!
  • jt21jt21 Member Posts: 4
    Does anybody know what the emissions tradeoffs are regarding the V10 and diesel? From what I've read mileage for the diesel seems to be 2-3 mpg better. The diesel needs 3 oil changes for every 2 for the gas (or 2:1 if heavy use). I don't know what the differences are in terms of exhaust emissions: I expect the diesel is worse. Has anybody looked into this aspect of the decision?

    Also, I would like to know how the diesel handles the cold weather. I live in Maine and drive mostly in the upper NH-VT area. Anybody with experience in the cold?
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    First off, the mpg difference between v10 and PSD is probably more in the 4 or 5mpg range than 1 or 2.
    Exhaust emmisions for a diesel are very different than a gasser. The diesel doesn't produce as much ozone depleting emmisions, but lately the tree huggers have been concerned with the particle emissions.
    Next up, oil changes. With both engines using conventional dino oil you should change at 3k miles or so. However, the Diesel takes 15quarts per change vs 6 of the V10. Also take into consideration the oil filter is a $10 filter, the diesel needs the fuel filter changed every 6mo's, and its best to keep close tabs on the antifreeze level (via test strips). The numbers most folks come up with are that it takes somewhere between 75k and 125k miles before the mpg gains of the diesel make up for the extra initial cost and maintainance of the diesel.

    Cold weather driving? I've heard of folks who have the PSD in Alaska with no problems..
  • jt21jt21 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the response. I've been digging for information myself: It appears that the diesel is much better than the gas interms of CO. The difference gets even bigger as the truck gets older(2x for large trucks at 100k miles and about 15x for light duty trucks at 100k miles). For HC, the diesel starts off worse but that changes at some point in the truck's life. It looks like it crosses over at 125k miles for large trucks and 60-70k miles for light duty trucks. For large trucks, the diesel will be worse than the gas engine for NOx over the life of the truck. For small trucks NOx starts off worse in the diesel but changes to favor the diesel at about 70k miles. This is all from www.epa.gov. I'm not sure about the definition of what is meant by large (heavy duty) and light duty. They revised their definition of light truck, but I couldn't find the decription anywhere. Large trucks were previously semi's and buses. In either case the diesel seems to be the winner.
  • jt21jt21 Member Posts: 4
    goto:

    http://www.trailquest.com/gears/gear_ratio.shtml
  • allstaraccallstaracc Member Posts: 1
    does anybody know anything about the platinum edition f-250?
  • bmaigebmaige Member Posts: 140
    Thanks for the responses on what gear ratio means. Now I am clear.
  • keelynkeelyn Member Posts: 4
    I test drove the Ford powerstroke after the new 8.1 Chevy. Very disappointed in the power of the diesel compared to the 8.1. Also liked the Duramax but preferred the 8.1. Bought 1 yesterday. Pulling around 13,000 lbs. Putting it to the test in about a week.
    So far love the truck.
  • truckdudetruckdude Member Posts: 55
    I'm sure the 8.1 and Duramax are both great engines, but don't they come in that butt-ugly, toy-plastic interior Chevy?
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    cool, although even the SD with the V10 has more 'punch' than the PSD when empty, although the PSD feels better when towing..

    One common observation about the 6.8 is that it can be hard on the ol MPG.

    I'd bet the 8.1L can pass anything on the highway except a gas station..
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    mileage for the 8.1 is supposed to be 4% better than the 454. the 454 got about 1 mpg worse than the 6.8, so i'd expect about the same mileage from the 2 newest big blocks.
  • lariat1lariat1 Member Posts: 461
    Hmmmmmm 4% better than 10-13mpg? YAY now instead of going 350 miles on a tank they can go 364 miles. :)
  • homerdhomerd Member Posts: 2
    I love my truck. Currently getting 15.4 miles a gallon in the city.

    I notice at highway speeds 70 to 75 mph my mileage decreases and I notice a hum starting at 70 mph. Is the the turbo kicking in? Does anyone else notice this sound. I am not towing anything at the time. I also get some vibration.

    Previously, I owned a 95 Chevy 4x4 extended cab. Now I know what it is to own a real truck.

    Went deer hunting and hauled 6 big brutes around climbing steep muddy hills and the truck was awesome.

    I too don't haul much or drive alot of miles but there is nothing cooler than driving a diesal around. The truck rides high and smooth and I never stop for fuel without someone coming up and googling over my truck.

    If your stuck on diesal or gas and you have the extra cash. Splurge and buy the diesal, you will not regret it.
  • bartc1bartc1 Member Posts: 4
    Just wondering how the V10 does in thinner mountain air compared to the PSD. I would like to take the F250 SD 4x4 that I buy into the mountains. I'm trying to make the V10 or PSD decision. Thanks for any input
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    There is no question the turbo makes up for thin air. The oil burner will really shine over the gasser at altitude.
  • torino2torino2 Member Posts: 5
    The power stroke with chip is a great preformer
    and will eat the V-10 for lunch.
    Major differance!!
  • torino2torino2 Member Posts: 5
    Ihave the 2000 super duty 250
    I am getting 17.2 mpg at 12000miles
    I have also installed a chip that has made the world of differance in preformance.
    I also took mine Deer hunting and have buried it in the mud twice. Lots of working power, but not a good mud truck especially with the stock tires and heavy weight in the front end.
  • bartc1bartc1 Member Posts: 4
    I know the PSD engine is heavier than the V10, but does anyone know the actual numbers?
  • kennermankennerman Member Posts: 3
    I am about to order my new F250 4x4 CC SB with the V10 and 3.73 LS..Getting conflicting reports about gas mileage and just wanted some more input. I commute 50 mi to work each day and pull my boat (3000 lbs) about 10 times a year. Will be adding a K&N filter and Flowmaster exhaust...Any info would be helpful...Don't really want the 5.4.....
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    If you don't really want the 5.4L, then don't worry about mpg's either.. You will love the truck with the V10. You'll get somewhere between 9mpg to 15mpg depending on your driving habits and other factors..

    The truck won't even feel a 3000 lb trailer.. (in fact my SD with the 5.4L would barely feel a trailer that light)

    Most folks using a K&N feel a little extra power, but it will hurt the mpg's a bit as well.
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    How does a filter that is less restrictive, that allows more air into the motor, increases performance, lowers vacuum at cruise thereby resulting in less throttle for a given speed hurt fuel economy?????
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