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View Full Version : F-350 Diesel poll and viewpoints please



Lenny
08-14-2004, 01:02 PM
I am curious as to which is "better" and less hassle. The 7.3 in the 2002/03 trucks and the newer 6.0. Is the Fx4 a better option (for towing 'n stuff) than just the 4x4 option? Is a dually a pain in the $#% or worth it? Is there an option that is a MUST HAVE? Lariat or plain Jane? Crew cab or Extra-cab?

And what don't you like about them those of you that have them. I am only interested in FORD responses thanx :D.

This vehicle is for towing smaller boats, < 24' and nothing more. Shortbox is a must. Very little "freight" useage. An F-350 is a must because it is not subject to "luxury tax" here as an F-250 is.

In the poll you can fill in multiple options.

I am buying used (2002 and newer) or new, but old stock on hand, (2002,2003,2004)

Digger
08-14-2004, 03:52 PM
Lenny I have had very good luck with my 95 F350, 7.3, dually, ext cab. The differential problem in Kentucky notwithstanding, which was my own fault for not periodically servicing it. (won't be forgetting that little out of sight out of mind component gain)

If I had to do it all over again I would have gotten the same truck but with four doors and 4wd. The extended cab is a pain in the ass, the rear seat is good for stowing stuff but accessibility sucks. However that has been fixed with the advent of the suicide doors that all the ext cabs come with now.

I would have gotten 4wd too, so that I could handle any ramp that presents itself. AKA JAMESTOWN :rolleyes:

the duals are a must IMHO for towing a heavier boat, the lateral stability they provide is awesome. If I wasn't going to tow anything big I might reconsider going SRW. ... naah I'd probably get the dually anyway :cool: I think they're great anyway. Parking/manuevering is a challenge but I have just gotten used to it and make a habit of parking where there is plenty of room.

I don't know much about the 6.0 but if I were you I would check out this website (http://www.thedieselstop.com) It is the best forum available for Ford diesel issues. I have learned beaucoup there and saved hundreds of clams.

Cuda
08-15-2004, 01:22 AM
I have a 2002 F250 7.3 extra cab Lariat 4x4. It was just what I wanted. I need all the comforts I can get, as I spend so much time in the truck. The leather on the Lariat is much easier to keep clean. A Lariat is much easier to sell down the road. I got the extra cab because it's easier to park. As I have said before, four wheel drive is like a pistol. You don't really need it, until you need it badly.

Cuda
08-15-2004, 01:28 AM
I will never own a dually again. I bought a new extra cab Chevy diesel dually in 96. They are a bitch to park, and forget going through the drivethrough at the bank. I learned that the hard way. Never again!

gcarter
08-15-2004, 06:51 AM
This is way off subject, but have any of you seen any of the Toyota Tundra TV adds starring Darrel Waltrip? Very funny!

Cuda
08-15-2004, 09:12 AM
I don't know all the differences between the Fx4 and the 4x4 Offroad, but my 2002 Offroad has much bigger tires than my freind's 04 Fx4. The tires on his truck look funny. Too much wheel well showing.

harbormaster
08-15-2004, 10:02 AM
I have driven Jefe's crew cab long bed 4wd f-350 pulling his 32zf long distances thru all types of terrain and I have to say that it is most awesome. Not a lick of problems.

Cuda
08-15-2004, 10:18 AM
I have driven Jefe's crew cab long bed 4wd f-350 pulling his 32zf long distances thru all types of terrain and I have to say that it is most awesome. Not a lick of problems.


What year and engine?

Cuda
08-15-2004, 10:24 AM
I'm watching this thread with intrest. Just Thurday, I began thinking bout buying another truck. The reason is, I put 40K miles on it last year. If I sell it now, it won't be a high mileage truck (51k). I'm going with a crew cab on the next one, not so much for me, but my men squall like babies when they have to ride a couple hundred miles in the back of the supercab. I'd rather drive the supercab. I think the perfect truck if I can find it, will be an 03 or 04 F350 single rear wheel, 6 liter diesel, lariat, 4x4 with less than 15k miles. My second choice would be the same as above, but in an F250.

As a side note, one of my guys has an 04 250 with the 6.0. He and I both drove from St Pete to Jacksonville. I was all happy that I got 18.5 mpg on the trip. He burst my bubble when he got 24 mpg. :(

ToonaFish
08-15-2004, 06:54 PM
And why aren't we surprised that Poodle's mileage sucks?

