Didn't mean to repost

 

I know this isn't exactly the same but when I put a leveling kit in my 2wd twin I beam 96 F150 it's was absolute hell to align. And it ate the outside edge of my tires so fast. There are pivot points in the middle of the axle that create all the issues. Hurt it? Not a chance. Eat tires, probably.

 

What if I had it alligned after I lifted it
Would I still have trouble with tires

 

That suspension was known for eating tires. I think when the suspension components are new things are ok. But once a spring/shock starts sagging a little the arm moves and throws it all off. Anything can lose alignment but those were tricky. IIRC I remember Superlift making a special steering system to help with that suspension. Seriously if you really want to lift a truck save your money for a solid axle or find a 350 in that style as it will have the solid axle. Just easier to lift.

 

How much does the full kit from superlift cost

 

Hello I'm looking at 2 trucks. Both have the exact same 245k on the odometer. One is a 1999 F250 Extended Cab with a 7.3 diesel... the other is a 2001 Crew Cab with the V10. I've heard the diesels can last forever. Would you recommend that I steer clear of the V10 with the same miles? They both appear to be in very good shape. But obviously concerned about the miles. And both could be had for a similar price. Please advise!

Thanks!

 

Miles doesnt mean anything, maintenance does.

 

So is the reason that 7.3 have greater resale value strictly because of their gas mileage? I thought the diesel engines are supposed to last longer as well?

I would primarily be using it for around town use (for family) and then, perhaps once a day I would have two 800 lb motorcycles on it for some local dealer to dealer transports.

 

Exactly, I wouldn't worry about the mileage on either motor but I would be concerned with the rest of the truck. Remember a repair on a diesel will cost nearly double that of a gasser. What do you plan on using the truck for? I hope im not opening another can of worms!

I would say V10 for you, diesels do not like puttering around town, they need to be worked and driven at least 10 miles one way to just get the engine up to operating temp. The reason the 7.3 has such a high resale value is because they were arguably the last good, reliable diesel to go in a Ford. A 7.3 will go 500,000+ miles if properly maintained, Most repairs can be made with the average tool set on a weekend. No need to spend big money at the dealer for diesel work. There are a few million mile 7.3's out there. There is a few V10's with close to 300,000 miles on them on this site.

 

Thanks so much. Some would be just around town. But some travel would also be 15-20 mile runs with a couple of heavy motorcycles in the back. In August I'll be using the truck as a roadside assistance rescue vehicle (driving from Denver to Sturgis) and loading heavy motorcycles in the back once i get there.

So I would say an even mix of local and longer highway runs with as much as 1,000 to 2,000 lbs in back (2 full size bikes + the motorcycle loader).

I was also concerned about the gas mileage of the V10. That and you seem to hear about the 7.3's with more miles on the odometer... so thought it was more bullet proof... hence I was LESS concerned about buying a diesel with 244k on the odometer (because according to one post... I might be able to get 500k miles out of it) vs potentially only getting 300k miles on a V10 that already had 245k.

The V10 is a beautiful truck and offers more versatility than the also beautiful extended cab diesel... but just didn't want to be perhaps looking for a new gas engine or rebuild in 50,000 miles. But if I were to need a rebuild engine for the gasser... what might that run me when I need it?

Thanks a bunch in advance. Great community of Ford Owners here!

 

Sounds like nothing less than a f-650 would do this job for you.




LOL



JK

 

An F-150 with the base V-6 engine would work fine. You don't need a diesel or a Super Duty to haul 1600 pounds.

 

Redford has a point ... but to answer the original question:

Assuming both trucks have been maintained, I'd go with the v10. I own the 7.3 and if I were to do it all over again I'd think about the v10, and this is coming from a guy who tows a 10k 5er a couple times a year.

My truck either sits in the driveway, tows the camper a few times a year, goes to Lowes or I take it sometimes on the 8 miles commute. I cringe when I drive it on short trips and it doesn't get a warmup. With the diesel, you have to be mindful about SCA additive to the coolant, 4 gallon oil changes and a number of other things I've just gotten used to over the years.

Don't get me wrong I really enjoy it but with what has happened emissions-wise to diesels and all the complexity I think my next SD will have the 6.2 gas.

It's true that the diesel will return better fuel mileage, but I think if you compare cost of ownership the v10 is competitive. And it will be quieter than the diesel

Also I would think that because of the market you'd have more negotiating room with the v10.

Just give it a good inspection and find out as much as you can about the maintenance. Don't forget about the tranny. There was something about a mechanical diode in the 2001 trucks but I don't know if that was just in the diesels.

 

I agree with everything on this page. Redford does have a great point! A nice ecoboost would suit you very well.

 

IMO short trips aren't really an issue when it's 80+ oitside. My 7.3 sees most if its driving in the summer, pulling a car trailer or my 14' enclosed. I try to avoid short trips as much as possible. A Dino oil change on a 7.3 is about 85.00, synthetic is almost 150.00. I change mine every 3k, I do take short trips in the winter months but when I do I almost never shut it off while running around. You'll be happier with a gasser, a SD is overkill for what you want/need but if you want one, buy one. V10, expect 9-11 mpg avg mileage.