Automatic or 6-Speed
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Automatic or 6-Speed
Let me start by saying, I am in the market for a 3/4 - 1 Ton Ford, and I have found a few that really caught my attention. This will be my first Ford, I put 95,000 miles on a 3/4 Ton Silverado CC LB, 6.0L Gasser and loved it... but now I want to try my hand at Fords
The one that has my attention thusfar is a 04 F-350 XLT CCLB, V-10 4x4. Obviously you dont buy a full size truck for the gas mileage, but My question I have is whether or not there was much of a noticeable difference in mpg between the Automatic and 6-Speed 6.8L V10?? I know the 6.8 is very thirsty, but does the 6spd manual make a difference??
I know its apples and oranges, but I had a Trans Am WS6 with a 6spd, and I got A LOT better mpg than my buddy with an auto, Same exact car and mods, and I continuously got 28-30 on highway and he got 20-22
The one that has my attention thusfar is a 04 F-350 XLT CCLB, V-10 4x4. Obviously you dont buy a full size truck for the gas mileage, but My question I have is whether or not there was much of a noticeable difference in mpg between the Automatic and 6-Speed 6.8L V10?? I know the 6.8 is very thirsty, but does the 6spd manual make a difference??
I know its apples and oranges, but I had a Trans Am WS6 with a 6spd, and I got A LOT better mpg than my buddy with an auto, Same exact car and mods, and I continuously got 28-30 on highway and he got 20-22
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I've owned two different 3V V10s both of which had the same gearing and tire size. The Supercab 6 speed truck may have done slightly better in town than the Supercrew Auto but the difference is minimal at best. Probably less than .5-1 mpg. I mostly prefer a manual transmission in any vehicle but I have found towing to be more comfortable with an auto especially when backing up with a trailer in tow. In my 6 speed truck I used a switch to kill power to the vacuum hubs so that I could use the transfer case in low range without engaging the front wheels. Made backing up much easier.
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I dont necessarily need the power, but I work for a construction company so i need a nice full size. My boss has a 00 7.3L, so any really heavy hauling needed, he can always do. But if for some reason, I need to be able to locally tow a 10,000# enclosed trailer that holds all my tools/supplies. Im in a rut on which one to go for. both have clean titles, no accidents and are in great condition. I will be using it 5 days a week (low mileage though) The 2 I have narrowed it down to are
a 03 F250 XLT SC LB with the 5.4L Automatic, 69K Miles for $13,900
and a 04 F350 XLT CC LB with the 6.8L 6-Speed manual, 62k Miles for $13,000
Is the less expensive, less miles, 350 worth buying despite the worse gas mileage??
a 03 F250 XLT SC LB with the 5.4L Automatic, 69K Miles for $13,900
and a 04 F350 XLT CC LB with the 6.8L 6-Speed manual, 62k Miles for $13,000
Is the less expensive, less miles, 350 worth buying despite the worse gas mileage??
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I was very disappointed with the performance of my '04 F150 with the 3V 5.4 that had the 4 speed auto so I could not recommend a F250 with a 2V 5.4. The difference in economy would in no way draw ME towards that 5.4, I would not even consider it. I doubt that 5.4 is going to pay you back that $900 very quickly and you will be stuck in a smaller cab while you're at it.
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I havent driven the 6.8 yet, so once I go out and see it in person, i will be able to make my choice. I was definitely leaning toward that one anyway, a year newer, cheaper, more power, 350 suspension, manual trans, and full 4-Door... how can you go wrong??
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From: Plover, WI
Only real difference between a 250 n 350 are the rear blocks, no joke. But all the other points are spot on. 6 speed V10, I'm already jealous.
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My only complaints with the six speed are:
The shifter will be pretty stiff between gears when its really cold outside, at least with my new one it was.
The gear spacing between 2nd and 3rd gears is a little wider than it should be, IMHO. 3rd and 4th a little closer than needed.
Neither one of these complaints are enough to keep a person away from the manual trans, though.
The shifter will be pretty stiff between gears when its really cold outside, at least with my new one it was.
The gear spacing between 2nd and 3rd gears is a little wider than it should be, IMHO. 3rd and 4th a little closer than needed.
Neither one of these complaints are enough to keep a person away from the manual trans, though.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Jessup, PA
My only complaints with the six speed are:
The shifter will be pretty stiff between gears when its really cold outside, at least with my new one it was.
The gear spacing between 2nd and 3rd gears is a little wider than it should be, IMHO. 3rd and 4th a little closer than needed.
Neither one of these complaints are enough to keep a person away from the manual trans, though.
The shifter will be pretty stiff between gears when its really cold outside, at least with my new one it was.
The gear spacing between 2nd and 3rd gears is a little wider than it should be, IMHO. 3rd and 4th a little closer than needed.
Neither one of these complaints are enough to keep a person away from the manual trans, though.
The shifter does get stiff when cold, but it is better than my '79 was with the New Process 4spd.
I agree that 2nd and 3rd are a little wide especially for city driving, but with 3rd being closer to 4th that enables the truck to be down shifted to 3rd at pretty fast highway speeds and put some good power to the ground and leave it there while not being real close to redline.
So I guess it's a bit of a trade off and maybe 1 more gear would be ideal.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
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I'd go with the 350. If you're contractor you want all the legal capabilities/capacities of the 350. Eventhough the 250/350 are almost identical the 350 has more legal capacity. V10 is the way to go. I had an ext cab 06 5.4 and my current Crew Cab 08 350 DRW with the V10 and only get about 1-1.5 mpg less than the 5.4 but much more usable power. Not bad considering the 350 has more cab and dual rear wheels that eat fuel. With regards to the stick vs. auto, I used to be the "all I drive is a stick shift" type of person until I started to tow trailers a lot. It's just easier. If I had a vehicle that I used just for fun then I would look for a stick shift.
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I wouldn't be doing much towing at all since my boss handles the trailer... so since trailering isn't too much of an issue, I think a 6spd manny would be nice, Id just love to be in full control of all that power haha
I'm gonna try and make it out to check out the 6.8 in the next couple days and tear it up a little and see how she handles
I'm gonna try and make it out to check out the 6.8 in the next couple days and tear it up a little and see how she handles
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