let me start off by telling you what I have.
1999 f250 crew cab with the 2 valve 6.8 V10 that just rolled over 201,000 miles. I love the truck, love the power, hate the fact that it is a 2wd "one tire fire" and cant even drive on wet grass without getting stuck .I live in Michigan and own my own lawn service and landscaping business. My brother has an 05 f250 4x4 with the 5.4 3 valve v8 (unfortuantely for him) which we use for our plow truck. I've been scouring the car ad's online and in person looking for a newer truck for myself, but I cannot decide if I want to stick with what I know, the V10, or go for the 6.4 Diesel. I cannot afford the 6.7 (though I want one SOOO bad). So my question goes out to those who have had the 6.4 powerstroke and/or the 3 valve v10. What have you liked/disliked and what should I keep an eye out for on both? ive heard that ford worked out the spark plug problem from 08-current, but havent had anything/one to confirm that. however, this would be my first diesel and i dont want to buy someone else's money pit either.
I've also heard that whenever the diesel needs servicing, the entire cab must come off (most likely myth, but again, havent had anyone to confirm that). I know diesels cost more to maintan, but last way longer than gasoline engines. Ive also heard that the regen is somewhat a pain in the A** because when you get where you were going, you have to drive around "wasting perfectly good diesel" as some have put it.
the reason why I want a diesel is because of more torque and power. It is something i've always wanted.
thanks.

 

I have a '08 V10 and love it. Spark plug issues (99-04) are usually from the plugs being installed or torqued improperly. Spark plug issues (05-10) are from the plugs being a 2 piece design and break off when removed. If they would be changed at shorter intervals, there would be a lot less problems. My build date is 9-07 and I have the 1 piece design and have had zero issues from plugs. I do change plugs at 50,000 mile intervals. When I had my 2000 V10 I also changed the plugs at 50k intervals and never had a problem.
As far as Diesels go, when I talk to other contractors in the Home Depot parking lot, they are getting the same fuel mileage or 1 or 2 mpg better than my truck. With Diesel fuel about 70 cents more a gallon, 2 mpg better than my V10 is not that great.

 

I agree with dualwheels66. I have a 2008 F-250 with the 6.8L and I could not be happier. I live in Denver and frequently drive to the cabin in the mountains. Towing/hauling up the mountains is never a problem. This engine is extremely maintenance-free and from what I understand, if you get a later build '08 model, you wont have the spark plug issues.

 

okay, thanks for th input. from what ive read, there is A LOT of maintenance involved with the 6.4's and if i bought one without a warranty, it might break the bank!

 

My vote is also for the V10! Find one with 4.30 gears and you will have a towing machine!

 

The spark plug issue was solved in the 2008 MY, the specific engine build date was after 10/9/07. The easy way to tell is that they changed the color of the COP boots from black to brown w/ the new design.

You said you were happy w/ the power from your 99 v10...well the 2008 3v v10 has a lot more power & torque than that one, and a much better tranny as well. Not sure I see the need for a diesel. Buy what makes you happy, but just be prepared for higher repair costs w/ the diesel. But they also have better resale value. I know the cab does have to come off for a lot of 6.4 engine repairs, can't say where the cut-off is. Check the 6.4 forum. 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

I also would love a 6.4. But with the issues that are know and the cost of repairs not saying it a bad motor but you know what your gonna get out of a v-10. Plus with 275,000 on my dads 2000 v-10 they will last quite long with good maintenance.

 

Since you do landscaping and lot of stop and go city..you are better off with the gas motor.

Modern diesels work best on the hwy or towing..not so good in short starts and stops.

 

I love my truck and never want for power. I got it as a gift to myself for 10 yrs of self employment. (couldnt find a watch I liked).


When I can afford it, Id also like a nicely equipped diesel truck! Maybe if I make it to 20yrs?

I feel your pain, but I'd guess another V10 would suit your needs. Now, your wants? Well that's up to you.

 

I had an 08 V10 CCSB 4x4 and loved it, it would tow and haul anything i wanted plenty on power road great just a great truck. Only downside was it got 11.5mpg at best and at worst got 11mpg towing or hauling. When gas hit 3.50 gal a few years back I traded it in....which in hindsight i regret doing.

I have a 6.0 diesel now and have done some of the preventative items on it, It's a CCLB 4x4 and as with any diesel will tow your house done the road without an issue. I do the same amount of driving as with my 08 and get 15mpg with it. Maint is higher and fuel is more costly. I was trying to find another 08 V10 when i was looking for another truck but most of them were too pricey or not what i wanted. I thought i'd try a diesel and found my 04 at a good price.

I did drive one 6.4 and it seemed like a very nice truck as well just not 30K nice for me at the time.

Goodluck

 

Go with the 6.8. Still have a 03 F350 6.0 which has been a money pit. Had an 08 superduty with the 6.4 and it was worse than a money pit. Got rid of it as quick as feasible. Was using it in a metro area and as mentioned the motor wasn't designed for the stop and go etc. Would get 2 qts of diesel mixed with the oil every 5000 miles. As someone said in another tread your one tank of bad diesel away from disaster. Have the V10 in a 2003 superduty and love it. Doesn't have the torque but I can live with it and its 4.30 axles.

 

Go with the V10 a 5star tune and you will have running and towing MONSTER!!

 

V10...think about those repair bills on a out of warranty truck as if just breaking down was`nt bad enough...yeah that`s a vote for gas

 

I could write a book on the topic but i'll simplify it and say 6.8 all day. I drove a 6.0 for work all day and I liked it. But after some research I bought my 6.8 and fell in love with it. The 6.0 is like a fun fling, but the triton is wifey material haha. Just my opinion

 

good one man, yeah you`ll be worried the diesel`s messing around on you all the time