Diesel Convert
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 974
Likes: 11
Diesel Convert
I did it. Sold my (very dependable) 2003 Dodge Cummins and picked up a 2003 F350 V10 Lariat.
This is something I've been considering for years. I loved the Cummins but I knew it was going to need some high dollar PM in the coming years. And since it really wasn't the truck we wanted/needed for the long term -- we really wanted the full size crew for our 3 kids -- decided to get a different truck that WILL work for us for the next 10-15 years.
Truck has 83k miles and was given a clean bill of health with respect to tranny, engine, front end...pretty much everything. The interior seriously looks brand new. I have some exhaust manifold bolts that need some fixing but no big deal there. Will address over the coming winter months.
All in all, I'm VERY pleased with how it all turned out. And I'm VERY impressed with the 'new' truck and V10.
This is something I've been considering for years. I loved the Cummins but I knew it was going to need some high dollar PM in the coming years. And since it really wasn't the truck we wanted/needed for the long term -- we really wanted the full size crew for our 3 kids -- decided to get a different truck that WILL work for us for the next 10-15 years.
Truck has 83k miles and was given a clean bill of health with respect to tranny, engine, front end...pretty much everything. The interior seriously looks brand new. I have some exhaust manifold bolts that need some fixing but no big deal there. Will address over the coming winter months.
All in all, I'm VERY pleased with how it all turned out. And I'm VERY impressed with the 'new' truck and V10.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
From: Darien
Well the diesel guys will have a cow by these actions, but us V10 owners will cheer. Welcome to the club. The V10 is a great engine. Probably one of the best Ford has had in a long time. I used to love the 460 and had many of those, but what a pig in comparison.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I did it too. After the second short block in 89,000 miles, I traded off my '09 F450 6.4 diesel for a 2012 F550 V10.
I won't call myself a "convert" yet, but after 1200 miles, I do like the truck. I have only pulled with it a half dozen times, and it does seem to have a little power.
I won't call myself a "convert" yet, but after 1200 miles, I do like the truck. I have only pulled with it a half dozen times, and it does seem to have a little power.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: DFW
ill have to say I do miss my Diesel (miss the acceleration) but really like the V10. I like the cheaper maintenance etc. and it does drive nice. For my use (pulling travel trailer 6-10 times a year) its going to be great. also nice puling up to the drivethru and not having to turn it off!!!
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 619
Likes: 6
From: Steeler Country
Welcome. Look into getting headers when you fix exhaust studs. I have Hedman, but have a new set coming due to a leak issue. Read some threads on headers, y pipes and exhaust studs before you pick anything out. The 03 model is one of my favorites due to interior.Much more plush seats and rounded dash compared to newer ones.Plus the headlamps dont seem to dull like others.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 619
Likes: 6
From: Steeler Country
I have a KN filter in the stock airbox and the Hedman headers on my 03 without any tune and it runs great. Pulls well but rarely tow. I see the 5 star tune recommended alot, but unless it can gain some mpg I wouldnt need anymore power for 95 percent of my driving.
Not trying to put down tune, just dont see why its needed for some.
Not trying to put down tune, just dont see why its needed for some.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: DFW
mines an 03 excursion 4x4 V10 and the overhead says typically 10 to 10.5 in town. I have seen 9.5 in stop and go traffic. I have never hand calculated the in town driving. on the highway the best ive seen is 14.4 on a 250 mile trip all highway. I hand calculated it and it was 14.3 so the lie o meter was almost dead on.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: Elk River, MN
ill have to say I do miss my Diesel (miss the acceleration) but really like the V10. I like the cheaper maintenance etc. and it does drive nice. For my use (pulling travel trailer 6-10 times a year) its going to be great. also nice puling up to the drivethru and not having to turn it off!!!
