Hey guys. I have been reading quite a bit on this site and I would like to revisit the gear issue again. I guess I just had a couple questions. I guess my main question is about the availability of the deeper gears in the Super Dutys. After alot of input from all you guys I know I want an F250 or F350 with the 3V V10 and torqshift tranny. And preferably an 08 or newer to get he new body style. And after much reading on here it it appears like gears in the 430 range are the best for pulling. I guess my question is in regards to the availability of those gear ratios in the F series trucks. Like in an F350 is it pretty easy to find a used truck with the 430 gears or were they pretty scarce? I guess I was just wondering if I will be able to find a truck with the 430's or if a guy is just resigned to the fact of having to get them changed myself. I guess I was just wondering what you guys found when you were hunting for trucks? Also do duallys tend to be geared deeper than single wheel trucks. Once again you guys are the best!!!!!!!!!

 

Not to take away from anything said but
I have had two V-10 2 valves with 3.73 rear ends, 4x4 and pull 10k pounds no problem up and down hills of Pa and West Virginia.
Warranty is waste of money, you wont get your money's worth on what will break.
The 4 speed tranny does just fine towing.
3.73 rear end tows fine and gets better milage not towing.
The 5 star tune is raved about, but no necessary. I have 13 years in v10's with only stock set ups.
Older model with solid front axle will maintain an alignment better, and less parts to wear out.
04 was probably last good interior, 05 exterior. 03 was best year for both interior, exterior and solid axles, plus headlamps which held up without cloudy look. Might be wrong here on years, but older interiors were softer, more plush, seats stuffed more, dash didnt have rocket ship hump over the speedo.
Dont favor the new headlamps being low, justy my opinion.
Not putting down anyones truck or combo, but the old ones are doing just fine.
10 years, 90k miles, 1 battery, 1 alternator, two ball joints, to steering stalizer links, new headers (not needed but studs were shot) 1 4x4 hub, front axle seals (4x4 vacuum was leaking and auto hubs didnt engage) 1 muffler and some rust repaired on the doors and rear wheel wells. Sits outside everyday and is bathed in salt all winter. Plan on at least 3-5 more years with it.

 

I'll also point out that 4 speed auto (4R100) gear ratios for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are exactly matched to 5 speed auto (5R110) 3rd, 4th, and 5th. So once you've gotten the rig moving, and above, say, 20mph the 2 should feel about the same gearing wise. If you're hauling very heavy loads in stop and go you'll definitely appreciate the 5 speed. I'm not hauling super heavy so it wouldn't make much of a difference for me.

Just my opinion. I love my 2003.

 

I didn't read every post in this thread, so this may have already been said, but it seems like you guys are talking a lot more about TRUCKS than the V10 ENGINE. Doesn't this thread belong in the SD forum rather than the V10 forum?

 

Every section has it's threads that could go into the SD section, that's why when looking for a solution to a problem the search feature should be used. Also even if you have a Gas or DSL engine it doesn't hurt to read those sections because the truck itself has a large cross over area (everything around the engine), quite a few guys will just stay in a particular section and post there and hardly any where else.

 

I have a 00’ supercrew f350 Xl 8’ bed with the v10 and 4.10 gears

 

I think you mentioned B&W 5th wheel hitch. I just want you to be sure air bags will fit before you buy them. I have the B&W switch ball for a gooseneck and the brackets for it preclude the airbags I looked at.