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=907

ToonaFish
08-15-2004, 07:54 PM
No. But paybacks make it all worthwhile.

Brad Lyon
08-15-2004, 09:58 PM
Lenny,

I love my ‘99 F-350 crew cab dually Lariat. However, from what you posted I would not suggest the dually but I would highly recommend the crew cab, lariat and 4 X 4. I have the V10 so I can not comment on the diesel other than to say my neighbor was one of the design engineers for the transmission on the new 6.0. The stories he told me about how and what they did in testing the engine transmission combination, it has got balls!

Brad

Team Jefe
08-16-2004, 06:33 PM
OK Folks - A subject I finally know something about. Lord knows there are no Outboard Motor questions on this board.

I have an 02 F-350, crew cab, long box, 4X4, 7.3L TD

So, F-350 is a must....yes I agree :biggrin.:

But you'll play hell finding a Shorty, they are pretty rare...at least in SE Texas. The long bed does present a parking challenge, as will Dually in most cases. I don't think you need either for a 24 footer, but you may have to settle for a long box if you want an "on the lot" truck.

Crew cab is a must if you plan to haul more than one other person. The Ford Ext. cab is very small compared to Chev. & Dodge.

FX4 vs. 4X4: the FX4 has a few more Bells and whistles, a bigger skid plate, stuff like that. Its nice but not a must IMO. If you plan to go "Stump Jumpin" then Get it :wink: AND get bigger tires, Cuda is right, Ford's tire/wheel selection sux.

as far as 4-wheel drive: it costs more, more maint. increases your turning radius and robs gas mileage....and I would not be without it.

Lariat is very nice and has all the amenities. No other package can compare. I have an XLT and it is nice, but not compared to the Lariat. Ford does not affer anything inbetween.

I hear the 6.0L issues have been worked out pretty well on newer trucks, but DO NOT get a a 6.0L in the 03 (only a few out there) or 04...too many bugs

Lenny
08-16-2004, 09:11 PM
Here are some local choices. Funny, Jeff, I see waayy more short boxes here than long in crews.

boxy
08-16-2004, 09:16 PM
Lenny, I had the 7.3 in my E350, my brother in law has a 6.0 in his new F250. Even though they've stopped making the 7.3 I think there will always be a market for them.

Jefe, the east coast of Canada is the same as the west, shorty's out number long boxes big time, you would be hard pressed to find a super cab long box here.

Forrest
08-17-2004, 03:37 PM
Hay, I'm liking my recently acquired '00 V-10 2wd Excursion. I was dead set on finding one with a PSD, but it was to the point where it was so difficult to find one near by, and when I did find one, it was way expensive. I got tired of looking and went for an easy-to-find gasoline version. The V-10 with some miles and in super condition was abut $8-10K less than the same X with the PSD. I can buy a lot of gas for that money! Seeing 14.5 MPG on the MPG ticker while traveling the good roads of South Georgia, and about 11 'round town. Can't complain about the power either.

fishnfool
08-17-2004, 03:51 PM
Hey guts first post so go easy on me,
I have a 2000 F-350 XLT crew cab 7.3 TD 4x4 long bed srw with heavy suspension and 315/70 16 tires. Wouldn't own anything else. I am getting 22 mpg on the highway, which I think is pretty good for a truck of that size. My brother inlaws 1999 Chevy 1500 2wd was only getting 13 mpg. The ride is awesome at highway speeds. As for towing I tow a 29 foot SeaRay, when necessary, and no trouble at all. A friend that works at Ford told me the only issue with the older 350's around 2000 is if you tow alot with the automatic trans a plastic thrust washer will wear out prematurely, but they will replace the trans under warranty.

zzrhino
08-17-2004, 03:54 PM
I have to say i got rid of the F350 and am very happy with my new GMC duramax with allison trans what a combo pull power with GREAT GAS mileage!! ZZRHINO :outtahere

Lenny
08-17-2004, 04:01 PM
Available within 75 miles of me...

