I'm looking at getting a CC truck to replace my 1996 regular cab truck.

My main question is how may miles can the V10 be expected to last?

I've found a truck that I really like, but it has 200,000 miles on it, which is more than I would like, but if its a no-brainer that it'll be reliable to 300,000 miles then I'd be OK with it.

 

Just depends on maintenance cycle. The engine can go 300k+ if regular maintenance has been done. Transmission? Depends on maintenance and use. The rest of the truck(suspension, steering, bushings, brakes) will require repair. The SD trucks are built to work and take abuse, even some neglect. The V10 is a proven workhorse but has its known issues, exhaust manifold studs broken, possible spark plug ejection mostly due to improper torque when replacement. There are plenty of the V10's testimonials on the site. Drive the truck, listen to engine noises and ask about maintenance. The V10 is hard to find because most people that have one do NOT want to let it go. That's a testament to their durability and workability.

 

Thanks man. That's the answer I was expecting. You're truck is exactly what I want.

 

I fell into mine and took me almost 2 months to get due to bank and dmv. It has been worth the headache. I would love to have a later model 3V V10, but no need for it. It is hard to find them. Diesels are a dime a dozen.

 

I like the 7.3, but you couldn't make me take a 6.0. The 7.3 trucks are too expensive for a CC. I've got a few friends with V10 trucks and they seem pretty happy with them.

 

Its a crapshoot with diesels. Just change oil, put gas(lots) in the V10's and drive the chit out of it.

 

Agree, agree, agree! I have a V10 in my full-size van, and I love it. And it took 4 to 6 months of shopping to find a good one.

As mentioned above, 200,000 miles is going to make your ToDo list very long, and the unknown gremlins will be even worse. But as far as the V10 versus other engines, you're in good shape. As mentioned above – a few known issues,…

My odometer currently says 255,360 miles. Overall it has been fantastic. But I'm not advocating any vehicle comparable to this. If I had the cash I would get a younger model immediately.

 

My prediction is that you're going to spend more money and time on the rest of the truck, and not so much the engine. Of course, I say that knowing absolutely nothing about it at all. But if the engine has been abused or neglected, so have all the other parts. Ball joints, calipers, U-joints, etc.

I love my 03. I've gone thru 1 blown spark plug (issue mentioned above), and I've had some brake issues as of late. Aside from that, it's been a great rig. Mine has just a shade over 112k on it right now.

 

If I still have mine in 12 months it'll be at 300,000. It will definitely get retired at that point.

 

I just got mine. 2000 with 140k miles. Here is the list of things I have done and need to do to make it 100%


-Spark Plugs and 4 COPs and 6 boots. ( had 4 cylinders misfiring when I got it. That got rid of the misfires and it probably had original plugs in it)
-PCV valve and pcv hose to throttle body. (both PCV valve and hose were bad and causing the dreaded P0171-P0174 codes.
-Fuel filter (this had been changed out before with a Wix unit. Had some chocolate milk like stuff come out of it when I removed it)
-Brake pads and flexible hoses (all four corners, the brake pedal was real iffy and you really had to put your foot into it to get it to stop with any sort of authority.)
-Coolant flush (old stuff looked like doggy diarrhea...literally)
-Oil change (just a good idea)
-U joints on rear (there are 3 on 4wd trucks. This got rid of a vibration at 50-60mph)
-Thermostat (the truck was running a little hot and this took care of that)
-Belt (one it came with as cracked beyond what is acceptable)
-Brake pressure switch (located on the master cylinder. This was causing my cruise control to not work and was leaking brake fluid. There was a Ford recall on this but the part I replaced appeared to be post recall)
-Speed sensor (located on the rear differential, this was done purely for preventative maintenance and in addition to the brake pressure switch to alleviate the cruise control problem)
-Passenger window switch (window would not go down and this is the cause I diagnosed.....and it worked
-Door lock actuators (power locks didn't work and now they do)
-Power sideview mirror (was completely broken and the power wires were broken as well. Got one from a salvage yard)
-Spare tire tools (I don't want to be stuck with a flat even if I have AAA.)
-New trailer wiring and brake controller (old ones were bad)
-Recondition the goose neck hitch (very rusted goose neck hitch had to be removed and heated to get the ball out. Since this was aftermarket it is really a moot point)
-Rebuild and lube locking hubs and replace vacuum lines (kind of optional really if you get the superior Warn Premium hubs. I wanted my auto lock hubs to work properly though)


There is definitely a few I missed. But that is was a 16 year old and 140,000 mile V10 truck will get you. Take note of how many direct engine items were on that lis10t. All were basic maintenance items. I searched for several months looking for a regular cab V10 truck specifically. I would have gotten a diesel for the right truck and right deal but only that. Since the diesels will usually be 1000-2000 more they were generally out of my price range.


During my searches I ran across V10s with 500,000 original miles on them. (according to the seller) Still I found plenty with 300,000 plus. Longevity should not be a problem if you do your part.

 

What model year are you looking at? There is different things to look for depending on the year of the truck when purchasing.

I have nothing but good things to say about the 2V V10 but if your budget allows a 3V V10 the auto transmission alone is worth it and you also get a nice torque bump at a significantly lower RPM.

Regardless of the engine it all comes down to previous maintenance.... Good maintenance and 200K I wouldn't be scared, Poor maintenance and 100K I'd walk away.

 

I'd prefer a 3V if I could find one for the right price, but I'd be happy with a nice 2V with lower miles. Probably 03+. The main things I need are a Crew Cab and 4x4.

Oh, and I am willing to drive a long distance for the right truck. I made an 8 hour one-way trip to buy the 97 in my signature. SO if you guys see anything local that I might be interested in please let me know.

 

Hey Phil, your not planing on getting rid of your OBS are you?

Well back to topic, we have the last 6.8 in the fleet with over 380k the only things done have been regular maintnace items, engine wise I wouldnt worry as long it doesnt smoke, and the exhaust is not oily, for the tranny make sure it shifts good, and the rest are up to par. These trucks were built for abuse remember that.

 

Just 1 of them Adam. I'd like to find another, but they are getting harder to find.