I'll start off by saying hello and I'll buy a round for everyone!
So, I currently have a 2012 F250 Super Crew Diesel. I love the truck! I don't love the payment! So, I am thinking about selling it and going to an older F250 and just don't know much about which years are the best years. I know that the past few generations of diesel motors had issues, but I am ignorant as to what they were and what to look out for. Any info would be great. I am looking at between 2004-2010 years. A little info about the use of the truck. I have a boat which weighs around 11-12000 lbs and a smaller travel trailer. So I need something that is fairly capable of towing a decent load. I know I am going to be fairly disappointed going from the 6.7 to whatever but I use the full capability of the truck probably about 12 times a year and can't justify this truck the remainder of the year. So lay it out there.....what should I look for as far as years to buy or watch out for.
Nick

 

I would look for a V10 if I were you.


Or even the 5.4 gas motor in any of the years would be fine.

 

Well, I had an expedition with the 5.4 and it wouldn't pull crapola! I'm not opposed to going back to gas but definitely not the 5.4. I like the power of the diesel also when pulling. I know there is a lot more maintenance cost associated with diesel and I am ok with that. Just not sure if he 7.3, 6.0 or 6.4 is best?

 

I'd look at a V10 (05+). I know I have a bias towards it. People want an arm and a leg for a 7.3 diesel that's in an old truck. Not sure where you are located but most 7.3 trucks here are rotted out due to salty roads. You will not find a 7.3 with low miles without an insane price tag. I don't care if the 7.3 will last 10 million miles. The rest of the truck may need work.

You said you do like the diesel. Just visit the forums associated with each. Plenty of info to read and base a decision.

But seriously if you find a V10 don't overlook it. If you truly infrequently use the truck the gas truck will lower the initial price. You may be able to get a fully loaded lariat gas truck for the same price as a stripped diesel. Depends what you want. If you truly want the diesel don't get a gas engine.

 

7.3 is probably the lowest in maintenance, but people seem to think they're worth their weight in gold. Plus the newest 7.3 is now 12 years old.

6.0 can be a great engine if the known issues are addressed and it's properly cared for. They can be had for a decent deal because of their bad rep. You also get a much better transmission in the 5R110. (if you get an automatic)

I also would seriously consider a gasser for your use, particularly 2005 or newer since these have the 3V engines and 5R110 trans. I've towed 10,000 lbs with my 5.4, and even with 3.73 gears it's really no problem at all. 4.30 gears would be even better. A 3V V-10 with 4.30 gears would pull your 12,000 pound boat with ease.

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MD- thanks. So again looking at past years it seems the 6.0 trucks are way cheaper than the 6.4 and 7.3, so I am assuming the 6.0 was not a great motor. So I guess that leaves me with the 6.4. Any issues with that platform? I thought I would get a lot more responses to this....

 

Kd- good info there. I guess I am hesitant with the 5.4 because we had an 03 5.4 that was horrible! I guess the 3v version is better? You don't think I will have an issue towing 12k with that?

 

It wouldn't be my first choice, but it would get the job done. One of the biggest problems with the 5.4 is that they all seem to have 3.73 gears. They would be much better with 4.30 gears. If you go with a gasser, I'd definitely try to find a V-10 with 4.30 gears. That would be the perfect combination for someone who has a heavy load to tow, but does so infrequently. If you towed more frequently, I'd just stick with what you have now. After having the power of the 6.7,you're probably not going to be happy with anything less.

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Both 6.0/6.4 get bad reputations. Some owners have zero problems but there seems to be issues with both. There are fixes for the 6.0 from what I understand. Ford had it right with the 7.3, lost their way with the next two and seems that the 6.7 is getting back on track. But just like I'll pump the V10 there will be people who say absolutely nothing is wrong with a 6.0/6.4. I don't quite believe that as I personally know people who have owned both and had multiple issues.

The 6.8 V10 has been around since "SuperDuty" and is still offered in the medium duty trucks (450/550/650). That says something to me. The only changes have been the 3 valve motor and then a few spark plug changes in early and later models.

Whatever you want to go with just read up on it here. You'll find all the issues with each and you'll need to decide which issues you would rather deal with. The 09+ V10 has zero "issues".

 

I have a 99 CCSB 4x4 V10. It works great for me. Maintenance is pretty simple, I have done everything myself on it. Best part is I don't have to drive it daily since its an extra vehicle. If your going to use it less than a V10 would work good for your application. A draw back to them though is the mileage worst I have got was 9mpg and best around 13.5 with seadoo, family and a bed full of camping gear. So they are thirsty.

6.0's were a good engine minus all the emissions stuff and head gaskets, tty head bolts. Its pretty well know what is required for them. If you can do all the repair work yourself than you can save but if none of the deletes or anything has been done plan on an extra 5k on top of purchase price to make it right.

 

Not sure why the 5.4 gets a bad rep in towing, especially the early ones... maybe I'm just lucky???

My e99 5.4 tows and carries everything I ask of it- and I work the heck out of this thing. I'm not afraid to merge on the interstate pulling a trailer with a tractor on it, but then again, I'm not afraid of letting the motor rev to do it either. Sure, it won't be winning any drag races while pulling, but I sure don't find it lacking for what it is...