was looking at 2 f-250 trucks but deal fell through. looking at sweet deal on an 2010 f-350 xlt s/c. whats are u guys getting for mileage around town and highway. i drive conservitive , usually dont beat on a vehicle ( 65-68 on highway). truck has a 5.4 with 3.73 gears. truck seems just a little underpowered, i know its not a v-10. what are some basic things that u can do to the 5.4 to help it wake up alittle. ( k& n filter , cat back exhaust...ect) not looking for anything that will void a warranty. really like the truck but coming from a duramax its hard to go back to a gasser. any help would be appreciated

 

If you are wanting to "wake up" the 5.4 a little and you are coming from a DMax... bad choice on the 5.4L. Don't let the dealership, or whoever is selling it, persuede you to buy it. You will be smacking yourself up and down for the entire time you have it.

You need to let the engine scream to make it do anything. Gas engines need RPMs to generate power. You are used to the low end torque of a diesel. I don't know about you, but I would have a hard time mantaining my sanity. Just a thought...

 

I had an 05 F250 5.4 ran about 15mpg empty,about 10 towing I now have an 08 F350 cc long bed srw,V10,ofcourse the V10 is much better but let the 5.4 turn R's and I wasn't disapointed.

 

Do yourself a favor, if you already feel the truck is underpowered nothing is really going to change that. I have a 2010 F350 six Wheeler, with a 5.4 and 410s I regularly 10,000 GVW plus, with no problems I'm not going to win any races, but it does gets the job done and most of time on the way back from the job When the trailer is empty It gets pretty decent mileage for a 1 ton truck on the way to the job 8 to 11 mpg on the way back empty 13 to 15 it works for me. I also have owned diesels, Cummings and Dmax if you're looking for a low-end torque you have to stay with diesel, how much are you going to be pulling and how often? Your best option would probably be the 6.8L 10 cylinder If you can find one I'm pretty sure that will give you the feeling you're searching for. I drove one for two weeks before I bought this truck very nice motor lots of power it's probably your best choice. One other quick tip I must just have a really good dealer. Try to borrow a truck for a week or so and see what you really need or can live with you are your best decision maker, remember you're going to have to live with it for a few years a little bit of money upfront is better than regretting and underpowered truck Take care



PS I'd vote diesel 6.4 ;-)

 

took truck out yesterday for a few hours from dealer , and truck seemed plenty on power for what i have to do .actually was impressed on how it went. wasnt knocking the 5.4 at all . last time i was at the dealer( about 2 weeks ago) i drove 5 different trucks, 3 were dogs and 2 went good. no v-10 in my area, slim pickins right now. think i'll be pulling the trigger on this one. truck only had 23 miles on it when i picked it up , returned back with 74 miles, can only get better. only question i have is are the steering that touchy refering to highway driving. would love another diesel but have had bad luck with both the cummins and duramax .dont want all the maintence , higher fuel , or payfor it.

 

Have your dealer try a dealer locator for a V10. Just made the switch from PSD to V10 gasser for all the same ressons you cited and I am very pleased. Definately not under powered for my uses.

 

Snowdemon I didn't take it as though you were putting a 5.4 down I was merely trying to explain to you the 5.4 is pretty much maxed out for horsepower the minor gains are not worth voiding the warranty on a new truck. Now that you've explained your feelings about the diesels, which I totally agree with you. It's just too much horsepower and torque For what I need including the V. 10, which I tried for two weeks just overkill for my situation, however, I think you'll be much happier with the 6.8 L and a feeling of being peppy When you hit the accelerator try one first before you buy this truck you probably won't regret it. As far as steering I'm not quite sure what you're asking? coming from Chevy and Dodge the Ford has a different ride totally. I find the steering very comforting when I'm hauling a trailer down a steep curve mountain in Vermont, this is why the super duty excels at towing and hauling weight, it's a commendation of frame breaks and overall mass of all components. I think you'll be quite happy Which ever one you get good luck and take care

 

OK, my '07 5.4L SC 4x4 (same engine) with 3.73 gears gets 15-18 hiway, 13-15 combined rural and 12-13 or less if I burn a tank in stop and go driving.

Towing 3500 pounds on the hiway (28 foot enclosed trailer, empty...pics in my album) yields 12-14 hiway. Throw a 4500 pound car into it and the mileage is 10-12 hiway.

While that may not seem great MPGs, I was thrilled because the unloaded MPGs basically matched the 1995 F-150 4x4 (302 CID, 4R70W trans and 3.55 gears) it replaced, yet the truck has twice the capability.

 

have done local check on v-10, nothing out there for me within price range ( alot more). so i pulled the trigger . sitting in my driveway as we speak. couldnt be happier , 1st truck that ive been excited about in a long time.

 

Congratulations I'm sure you'll be very happy with the truck. Remember, there's a lot more things to towing than horsepower you have to stopped that load someday, and control it as you go down the road rather than it pushing you, You'll really appreciate a super duty when that day happens. Once again congratulations and take care

 

Congrats on the new truck.

Not really apples to apples, but my '02 5.4L in my expedition runs pretty darn good with a intake, exhaust, TB spacer and Diablo Sport Tuner. Just in case you need a few more poines later on.

 

Snowdemon,
Congratulations on your New Truck.
I also recently bought A New/used 9,000 miles on a 2010 F350 Xlt,4x4,Fx4 pkg,SD,Extended cab long bed with the 5.4, 3.73 gears. I love it and to me it has plenty of power. 13-15 on highway and around town. It scoots up to 70 on the highway pretty fast and not a bad ride for a one ton. A little different from my 1984 Ford 3/4 ton stickshift.

Enjoy and I'll bet it gets alot of looks.

 

OP, got any pictures?