First off, I am brand new here (about 20 minutes ago ) Currently I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.7 Hemi. She's had some serious mechanical issues over the years and I'm not so confident in her holding up another 10k...haven't even broke 70K yet.

Been looking at newer used vehicles...and I'm really thinking Ford. I had 91 Ranger in high school and I tried to kill that thing...simply couldn't. My Dodge on the other hand, well I never ran it hard and next thing you know...rocker arms are going through valve covers and you suddenly went from 8 cylinders to 4 working.

I am not a fan of the 1/2 ton pickups...don't know why...just not.

Right now I'm looking at an 08 F350 with 42K...it has 5.4. I don't tow anything but a quad in the bed. I have looked at getting diesel (no practical reason just really want one), but I can't justify the price. I also have my eye on 08 F250 with V10 and 23k on it. Both vehicles are listed for $29K. The F350 is crew, standard bed. The F250 is crew, long bed. I recently have been bitten by the long bed bug but a standard length bed is not a deal breaker. Also, this will be my daily driver and family vehicle. Only problem is I live on an Island...the F350 is here and I can look it over...the F250 is off Island on the Main Land...I can't look at unless I take a plane (several hundred dollars for me and fam) and then I would have to ship back to the island (now were talking thousands).

So Finally...to my questions.

1. Should I go with the F350 with the 5.4. Again, I'm not towing anything?

2. Or should I spend the extra cash, and get the V10?

 

If you "just really want one" regarding a diesel then save your dough and get one. I did not like my 5.4 and love my V10. Seriously, if your going to drop some money on a newer truck (which from what you have said is true) save up and get the truck you want. All you'll do is say "I should've gotten a diesel" after you purchase the gas truck.

Why do you want a diesel? Power? Being able to tune it? Cool factor? MPG?

If it has anything to do with the power factor skip the 5.4. Find a couple trucks on the island with the gas and diesel motors. Test drive them and form your own opinion of what you want. Have patience since you really have no real need to for a truck quickly. Investigate all options then decide.

 

Oh yea welcome to FTE!!!!

 

you out here in Hawaii? or Guam?

if so, shipping is only $1,025 from Cali/Washington. Takes about 3 weeks. Been there twice since I got here on OAHU


What are the truck specs? XL, XLT, Lariat

Take that into consideration as well. If that 5.4 truck is a higher trim model, you might be happier with it than say a XLT you have to fly and buy. The 5.4 isn't exactly a rocket ship, but it'll get the job done. My Expy EL weighed almost 7,000 lbs and the 5.4 3v in it was just fine.

 

Welcome to FTE.

I would seriously reconsider the diesel idea unless you had a need for it. They are simply way more expensive to maintain and repair than most who don't know think. Thus, possibly leaving you with a bad taste in mouth as a lot of the '08 and up diesels require the dealer for many repairs. Both the 5.4 & 6.8(V10) are very reliable and the V10 has plenty of power to tow most of what you're going to throw at it. Good luck.

 

if you really want a diesel then get it. but keep in mind its a more expensive truck to own, fuel and maintenance. a buddy of mine want a diesel but got a gasser he regretted that decision for a long time. with that being said it dont sound like there is any need for a diesel. its all up to you we will be here for you either way. welcome to fte!

 

Welcome! First off, don't be afraid of the 5.4, especially if you're not towing anything. It will handle your quad just fine. It will be about the same power wise as your Dodge so if you're happy w/ it's power (when it's running on 8cyl ) you'll be fine.

Get whatever makes you happy and you can afford, but don't let anyone talk you out of a 5.4 b/c it doesn't make the power a v10 or diesel does. Truth be told unless you're towing/hauling a lot you just don't need it. Now want is a different matter - but that's where the budget comes into play.

 

This is true. If not towing heavy the 5.4 serves very well. Hooking over 8k to the truck made it a little less than desirable for ME, others may feel different. V10 has more fun factor and when bought new was only a $600 option. Not bad considering you will never get that kind of power out of a 5.4 with $600 in mods.

So seeing that you're willing to spend the money for a newer truck get what you want (motor, trim level, 4wd or 2wd, etc...). Those payments will be worse when it's not what you really wanted. If you were only spending $5k then much of this wouldn't matter as your options would be limited.

So figure out what you'd like and then have the patience to find it. I watched my current truck for 7 months before I bought it. It was way overpriced to start but dropped thousands over those months. I didn't plan to buy but couldnt pass it up. But it was a short bed dually which is a little less desirable for most of the dually crowd.

Good luck in the search!

 

I would also find out what gears are in both trucks. 4.10 or 4.30 would be ideal but if either one has the 3.73 I would not consider it. Both trucks would have plenty of power for you with the right gears in it.

 

Again, if you're not towing - gears aren't a big deal IMO. Actually the 3.73's are probably better if you're not towing as you should get slightly better mileage.

I've got 3.73's in my truck and it does just fine towing 6-7,000lbs, but that's on the flatlands of Kansas. Any more weight or more hills and I'd probably want better gears.

 

IMO, if whether you tow or not, get the V10, you'll much happier with it as it'll be able to get out of it's own way and then some.

The V10 vs. 5.4 comparison is like 4wd on a truck: you'd much rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I didn't need a diesel truck when I got my Excursion, but over time and the siutations I've run into, I'm sure glad I got it. Between towing loads, long distance drives, and whatever I throw at it, it just keeps going and never breaks down (knock on wood).

Same situation, you may not need the power of the V10, but don't sell yourself short and get the 5.4. Buy something you can grow into, rather than something that's just right.

 

Add me to the 'get the V10' list.

 

If the truck with the 5.4 is near you, go take it for a test drive. You might love it, or you might hate it.

I think a lot of the people saying to avoid the 5.4 are basing their opinion on experience with the older 5.4s. The newer 3V 5.4 with the 5R110 TorqShift transmission is a completely different animal than the old 2V with the 4R100.

I have the 3V 5.4 with 3.73 gears in my truck and I absolutely love it. To be honest, I am really surprised at how quick it can get up and go if I want it to, especially considering this is a truck that weighs over 7,000 lbs.

 

Made a mistake in the year for the F350 with 5.4...it's a 2010 not 2008. I scheduled a test drive for it tomorrow to see how the 5.4 compares to my hemi...and loan is approved. The truck trim is definitely nicer than my Ram. Thanks for your advice guys. Maybe tomorrow night i'll be holding keys to Ford!

 

Welcome to FTE.

I'd go with the 5.4 if I were in your boat. The extra power of the V10 is nice but not worth an extra $2K. Not to mention the truck with the 5.4 is newer. The 5.4 will do way more than most here think. I've seen it first hand. My buddy has done a ton of things with his. He does hate the 3.73 gears though, so as mentioned keep an eye on that. Good luck.