i'm a new member--not sure how this works---but i'm looking to buy a new f250 diesel- i have bought 5 f150's so i'm a confirmed Ford man--i have never had a diesel but i may need the towing power (i tow an8000 lbs. rv)- now the question should i get a 2007-or wait for the 2008 i have no idea which would be the best choice i keep the trucks for a long time & then pass to by kids- (is the "new fuel" for the '08 going to be readily available any reservations on the new engine any suggestions are greatly appreciated

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I just purchased a 2007 F-250 with the 5.4L 3V engine. It is rated at #9200 towing.

As for a diesel, well the 6.0 isn't the best engine out there. Some people drive them for years and swear by them, others have problems with them and it seems have trouble keeping them on the road. But, that could be said for any engine.

OK, the 2008 6.4L PSD....it's probably an awesome engine, but no one knows yet. I never buy a vehicle with a "first model year" engine or transmission in it.

You should also consider a V-10 if you tow your RV quite a bit. You'll have plenty of power and no worries about what flavor of diesel fuel you're running.

 

thanks i agree on the "new" engine--i will only tow occassionally but will be going to Colorado & want to make sure i have the power--i have a 350 in my f150 is this an adequate engine to really tow 8000 lbs.+

 

You're close to the same situation I am in. A lot of guys will tell you otherwise, but I recommend a test drive of the new 5.4 3v in an F-250. It will surprise you.

 

By the way - welcome to FTE!

 

MOst fo the diesel available now is the super low sulfur so no problem there. I've had no problems out of my 06 6.0 ltr and am pushing 20K. I didn't really consider the 5.4 or the 6.8 when I bought mine. My father-inlaw has the 7.3 and i think it's a 7.5 same with my brother- inlaw he's got the 7.3 and a 6.0. His 6.0 is a 05 King Rancher and he's had a little problem - EGR valve and now his fuel seperator is giving him false readings. I told him a bout the TSB but he'd rather wait then get it fixed. Go figure. After paying what I paid, it will get fixed and the first hint of a problem.

 

The new Engine 08 6.4 Diesel is not out yet; hence fort, comes the inherent risk of being the first test dummy. My preference would be to stay away form new models until the customer reviews are out.

 

thanks guy's i'm really in need of the truck in the next month or so but i'm not liking what i read on the Diesel the rv i'm towing is 7800lbs dry maybe 8800lbs. loaded- can the 350 v8 handle this or should i go to the v10---any problems on this engine any idea how much gas milage i lose-- i really want to stay with ford if i can

 

The 5.4 L 3 valve engine is rated at #9200 pounds on my truck, with 3.73 gears, SuperCab Short Beb 4x4 and the 5 speed automatic.

If you towed the load OK with a 351 you'll do better with the 5.4 (actually 330 cubic inch).

 

A 5.4 would do the job just fine. It wouldn't be any speed demon, but it'd get it done. The V10 would be even better, and pull 8K with minimal effort. It's only a $600-$800 option, and doesn't require all the maintenance of a diesel. I'd steer clear of the 6.0 if I were you. Those engines don't take too kindly to occasional driving and short trips. You have plenty of people saying how solid and problem free their 6.0 trucks are with 20K miles, but how many guys on here have had trouble free 6.0 trucks with 120K miles on them? It's not a proven engine and probably never will be with all the controversy surrounding it. If you want enough power, get the 5.4. If you want extra power, grab the V10.

 

I do not want to hijack the thread, but I too am looking to step up into a 250 and I'm leaning towards the 5.4. I currently drive an 02 F150 Screw w/5.4 and I tow a car hauler with an off-road Jeep on it around 6-8 times a year. The 150 does fine pulling this power wise, but I think a 250 will 'feel' better. Plus, my 150 was rear-ended and is likely totaled or will not be kept. This will be my daily driver and I think the V10 is more than I need, and I do not want the 6.0 psd.

 

A moment of silence, please.

 

I say the same thing when I hear of a 7.3 being totalled.

 

Before you buy anything, keep in mind the following factors re: diesel:

The Good...
Increased towing capacity in most cases
Increased fuel efficiency vs. gasoline engines (not possible to quantify)
Much more selection of trucks available

The Bad...
6.0L option lists at $5,300 extra
15 quarts of oil every 3k on the clock = $100 oil changes
Difference in price as compared to gasoline ~ $0.50+ per gallon
Motor being pulled after 5 model years

The Rest....
The V10 might be a viable option for your needs but I can tell you that they are few and far between right now for the 2007 models. So, if you want that you might have to wait for the '08 models to arrive next month or two.

I don't know if I'd go with the 5.4L in a lot of setups. I guess regular cab it would be no issue and maybe a SuperCab short bed with 4x2. After that, I would think it might not be enough power.

Have you checked the styling of the new trucks? You might be influenced either way. For me, I have to find an '07 to my liking since they can no longer be ordered and I don't believe the '08 will appeal to me. I also want a V10 and I can tell you for a fact that there are not too many around in 4x4 Crew Cab models. There are tons of diesels out there.

Best of luck, welcome to FTE and keep us posted.

Eric

 

The configuration I want in a 250 is Crew Cab, Short-bed, 4x4. I guess this will push the limits of the 5.4 for both daily driving and towing. I have been thinking about the V10 and have not ruled it out. For $600 it is an attactive option. I plan to drive all three if I can. My 02 150 has the 2 valve 5.4 and I thought the difference in the new 3 valve might make up for the added weight of the 250. I really cannot justify the diesel in my mind. The cost to add it is not really an issue for me. The issue is more my use of the truck not really requiring a diesel motor. I do not tow daily, or even monthly for that matter. I drive my truck daily for a 24 mile, each way, commute on back country roads, with the last mile being on an interstate.

I will not see my 150 back from the body shop, however, until early to mid February, so I'm pretty much stuck with 07s on the lot or ordering a new 08. I'm less interested in the new 6.4 psd than I am in the 6.0 psd. At least the 6.0 is the devil you know.