Which Truck?
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Which Truck?
So probably not the best first thread of all time but I need some opinions. Tomorrow I'm buying one of two trucks. 2002 f250 5.4 auto 4x4 100k clean as a whistle or 2002 f350 diesel 6spd 250k pretty clean. I will be driving this truck maybe once a week, hauling trash from jobs, and towing skid loader maybe 10 times a year. After having hot rodded 7.3's and recently a duramax I know that the 7.3 will have more maintenance costs but will tow better. I don't want to add any performance parts just a reliable truck that will get me where I need to go and can haul 10k lbs every once in a while. any suggestions? How does the 5.4 tow heavy loads and how reliable is the automatic? thanks
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Hello mdredneck and welcome to FTE.
I tow 10k+ with my 5.4L on occasion, but most of the time the trailer load is under 9k. I love my truck, but the 5.4L is not for everyone.
The 2002 isn't as powerful as the 2005+ engine, plus the automatic transmission was a 4 speed. 2005+ trucks got a better 5 speed with a deeper first gear.
A 7.3L with a manual transmission is hard to beat when it comes to general reliability and overall versatility.
I tow 10k+ with my 5.4L on occasion, but most of the time the trailer load is under 9k. I love my truck, but the 5.4L is not for everyone.
The 2002 isn't as powerful as the 2005+ engine, plus the automatic transmission was a 4 speed. 2005+ trucks got a better 5 speed with a deeper first gear.
A 7.3L with a manual transmission is hard to beat when it comes to general reliability and overall versatility.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
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From: Forest lake minnesota
Both are going to be good trucks but for what you are doing I think the 5.4 would be the best fit, I tow 10,000 pounds with mine all summer long and it never misses a beat or complains.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
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From: Forest lake minnesota
As you can see the gas vs diesel has already begun, Drive them both and pick the one you like best. You are not going to get an unbiased opinion on this subject so get what you like and enjoy..
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Yea the only way Im getting another 7.3 is with manual trans. Im not spending another 6k on a built trans. The only thing that worries me about the 7.3 is the guy said he hasn't really replaced anything in the past few years which means as soon as I buy it water pump goes, hpop leaks, ipr, cps, ball joints, injectors.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 740
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Actually mine is bases on high miles on a ****ty automatic. If the 5.4 was a stick I would have gotten my vote.
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I figured that may happen but I understand the benefits and pitfall of each truck , just trying to get opinions for my situation and what I need it for. Main concerns right now being maintenance cost, reliability and the occasional heavy tow.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
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From: Forest lake minnesota
Put a 6.0 cooler on the 4r100 and a temp gauge and I think the trans is just fine, I have 170,000 on mine and the only thing I use it for is to pull the fifth and has done it flawlessly for 5 years. Now put it behind a hopped up 7.3 and your right it probably wont live long...
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 740
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Put a 6.0 cooler on the 4r100 and a temp gauge and I think the trans is just fine, I have 170,000 on mine and the only thing I use it for is to pull the fifth and has done it flawlessly for 5 years. Now put it behind pa hopped up 7.3 and your right it probably wont live long...
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 13
From: Forest lake minnesota
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 13
From: Forest lake minnesota
Short of neglect no Issues and like I said add a 6.0 cooler and pull away..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
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From: Upstate NY
I've had a truck with a 4.6. a 5.4 and a V10 and now a 6.7 diesel. Every one of them was a good one tho am still on a learning curve with the diesel. The gassers - absolutely zero problems, in fact they never had anything but routine maintenance. The gasses all pulled whatever travel trailer that I had at the time well though the V10 gasped a bit on long steep hills with 12K behind it. The diesel pulling the same trailer as the V10 does it so much easier. I guess what I'm saying is that you have to look at what your needs are now and what they will be in the forseeable future then go with what is the best to fill them. IMO, those miles on that 7.3 wont hurt the basic engine, but everything else on the truck will be suspect but will cost a bunch more to fix then the 5.4 plus with that gasser, even a decent corner garage or even you, if handy with a set of tools, can do most of those repairs.
We can give you food for thought, it's you that has to go with what's the best for your needs
We can give you food for thought, it's you that has to go with what's the best for your needs