After last weekend's monster snow, I decided it's time to let someone restore my trusty '66 F250 and get a more modern F250 with a plow.

In the '95 and later vintage F250's, I see that the 7.3L Powerstroke is a popular engine, although i won't need that kind of torque. So I figured i WOULD need the better gas mileage, but after doing some research, it looks like the 7.3L diesel doesn't do any better than the 5.4L gas engine.

Is this correct? I thought the diesels were waaay better on gas.

 

In the real world IMO diesels are WAY better on gas. Sure empty vs empty they may be close but in use... No comparison.

Plow's are hard on vehicles. If you're looking at a truck with a plow pay close attention to everything including rust issues. I've done some light plowing and mainly have a plow for my driveway. I tend to use finesse whereas most of the guys I see plowing lots, etc slam the ca-ca out of everything. When I had my little 87 Dakota with a 6.5' plow I was plowing a school/church lot solo because everyone else broke. F350's, Ram 2500's... Run the plow into a fixed object like a curb at 25 it's gonna break something... I was originally brought in to plow the smaller area's, parking spaces, etc because the Dak would fit where the big boys wouldn't.

 

If I were going to buy a plow truck, I certainly wouldn't buy a diesel. I'd buy a gas truck with a straight axle. I'd have to do research to see gas mileage figures to decide an engine while factoring in the original cost of the vehicle to figure out a year range. But I know the 5.4L is a tough motor, and my parents last truck was getting 20-22 average MPG. I wouldn't want to be relying on a diesel to start in the coldest days of winter to go plow. I'd rather put my faith in a carbed 5.8 than a diesel. But that's just me.

 

Definitely going to look closely at any with a plow on the front. I've found some that come with a plow that was never mounted, those are what I'm looking for. I know what you mean about BEAT trucks, you can spot them a mile away. Most sellers of those think they're in "great" shape.

 

Well, regarding gas mileage, I've perused a few postings, and the numbers I get for the 7.3L Powerstroke are like 14-18 mpg, not really any better than the 5.4 gas, and the cost of diesel erases any advantage. Unless you need that monster torque.

Just fishing for any first-person testimonials.

 

I've had 'em both and, as stated, they get about the same mileage. Also agree with the 5.4L gas being more reliable to start in very low temps. Also it weighs about 500 lbs less than the 7.3L so that will help make your front-end live longer with the plow. I think a 2000-2002 F250 SD 4x4 with the 5.4L would be good for what you are wanting to do.

 

You'll lose traction, even in 4x4, long before you run out of ponies for pushing.

Jason

 

Do those year F250's have a straight front axle? Or is the independent front end as robust as the older solid axle?

I was thinking mid/late 90's because of cost.

 

My 88 has a 302 and my parents have been using it for plowing duties back in Ontario since I moved out west 7 years ago.
It's a pig on gas. But highway it was pretty reasonable.
Was backed by a AOD. And I think the transfer case went before the trans.
Motor was replaced by a 95 mustang block. ( firing order changed and upper and lower plenum was recovered from the old block)
All I was using it for was residential contracts.
If I remember correctly gearing was 3.08.

 

first off, diesel engines start easier in cold temps than gas engines do.this is due to having dual batteries and a glow plug system.they also have block heaters if you need/want for temps below zero.however,they only start better than a gas engine when properly maintained.iv owned several gas vehicles over the years,and iv never had anything start as easy in the winter as my (properly maintained) diesel.
as far as fuel economy goes,nothing gets decent economy when plowing.your working the engine off road.you'll have to measure it in time not miles for billing purposes.
what's nice about plowing with a diesel is that it's effortless.it just pushes with ease like a tractor without revving.feels like your not even doing anything,but you clearly see the snow being pushed aside as you go.
what's nice about gas is that they are easier and cheaper to maintain but you might need to make 'em talk a bit more to get the work done.ford makes good gas engines so no ones ever been afraid to work those either.

 

250's are TTB, you need an F-350 for straight axle.

 

Yes, the '99+ SD's have a SFA. I would not look at any TTB trucks for plowing. Older model 1 ton trucks also had SFA (most of them).

I had a 2003 F250 4x4, 5.4L with a plow. The power to plow was there, and it did well. But on road, they are dogs.

 

If plowing is your JOB,(24 hour shifts+ then look at a diesel.
A gasser will use at least twice as much fuel doing the same job plowing.
How do I know this? We has 2 IDENTICAL plow trucks(99 F350 auto, 4.10 reg cab long bed w 8.5 western plows) one had the 5.4 one had the 7.3
Both trucks were used to plows several mall parking lots and industrial yards.
I was always in the 5.4 truck. And the boss(who was also in a 5.4 truck) was always complaining how much gas I used vs the diesel truck, he was saying I was too hard on the truck. Simple solution, PUT ME IN THE DIESEL So he did. me and the other driver switched trucks. Low and behold, the gasser went thru even MORE fuel with the other driver

The boss was astonished. needless to say, the 5.4 was sold for another diesel.


BUT, if this is going to be your daily driver, weekend home depot truck and YOUR driveway plow truck. then get a GASSER. the truck is cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and the minimal extra spent on fuel will hardly be noticeable

86-current 4wd F350 all have solid axles(pre 86 is Independent)
99-current F250 have solid axles (pre 99 is independent)

 

Guess I didn't clarify my purpose from the start; I use my '66 F250 for wood/gravel/mulch hauling, plus Home Depot runs (also the local Cub Scout Pack LOVES it for it's antique-ness), but we seem to be getting pounded more regularly with heavy snow, so I want to upgrade....and have a plow for myself and neighbors. NOT a commercial application.

That's why I thought a diesel might save $$, since most of the year I wouldn't be low-speed plowing.

WHAT does TTB mean?

So as I understand it, the '95/96/97/98 trucks I was considering do NOT have straight front axles? Do F250's PRIOR to '95 have straight axles?

 

TTB= twin traction beam, the 4x4 version of twin I beam.