I have a 2003 F-350 FX4, dually, crew cab. It is loaded and has alot of extra weight on it in the way of ranchhand parts. It also pulls a gooseneck trailer with at least 2 horses and gear everywhere it goes. I didn't exactly buy this truck for fuel economy and have never been one to worry much about it as long as it pulls my horses whereever and as fast as I want to go. This truck does run! I don't know much about the performance chips and such. I always thought they were more for Automatics. Has anyone chipped a standard shift truck? What is the best way to improve fuel economy? I gained some on my old '95 by putting a straight exhaust on it but my wife doesn't want to make this one loud (imagine that!) I don't want to spend $5000 to save a few bucks on diesel either. So what are some recommendations? Right now I get 8-10 MPG.

 

Hey Guero
Ive got a 2003 F- 250 FX4 4x4, crew cab, 6speed . I have a edge attitude on my truck and it has helped the fuel mileage but I dont have any low end torque. Once you get the truck moving it pulls like a freight train but getting the load moving its like slug. The edge attitude has not helped low end. Are you still running the original flash?

 

I got a reflash around Nov. last year and it helped my mileage some and did help my take off a little. It is still sluggish from a dead stop, but you are right, it runs like a scalded ape after you get the rpm's up. How much did the edge attitude help your mileage? Was it worth it? What else did it do for you?

 

Apparently most people stuck with the "recommended" AT's in their trucks. I have talked to very few people that even knew manual transmissions were an option. I had one guy tell me there was no such thing as a manual shift 6.0. I guess I won't get to many replies if I'm one of the 3 or so people to buy one.

 

I have a super cab 350 dually 04/03 motor. Yer right it does dog a bit out of the hole when loaded unless you get those rpm's way up there and ride the clutch but when she gets'a'goin she really goes! I'd never have a auto unless I lost a leg. Soooooo much more control. My mileage is around 15 to the US gallon on average and she has a 410 bum. How do ya like that new Luk clutch from the factory? Sweeet!!

Tim --- >>

 

I have a 04 350 4x4 cc dually 6spd running a predator. Just love it !!! Magnaflow ehaust turbo back.

 

hp325
My 250 is a 6 speed and like i said edge attitude did not help my low end or take off . Im getting pretty good fuel mileage , about 18 mpg but turn off the edge box and it goes to 14 mpg. Did the predator do any thing for low end take off ? Ive got 3.73 gears That darn truck just wont get the load moving like a 7.3 .

 

i had a predator in one of my 6.0's and it is now in the shop gettin a new clutch...at about 2500 r's if you mat the throttle, the r's tach out and the truck doesnt move any faster...if i blow another stock clutch, i want to think about getting a heavy duty one...any suggestions on what kind and where to look for them at...thanks

 

I have a 04/04 f350, cc, 6.0 6spd 4x4 srw, 8' bed. I've had too many troubles with automatics in ford trucks and prefer to shift when I want to, not when the transmission wants to. Had to order it that way...could not find any on dealer lots in my state.

 

I spoke to Luk about a Pro Gold for my truck and was told that it would be at least 06 before we see one produced.

Tim ---- >>

 

I have had both manuals and now an auto. I like being in control with the manual but the tow/haul on the auto is pretty impressive. My dad had a manual on his PSD and injured his foot on a trip across the states to see my son graduate. He could push the clutch in. The doc was amazed he made it with his foot like that. I built up his clutch pedal with wood and straps so he didn't have to bend his foot much or press with the toes. I thought I was going to have to drive them back to FLA but my new clutch pedal worked well for him. He got home and bought an auto. I went auto because of this new tranny in the six. I love it and quite frankly just got tired of shifting. On another trip he blew the hydraulic slave cylinder while pulling a 5th wheel. We had it towed and I had to make two trips, one to haul my 5th to a camp ground and another to go back and get his and haul to the camp ground. I am a firm believer in this new auto. I will admit the older Ford auto were not all that great or durable when hauling heavy loads. To each his own. I have had both and liked both..

 

My dually has 4.10's so I have plenty of low end . Pulling a3 horse trailer with living qrts. Weighs in at about 10000#.Truck with fuel weighs about8400# for a total of about 20300#

 

We are pretty happy with our manual. Up around 19mpg again (unloaded).

 

Also had to order my manual but I am very pleased with it. Getting over 17mpg in the city now and still climbing. I think it is a little of a dog on the low end in 1st (not low), but if I push the rpms up a little before I disengage the clutch it runs better. I only start out in first when unloaded, and usually don't push up the rpms, but if I'm feeling sparky, lookout...

 

I have an 03 60 F550 6 speed 4x4 as a work truck. It weighs in at 19,500 on a light day. Yeah it's slow outta the hole but once you spool up the turbo just stay in the powerband. It's packin 4.11 gears also. It suits my needs and can pull away from traffic or a Dodge/cummins loaded. Who could ask for anything more.