Need experiential help!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Need experiential help!
I want to purchase a used 2001/2002 F250 with a 5.4L gas. I want to tow, occasionally (<10 times per year and no greater than 150 miles one way) and/or a TT (5K weight) up to 800 miles one way <2 times per year).
Upon reading comments I'm getting nervous about this combo. Do I want to upgrade to a diesel? If so, 6.0 okay? I've been told that diesel's are not reliable and very expensive to fix.
Please give me some advice before I make a mistake.
Thanks.
Don
P.S. If anyone wants to call me I can be reached on (561) 968-9330. Thanks again.
Upon reading comments I'm getting nervous about this combo. Do I want to upgrade to a diesel? If so, 6.0 okay? I've been told that diesel's are not reliable and very expensive to fix.
Please give me some advice before I make a mistake.
Thanks.
Don
P.S. If anyone wants to call me I can be reached on (561) 968-9330. Thanks again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Need experiential help!
Don-
Don't sweat it. A 250 with 5.4 and auto transmission is rated to tow anywhere between 7100 and 9300 lbs, depending on body style and axle ratio. For the number of times you'll be towing, and the weight, the 5.4 is a good choice. You could go with the V10 if you want a little more power, but gas mileage will be less. I think the diesel would be a waste of money for you. It's a lot more expensive to buy upfront, more to maintain, more expensive to repair, and you're always on the lookout for fuel. Unless you're towing all the time, I'd go with the 5.4.
Don't sweat it. A 250 with 5.4 and auto transmission is rated to tow anywhere between 7100 and 9300 lbs, depending on body style and axle ratio. For the number of times you'll be towing, and the weight, the 5.4 is a good choice. You could go with the V10 if you want a little more power, but gas mileage will be less. I think the diesel would be a waste of money for you. It's a lot more expensive to buy upfront, more to maintain, more expensive to repair, and you're always on the lookout for fuel. Unless you're towing all the time, I'd go with the 5.4.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Need experiential help!
My brother has a 97 f150 4.6 he drives that truck to death.
pulls all kinds a stuff and it keeps goin.
A little softer suspension and lower but still a good truck esp with the 5.4
pulls all kinds a stuff and it keeps goin.
A little softer suspension and lower but still a good truck esp with the 5.4
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Need experiential help!
yes a 5.4L would proably work but you would have a lot more power with a diesel. you guys are all talking bad about diesels and its not true with a diesel you well get a lot better fuel economy than the v-8 or v-10and as far as more maintance I don't know what your talking about I had a 1999 f-250 with 60000 miles on it when I traded it in and had a powerstroke and I only went In for warrenty on a injector. remeber the powerstroke warrenty is 5 years 0r 100,000 miles. Yes I have a friend who has a 6.0L powerstroke and has had a few problems but ford didn't change to the 6 liter until mid production 2003 so there are 2003 7.3L powerstrokes out there like mine. I my opinion if you can afford a diesel than I'd get that
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 1
From: Central Illinois
Need experiential help!
Originally posted by RdBaron03
...with a diesel you well get a lot better fuel economy than the v-8 or v-10and as far as more maintance I don't know what your talking about I had a 1999 f-250 with 60000 miles on it when I traded it in and had a powerstroke and I only went In for warrenty on a injector...
...with a diesel you well get a lot better fuel economy than the v-8 or v-10and as far as more maintance I don't know what your talking about I had a 1999 f-250 with 60000 miles on it when I traded it in and had a powerstroke and I only went In for warrenty on a injector...
Matt
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 3
From: CT
Need experiential help!
"...with a diesel you well get a lot better fuel economy than the v-8 or v-10"
I'll disagree -
My 7.3L powerstroke gets 13.6 MPG, WITH the chip.
I think thats terrible for a diesel.
Just my .02 Centz.
Mike
I'll disagree -
My 7.3L powerstroke gets 13.6 MPG, WITH the chip.
I think thats terrible for a diesel.
Just my .02 Centz.
Mike
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: NE TX
Need experiential help!
The 5.4 has more power than the old 5.8 and I love 5.8 trucks. The gas vs. diesel war will wage forever or at least until there is a greater prive difference per gallon. I prefer the smallblock because I don't tow very often. My fuel bill is less than if I had a bigblock/V10. I would like more power at times but I can pull a heavy load and go fast enough to break the speed limit. All is personal preference. I don't want to drive a $40K rig. If I could afford the fuel I'd drive the V10. If I had to tow constantly, or tow in hilly/stop and go conditions, I'd take the diesel. I drive diesel equip. and big trucks all day at work too. The 5.4 will suit him for light towing. It's cheaper so he can get a nicer or newer truck for the same money as a diesel. And I do have a 7.3 PS 2002. It's already eat one ZF S6 at 50K mi. Why do they have to "upgrade" trans for diesel trucks every year? Too much low end torque for a pickup or using small trans designed for gas applications. I'd like a 13 sp. RoadRanger in my PS. Also, I prefer the F250 for larger brakes. 5.4 F150 has enough power if you have trailer brakes and a proper hitch.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Need experiential help!
Originally posted by dkauts
How about a F150 with the 5.4? Your thoughts please.
Don
How about a F150 with the 5.4? Your thoughts please.
Don
Guess the salesman forgot to tell him THAT part.......
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Need experiential help!
Thanks for all the fine info. Based on your info I'll be able to make a decision based on data now. My buddy is an agent, so depending on the delta between the 150 and 250, I'll make my choice based on that. I'll stick to gas however in either case.
Don
Don