I'm looking into getting a 2003-2006 F-250/350 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed with a V10. I have been waffling between a Diesel and the V10 but after all I have read I am leaning more towards the V10. I plan on using the truck just as a tow vehicle (not a daily driver) so MPG I'm not too concerned about. The trailer I currently have is only 7500lbs fully loaded but I plan on throwing a Side X Side in the bed of the truck. I might upgrade the trailer later to a 10000lbs or 12000lbs toy box so I'll need room to grow. I'm mostly concerned about the overall cost of the truck, how it tows, the cost/ease to maintain the vehicle and how long the drive train will last etc (as I plan on keeping it awhile). So my question to you wonderful folks is what years are good for the V10? What inherit issues do they have (blown plugs, etc)? What are the tow specs for a F250 V10 or F350 V10? How do the trannies hold up on the V10s. Lastly, what's the best V10/Tranny/Package combo to get in a F250/F350. All input is great appreciated and I thank you in advance for your help.

 

The 05'up trucks have the most power (362hp/457tq) and the 5speed auto trans. They also have a beefed up frame compared to the 99'-04' trucks. Since the power went up and the frame was beefed up the weight and towing capacities went up also. The 00'-04' trucks have the 2V V10 with 310hp/425tq and it has a 4 speed auto. They are reliable trucks as well with a decent towing capacity. It would be best to have the 4.30 gears with either year truck but you have to have them with the Pre 05' trucks to be rated to tow the future 12k lb toy hauler. The 05'up trucks come with either 4.10 or 4.30 gears and as I said before have a higher towing capacity. You would be better off trying to find an 05'up truck.

 

find a 05+ V10 truck...

better version and MUCh better auto-trans to boot.

plus the ride is softer (if that matters to you), turning circle is improved.

 

and once you find an 05 or newer get a programmer and a 93 octane tune from Mike at 5 star to really put a smile on your face. My trailer is 14,000 loaded and it tows it great. Mine too is for towing and hauling, not a daily driver. I get 8-9 towing and 10-11 empty mpg. I love it and just for reference I owned two PSD f350 prior to this V10 and have zero intensions of owning another one.

 

I've had both a 2002 F250 V10 and I traded that in on a 2009 F350 V10. The 2002 did everything that I asked of it and then some. It was reliable and had more than enough power to pull my racecar around. I rally loved that truck, until I got my 2009. It's not just the engine, but the whole package that makes it an excellent choice. Now, I'm not bashing the 1999-2004 models, that truck was good to me for 7 years, but the power, transmission, ride, turning radius and all of the toys on it make it a pleasure to drive. The mileage is no worse than the 2002. The '02 was an extended cab 4x4 and the 2009 is a F350 crew cab 4x4. IMO, if you can find a 2005 and up for the right price, go for it. Just make sure that the maintenance is up to date. Too bad we can't get the V10's new in anything smaller than a F550!

 

Sweet! Just the information I was looking for . Yup so it sounds like 05+ is where I'll start my search. I'll make sure to look for the right gearing too, I currently have 4:10s in my current truck and it tows great, I bet 4:30s would be even better. Quick question though, since 05 was the first year for the new 3v V10, any quirky problems with that year? Thanks again for all the input.

 

I think that the earlier 3v V10's, 2005-2008 1/2 had a 2 piece spark plug design that had the tendency to not come out in one piece. They make a kit to remove the broken plug, if necessary. Otherwise, it's been one of the best truck engines that you can get these days.

 

In terms of "drivetrain" - remember that the entire truck behind the engine is almost identical to the diesel version. There might be an extra plate in a clutch pack in the transmission, there might be an extra spider gear in the rear diff. But overall, the same truck.

That said, the choice of powerplant is up to you.

 

After seeing that video the other day of the "professional" demonstrating how he used an impact wrench to remove plugs, I gotta wonder if the broken plug "issue" ever actually happened when people used the recommended procedures for removal?

 

You only have to change the two piece plugs once. The new plugs from Ford are one piece plug. I believe the late Johnny Langton had pictures of the two plugs side by side. So if you buy a truck with 75,000 miles or more, chances are the plugs have already been changed. I change mine every 50,000.

 

I have to agree. I have owned 3 modular motors and NEVER had a spark plug issue with one of them. But then, I always do all the spark plug work myself.

 

Same here. Over the years I've had four 4.6's and two V10's. I've changed the plugs myself on every one of them, except the 2009, and I've never had an issue.

 

Correct Gearing for towing is important. It is also expensive to have it done if you choose the wrong gears the first time. The best Mod I made to my '99 was changing to 430 gears from the original 373s.

The V10 is a great engine. The newer the better, but even the old ones are awesome.

 

Make sure you get the factory installed brake controller as well--best thing on the 05+ trucks besides the engine!

 

Do you have a link to the video? Just bought an 08 V10 with 73,000 and am not sure about the plugs. Given the expense of a failure, I want to make sure that I'm doing things the right way.