V10 to 6.2, possibly
 

I currently drive a 2002 F250 V10. I primarily use it to tow a racecar around, which usually equates to 8000lbs with the trailer. I'm thinking about trading the old girl in and there's a used 2011 F250 extended cab lariat 6.2 with 10k miles on it about 80 miles from me. I have a few questions to all of you 6.2 guys. Has anyone gone from an older 2v V10 to a 6.2? I've done a few upgrades to mine, like headers, cat back exhaust, y-pipe and a 5 star tune. I've got the 3.73 gears in mine. The one I'm looking at has the 3.73 gears also. Am I correct in guessing that there won't be much of a seat of the pants difference in the trucks towing. I know that the 6.2 has less torque, but the gearing in the transmission would more than make up for the difference. The whole reason I'm looking to get out of mine is that the rust is starting to pop up. I've had to knock it off the bottoms of the doors a couple of years ago. I just finished fixing a rotted bed support out and now the left cab corner has a bubble on the bottom! That's getting fixed while the bed is off.

According to a local contractor who used to have a V10, the mpg is better, power with his rig is roughly the same using the seatometer as a gauge.

So, if the only reason you're thinking of going to the 6.2 is the rust, that's up to you. There are things you can do to slow down rust, but ya can't really stop it completely.

It's just a matter of what the wallet says and the "want" factor. Sounds like you don't wanna deal with the rust and want a new truck.

Yeah, I hate rust. As hard as I've tried to keep my truck nice, rust still has shown up. The price is real good on this used '11, and I figure that if I can get it while it's still pretty new, I can try to keep the rust at bay. At least I know now where they tend to rust and I can treat it while its newer. See, I got my '02 in January of '05. It had already been through a few winters and was a lease vehicle, so you can guess how well it was babied.

Yeah, I used to live in the east, and while that black gooey stuff, rust-kill, or something like that will actually stop rust for about 2-3 years, it only prolongs the inevitable.

If you can get a good deal, and sell your used one while it still has some value, go for it.

RWG78 -- I'm kinda in the same situation. I have my hopes up for the 6.2L in the new SD, but IMHO...it has a lot to live up to compared to the V10.:-X04

Having 425 ft/lbs running the mountain passes here while towing really puts a smile on your face. I just enjoy 4000 rpm in 2nd gear up those 7 or 10 percent grades.

I'm prob going to go with 4.30 gears this time. Not because the 6.2L in stock OEM form cannot handle my load...but because I plan to add 35in size tires with a level kit. Help keep the 6.2L in the right powerband.

Good luck with your new SD! Make sure to report back...and post up some pics.:-wink


biz
:-X22

I think i would be a good upgrade from a 2v v10 to the 6.2L. The transmission upgrade will be a nice welcome no matter the rear gear ratio. And not that these trucks ride smooth but the 2011 seems to ride a little smoother in the rear end when cruising and towing.

I'm going to call the dealership tomorrow. If it's still for sale, I plan on taking it for a drive this week. I've got to get the bed back on mine before I trade it in, though. If it isin't around still, and for the mileage and price I won't be surprised if its gone, I found a shop by my house that will replace the cab corner for $350, as long as the bed is off. Too many decisions!!

I know you guys up there have to deal with road salt and I've seen the damage it does... but down here in FL, everything rust and fades.You can definitely see the quality of farm equipment these days. All of our tractors are built in the 60s and 70's, and I know people who have new ones that are rusted worse than mine after being outside for a few years. I am like you though I hate rust. I do think all trucks nowadays have better undercoatings/paint than years back. I remember when I was a kid in the 80's seeing ranch trucks that were only 5 or 6 years old and totally rusted out underneath. My dad has the same truck you do. I have done about everything you can do to it shy of bolting on a supercharger.... and power wise it is still know match for my '97 460, but it does handle and ride much better. I cannot speak for the 3v V10 guys, I would like to know how they compare. I have not driven one of the 6.2's yet but have been told by a few owners they are night and day over the older V10s....its been 13 years I sure as hell would expect them to.

I don't think you'd regret it, I went from a 2v V10 to the 6.2 and am loving it. My V10 was mostly stock (had a K&N intake/aftermarket exhaust) but the new motor/trans is a huge improvement over my old truck.