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/0/2/73528102.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/3/6/71468636.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/1/6/73528116.htm

http://www.trucktraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/4/4/6/72438946.htm

http://www.trucktraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/4/2/6/74260126.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/8/0/71768280.htm

http://www.trucktraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/4/4/8/73384248.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/2/0/68601420.htm

http://www.trucktraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/4/1/5/73093815.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/1/4/69057514.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/2/4/68601524.htm

http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/3/5/74886535.htm

I pay a multiple of 1.34 for dollar conversion and then 7% and 7.5% on the Canadian dollar total on top at the border. Then a Federal inspection fee of $180.00, (no duty). It works out to about $10K less than what we pay at the lot here. Trucks as above are $57,000 sticker Can$.

eg: $32,000 US$ truck x 1.34 = $42,880 x 14.5% (taxes)= $49,097.60 Can$ plus $180 Federal inspection fee = $49,277.60 Can$.

The same truck here @$57K Can$ = $65,265.00 with taxes in. :eek:

As you can see in this example there is a $15K savings and warranties are of no issue between countries.

ToonaFish
08-17-2004, 07:53 PM
I'd rather be seen in a thong than in a Ford. :shocking:

Brad Lyon
08-17-2004, 09:39 PM
Well, I don’t know if I should be excited that I may see you in a thong or upset that you wouldn’t be seen in my truck! Hey Digger and Randy, has she been in your truck?

Brad

Cuda
08-17-2004, 09:55 PM
I'd rather be seen in a thong than in a Ford. :shocking:


I take it you're not a big Ford fan eh?

Lenny
08-17-2004, 10:05 PM
:D :D :D not that I agree Toona, but FUNNY !!! :)

Team Jefe
08-19-2004, 05:19 AM
WOW, now I know where all the Shorty's went.

Ford Delivery Supervisor: "Send the short boxes North and Long ones South"

Lenny - the Crew Cab shorty is the ticket.

And I agree with Fishnfool. 315/70 16 tires work very nicely (on 10" wheels). Here is a link to some shots of my ride.
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33470

Photo Op: ToonaBaby, in a thong, standing against the front Bumper of my Super Duty, with a sly little smile on her face....I've always liked a challenge :eek!:

Cuda
08-19-2004, 06:09 PM
I just came back from test driving a new 05 F250. I gotta have one! They changed the front to coil springs, so it rides much smoother than my 02, and more importantly, TURNS SHARPER! The main reason I didn't buy a crew cab last year was because they are a b!tch to park. This new one turns sharper than my 02 supercab. I've got the fever, it won't be long now! :)

Cuda
08-19-2004, 06:10 PM
BTW, the dealer said a 350 is only about $800 more than a 250. Bigger brakes this year too.

David Ochs
08-19-2004, 06:47 PM
Lenny,
I have an '02 f-350 diesel. It's a great tow truck.Take a look around this site, there's more info here than you'll ever need.

http://www.thedieselstop.com/

Lenny
08-19-2004, 07:40 PM
'Cuda, what does King Ranch get you? I have seen a couple here, not Short F-350 Crews mind you, but the basic idea in others and was wondering what it gave you? I could NEVER afford the option so I am just curious as to what it includes other than ego appointments.

Cuda
08-19-2004, 07:53 PM
That's mostly it. Country style stitching, and I think the rear has bucket seats too. A lot of people hate the King Ranch look, and there are some good deals out there on them because of it. I was eyeballing the Harley Edition, same deal.

Koenig
08-22-2004, 02:34 PM
I dumped the Nissan Titan because I need more interior room. Bought a Excursion Eddie Bauer last weekend. My other one (LTD) had the 7.3 and I'm finding the new one with the 6.0 to be a fine hauling machine. I pulled my 1987 944 turbo could'nt even feel the car behind me. Also took 73 cases of apple juice into Seattle almost 1-ton of cargo in the back with no trouble at all. Picked-up Excursion last Sat. with 10miles on the o.d., and have 1,822.5 showing today! I'm liking the 6.0 more than the 7.3. Options the more popular they are the higher the re-sale latter on.

Team Hula Girl
08-22-2004, 09:17 PM
My 6.0 is a PITA.. Lousy mileage, 14 has been my highest. yesterday on turnpike unloaded got 13.2, today going to Keys and picking up Whitewater got 12.1... goes like stink tho :D :D

Poodle, I got the superchips programmer for my 6.0 about a month ago and it makes a big difference. I am getting 18.4 mpg around town and 22.6 on the highway. I was towing an Outerlimits 37 Stiletto on a Myco last week and I reset my trip computer to see what it would do in the trailer mode setting. I was getting 11.4 mpg doing both highway and around town over 50 miles. I haven't towed my Donzi far enough lately to get a good reading.

J Mitch