Howdy guys,
I am in the market for a new to me truck. I have been looking at 2005 and older extended cab short bed F250 or 350's. 4x4 with power windows, and an auto trans. I can not spend any more than $15k. It will be replacing my 1989 BroncoII.

This truck will be my daily driver on a 40 mile commute to work every day, on county highways and a few miles of freeway, with some city close to the office. I also farm vineyard and four wheel in my broncoII so I would like to tow to the trails.

I need a heavy hauler in order to pull my tractors around on a dual axle tilt bed trailer from the shop to the farm a couple of times per month. The tractors weigh in at around 7-9000 lbs. depending on the implement I have on the back of them. So with the tongue wieght I think I need a sterling rear axle instead of an 8.8. So an F150 is out

I also dont think I need a diesel. With fuel being over $4.00 per gallon, not driving but 12-15k Miles per year, and the added maintence costs I think gas is a better option for me.

So that leaves the question..... 5.4 or 6.8???? Is the 5.4 going to give me any better milage going to work? or will it suck up just as much gas since its under powered anyway? Does the 6.8 really have as many problems as I have heard?? Do I need to worry about spark plug blow outs on either of the engines? The feeling I get around here on the 6.8 is pretty good... But I would like to get 14 mpg cruising empty. But I dont want an underpowered slug either. I already drive that.

I dont know what to do here, I only have one shot to make the right decision.

Thanks guys, Sorry for the novel.

 

Hi, maybe I can help a bit. Plus I have an 05 F-250 for sale. Of course mine is a diesel so I may not be much help at all. What I can tell you is tis was my first diesel truck and I found out later I bought the dreaded 6.0L, well it has been an excellent truck for me and I have discovered it is very typical of every other engine out there. There are good ones and bad ones, of course maintenance seems to always come up. While I do dread the oil changes, (usually about $120) if I pay someone to do it the rest of the maintenance cost isnt all that bad. What I do like is when you see a diesel with 100,000 miles it is no big deal, but a gas engine over 100,000 miles is considered at least past its half life. I also owned a 2004 ford excursion with the V-10 gas engine and it was also a great engine but sold it at 120,000 miles. I can say with the V-10 gas or the 6.0L diesel you will have plenty of towing power, shouldnt have any issues.

 

I drive a 06 F360 4X4 Crew Cab Long Bed 6.0L diesel
and I tend to get around 15-17MPG around town empty.
21.5 MPG freeway empty.
The 6.0L got a bad name. I did my research and thought that
the 6.0 was a better option for me. I will be towing some time soon
and the diesel will give you the power to haul that trailer around
and NOT spit out spark plugs.

Sean

 

If the choice is between the v8 and v10 go with the v10. It has a bit more power and very close to the same MPG. There is a common misconception about gassers not being able to tow what a diesel can tow and that gassers are shot after 100k miles both are false. If you were going to tow that load more often you may consider the diesel.

The biggest benifit is gearing. If you can find a v10 with 4.30's you got a great tow machine for your intended use. Are there many for sale in Fresno?

 

I recently bought a used 2000 Ex with a V10 6.8 with 77k on it and I am going do all the plugs here shortly, I can tell you the plugs can be an issue. I owned the same vehicle back in 2000-2004 and at 50K I shot a plug and had to have it re-coiled. The V10's are great engines overall though in my opinion, you just have to do the service.

 

I drive an '07 5.4L 4x4 (Super Cab short bed) with 3.73 gears. I tow around 8000 pounds (enclosed car hauler) on a regular basis without issue.

Get an '05 and up truck. You get a better transmission, bigger brakes, front coil springs for a better ride, a heavier frame and a 3 valve engine (more powerful).

 

I 100% agree with these guys!

 

Thanks for the info guys. There are a decent amount of these trucks for sale here in Fresno. All of the diesels are very expensive and hold their value well. The gassers are usually found for sale at a more reasonable price. I am really leaning towards the V10 but I guess it will depend on what I find in the next few weeks.
URDADDY - thanks for the offer, but as far apart as we are I don't think I whip be able to make it out to look at your rig. Good luck on the sale.

Anyone else wasn't to chime in on my decision before I make it?