Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, and I've spent literally hours searching on this topic, but haven't really found the answer I'm looking for.

I'm in the market to replace my 1995 F150 SuperCab 4x4 with 302/5spd with a four-door truck, and have narrowed it to the following trucks:

1996 F250 crewcab 4x4, 460 automatic, 70,000 miles I can get into for about $12000.

2001-2003 F150 Supercrew 4x4, auto, 5.4L with roughly 60-70K, I can get into for about $15000-$17000.

(Diesel is out of the question, too many $$ for what I can spend)

Now, here's the $60,000 question: I don't tow very often, maybe 5000 miles/year if that. When I do tow, it's definately less than 8000 lbs. However, I do want a truck that will be able to pull and pull well, with not much effort. Right now my truck has 3.55 gears, and the little 302 doesn't do too well, just ok I would say. Would I be happier with a supercrew with a little better mileage during the rest of the time I'm not towing, versus the 3/4 ton crewcab? I think it comes down to mileage and overall cost.

3/4 ton crewcab with 460 almost guaranteed to pull well, but lousy mileage, but less initial cost?
OR
1/2 ton Supercrew with 5.4L, don't know how it will pull, but better mileage, but more initial cost?

Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Pat

 

Like you said the F250 with get lousy mileage, but pull well. Where you are not towing all that much, I would go for the F150. It is a smaller truck so it is easier for everyday driving. You have to think about how long you are going to keep the truck. That 1996 F250 will be getting old soon, not that it will have problems, but it might. I think the 5.4L would tow it fine with the correct gear setup and good brakes on the trailer. That is what I would choose in your situation.

 

5 year newer truck for just a bit more money, pulling the same load that you have done with a 302, in my book it is a no brainer, go with the F150.

John

 

Well, according to Wikipedia, the 1996 FI 460 had 240 hp. the 2001-2003 S.4 had 260 hp and 350 ft-lb.
Now I have heard that the Modulars really need some RPM's to make max power, so if you do go with the 5.4, you will have to let 'er spin up a bit when climbing hills.

Myself, if I was faced with this choice, I would go with the newer truck for several reasons
- Better MPG when unloaded. It sounds like you will be unloaded most of the time.
- New body style, the truck will just LOOK newer, if that matters
- My wife would like a newer truck better. and it would be easier for her to drive, if she ever needed to.

All those reasons would outweigh the extra cash up front for me. The F150 SC should be fine for your loads, since it was rated to tow 7900 lbs (in 2003). Make sure you have properly adjusted trailer brakes.

 

If your not towing very often, and your towing the same weight, then the F150 will be enough for you. If your going to be towing more and more often,then I'd take the F250. Like stated above, the '96 is already over 10 years old, and the F150 will be more comfortable foir everyday driving. In your case, I'd pick the F150. It might cost more in the beginning, but in the long run, you'll be glad you did.

Just my $0.02

 

I think I'll start shopping for a supercrew . Should have asked my wife in the first place, she prefers a supercrew over a crewcab F250 anyway

THanks again!
Pat

 

Since we're talking about wives here, it may also be pertinent that the 150 will have a much smoother, less truck-like ride than the 250.....

 

My GF always complains abiut the ride of my F250. I think it rides great compared to some of my past trucks, like an '87 Ram with a 3" lift kit and the same suspension that went on in '87. She likes the crew cab tho. I really like the room. I can take 6 people and ride fine for hours. The supercrew is better for everyday tho. There are many days I wish I had something a little smaller.

 

Having had a 1996 F350 Reg Cab 4X4 460 4.10 Gears / 5-Speed and 33" tires 9.5 mpg town and 16.5 mpg Highway. I would estimate 8-14 mpg in a Crew Cab Auto.

5.4L 4X4 SuperCrew Auto should get 10-18 mpg.