'99 v10
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Home Base Nebraska
First I would post in the V10 forum, just scroll on down on the main page. The 99 was the only year that the SD had the lower HP V10 before they went to the PI heads. It was also the worst year for plugs blowing out because of the way they were installed at the factory. If the truck has 3.73 rear end gears it will be lacking in performance compared to one that has 4.10 or 4.30 gears that are a better match for the V10. If it was well maintained it should still be a good motor with 160K on it.
Denny
Denny
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 257
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From: Ceres, CA
I have the 99 SD SC 4x4 with the V10 and it is my daily driver as well. I'm at almost 270K on th OD. There are some on this site turning 300-400K on their V10s.
I test drove one that had the 5.4 and I felt it was way under powered for such a big truck. The V10 pulls the 250 like the 5.4 pulls a 150. Biggest issue is keep up on the maintenance and if you change the plugs yourself or have someone do them make sure that a torque wrench is used and there shouldn't be any problem.
Rear end gearing is a big thing on how these trucks feel as well. Brings the RPMs up to wher ethe V10 likes it. I have the 430LS with 285/75/15 tires. It tows good and rides good.
As also stated the 99 is the lowest HP of the V10. The head and intake design restricts air flow but with the addition of a 5-star tune and I don't notice it.
I test drove one that had the 5.4 and I felt it was way under powered for such a big truck. The V10 pulls the 250 like the 5.4 pulls a 150. Biggest issue is keep up on the maintenance and if you change the plugs yourself or have someone do them make sure that a torque wrench is used and there shouldn't be any problem.
Rear end gearing is a big thing on how these trucks feel as well. Brings the RPMs up to wher ethe V10 likes it. I have the 430LS with 285/75/15 tires. It tows good and rides good.
As also stated the 99 is the lowest HP of the V10. The head and intake design restricts air flow but with the addition of a 5-star tune and I don't notice it.
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Side note, expect 10 mpg empty.
I have pulled 8k before with my 5.4l with no issues what so ever. Most iv pulled was 12k. You could deffinately feal the weight slowing the truck down but it did it no problem.
Surely the all mighty v10 will suit you well for sure.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Simpsonville, SC
A friend of mine just bought an 03 F350 v10 with 200k - threw some money into it to make sure all was good. Inspected by mechanic and did some ball joint work, replaced trans fluid / oil and some other various things. Spent about $500 after purchase I think. Then towed his "toolbox" work truck (OBS F250) a bunch of stuff and entire family out to SC from CA. Not a hiccup (trailer tires were a different story)...
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,080
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From: Backwoods of Snowflake AZ
We got a 2002 F250 4x4 V10 crew cab with 133,000 miles one of my favorite trucks. Does everything we use it for. I love it. It gets fair gas mileage we are getting 17.5 but our truck is slightly modified.
Trav
Trav
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