I have two Ford trucks used in my business. The older is an `85 Super Duty (I guess that is now called an F450) with a 460 gas motor and 4 speed manual transmission. The newer is a `97 F350 with Power Stroke diesel and 5 speed transmission.

The older truck has been heavily used and has held up very well with lots of miles (nearly 200,000?? but odometer has not worked in several years). It is near time to replace this truck, but after the experiences that I have had with the `97 I am a bit hesitant to run out and buy another Ford. The `97 has only about 130,000 miles and most of the problems have been somewhat recent, but from my view point far too many problems with only this much mileage. I have had wiring burn up because of a bad relay, headlights that would not turn off, axle seals leaking continuously, and the entire transfer case drop to the ground while at Interstate speed (a $4,500 repair bill!!).

When I buy a replacement for the `85 I will probably look for something that is near new, only a couple of years old. I am looking for feed back as to problems to watch out for and any particular years that I should avoid. Also, from what I read here, it seems that automatic transmissions seem to need frequent rebuilding. Should I stay away from them?

So, please let me now what good or bad things you have to say about F350 and F450 that were built in last few years.

Thanks to all that reply,

Mark

 

Unfortunatley, I dont think you will find a truck built today that is put together like your old Ford. As the Technology increases on these vehicles, so do the problems. But........Ford makes the best pick up truck in this day and age, and i speak from the experience of having a chevy and a dodge previously. The chevy was a total piece of garbage..many, many problems and the dodge just a little bit better.

 

If you're buying a WORKING truck, buy a Ford. All manufacturers make lemons, and it sounds like you had one. I've also had lemons in other brands too. You can't beat a straight axle Ford for toughness and durability. All of the new trucks have lighter sheetmetal in them, so not as strong as the older trucks in the "skin" department. The frames, axles, and running gear are still tough though.

The F450 is a brute, and would be best in a diesel if you're going to keep it forever. Expect about 11-12 mpg with a 7.3 PSD (check for leftovers on dealer inventories). The new 6.0 diesel and 5R auto tranny is a butt kicker, but too new for my tastes. Let 'em work out the bugs first. The new auto tranny is real nice, but time will tell how long it will last I don't even know if they put a 6 speed in a F450. You KNOW clutches will wear out, and the auto tranny is a "best guess" affair.

As far as my truck goes, it has been the best I ever had (knock on wood) and I've had all of them except Nissan.