Hey guys -
I posted a similar post under Super and Heavy Duty - but thought I would look here as well. By Spring of '04 I will be ready to get a new truck. Here is what I have thought so far...If I go with a V-10 I can probably swing a new one with the right deal...if I went diesel...it would have to be used. So, that said...

I am looking at F250 or F350, 4x4, auto or standard tranny, SB, SB or CC and 3.73 axle ratio.

Uses will include towing a travel trailer about 27' in length no more then 7700lbs, snowmobile trailer to VT, NY, NH, and ME.
Will be my weekend toy. I have a commuter car now and will keep it for work. I put about 12-15,000 miles on my truck now.

Is everyone happy with their V-10's? Was it a good choice? Any major problems with the truck or motor? Does anyone wish they bought a Diesel instead? From what I see I can probably expect 10-14mpg empty on the hwy and as bad as 7 towing a camper.

Thanks for the info!

 

Get a V10. You'll get a great deal.

 

If you think larger tires are in your future then opt for the 4.30 gears. Heck, I'd get them anyway!

 

I went from PSD to V10 and would not go back. I liked the PSD just like the V10 more.

 

With the 4:30 gears, and being a 4x4 with the V-10 - what mileage should I expect from it?

I think I have a ball park idea with the 3:73's, however if I put bigger tires on it I am sure it will suffer some. If I ran the 4:30 ratio and put big tires on (max size would be 35") would I be running any worse mpg's?

Thanks.

 

i am running 33's now on the 3.73 and wish i had the 4.30 or the 4.10, at 70 i am only at 1900 rpm and when i go to 36's i will have to go to a lowerer gear. so save the money and go for the lower from dealer its cheaper in the long run. as far as mpg i have a crew cab 4x4 short box 3.73 on 33's and i get 13-14 around town and 14-15 on the highway. that is with stock exhaust i have heard of some in 16-17 range with aftermarket exhaust.

hope this helps

bigcountry

 

Ask that question in the V10 forum and you'll be told to go with the V10. Ask that question in the diesel forum and you'll be told to go diesel.

I think you could justify a diesel if you want one, so buy whichever you will be most happy with. It sounds to me like you really want a new truck and can afford to do that with the V10, so do what you want. I wouldn't expect 14 MPG from a CC 4x4 though. I think a lot of the guys, both diesel and gas, use the mileage computer which is not always accurate. I have a hard time believing statements like "i have a crew cab 4x4 short box 3.73 on 33's and i get 13-14 around town and 14-15 on the highway. that is with stock exhaust i have heard of some in 16-17 range with aftermarket exhaust." I have never heard of a V10 getting 16-17 MPG, especially a 4x4. That being said, it gets much better mileage than the Dodge and GM counterparts with comperable power. Also a lot better than the old Ford 460. If you are going CC 4x4, get the F350 for the extra GVWR capacity.

 

My truck has 4.30 and 315.75.16, city only A/C always on
8 - 8.75, haven't been on a trip yet, but I'm thinking should be around 13.