Hey All,
I'm looking to build a 2002 F-250. I'm currently under consideration for a new job that will require me to travel in excess of 300 miles per day with an average of 25,000-30,000 miles per year.

I currently have a 20 year old (and tired) F-150 4X4 with the 300-6 in it. I have been using it as my commuter for 8 years. It gets around 14 mpg, but needs a lot of TLC that I won't have time to give it if the new job pans out.

The new job will require me to haul repair items as well as new restaurant equipment that may weigh more than the F-150 would be able to handle. It does have a helper suspension already installed on the back, but would need other upgrades (steering dampener, new center section on the 9 inch, rebuilt transfer case)

Since this would be my own personal vehicle, as well,I am looking at the possibility of hauling a trailer with a 500 pound tongue weight and an overall weight of 6500 lbs. I would also need the SC at least since I have four in the family.

Would the 5.4L with 4.10 gears and the 6spd be a safe bet to haul and work with? I am not looking at an XLT, just the closest that I can get to bare bones, but still enjoy the long rides and do the job.

Thanks, Kerry

 

V-10 all the way, with 3.73's to help the milage. The 5.4 is a roach, especially in the mountains. A 5.4 with 4.10's will get about the same milage as a 6.8 with 3.73's. Smaller motor working harder to do the same amount of work as a big motor working easier. Actually, if you're going to keep it for 20 years (like your present truck), you are a prime candidate for the diesel, if you can get by the high initial cost. Unloaded it will do close to 20 mpg, making it a pretty good commuter.

 

get the diesel!

I just bought an 01 f-250 PSD 4x4 XL with the 6 speed, heavey service springs, towing pkg. 3.73gears I am getting 19/20 MPG. (unloaded)
So far I have made 2 trips to northern Michigan from Atlanta in it. The seat is not too bad! There are better, but after 1400 miles My back side didn't hurt. It will pull just about anything. and rides very smooth for a BIG truck.

Got get one. you wont be sorry you did.

 

Diesel will pay for itself pretty quick with that many miles.....

 

 

Powerstroke with 3.73's are the only way to go with that much highway driving.

Les

 

DIESEL is the only way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Even though I drive the V10, I would think you're a strong candidate for the diesel with that much driving. But, if you go gas, stay w/ the V10. Like others have said, a large motor working easier is better than a small one working hard .
Besides, my experience has been that a larger motor gets better mileage than a smaller motor under load, because it doesn't work nearly as hard.
Lastly, go with the F350 in the crew cab as it will give you some payload, and the V10 in a 350 "crew" will have better resale IMHO.

 

Actually I think any configuration with the Powerstroke will have higher resale than the gas engine vehicles. Just my opinion.

Les

 

>Actually I think any configuration with the Powerstroke will
>have higher resale than the gas engine vehicles. Just my
>opinion.
>
>Les


Well it should...look at the initial $ 4000.00 plus investment in the diesel over the gas engine. Everything depreciates as soon as you drive it off the Dealer lot.

 

Thanks to all who gave me input on this. May not be needing it right away after all. Decided not to persue the job, too much time away from the family. That's not to say I don't plan on buying an SD in the future. I think I have seen enough comments and read posts through out the site to make a very informed decision when the time comes.

Kerry

 

> Decided not to persue the job, too
>much time away from the family.


Kudos to you!