Howdy -

I've been mulling over a new truck purchase for a few years. I've owned a Dodge (but never will ever again) - I like the way GM 2500HDs look (but I cant bring myself to do it) so I have decided that I'm going to buy a Ford.

I have also decided that I have no interest in a diesel pickup, so gas it is. That decision helped me narrow it down to a 3v V10, but I've been doing some research and found a few dissuading posts about the build quality of the 2008-2010 SD trucks.

I want something 2008 and up mostly because of creature comforts in the interior as well as appearance. I would be doing road trips towing fairly often with the vehicle so (relative) comfort is a concern. I would love to know about the build quality between 2008-2010 and 2011-2016 generations SDs. I'm interested in front end durability, interior quality, ride comfort (empty and loaded) 6.8 vs 6.2, etc. I truly love the way the 2008-2010s look, but I'm trying to buy a truck to get me through the next 10 years and would love to get it right.

Thanks in advance!

Philip

 

Ford's Triton V10 is the largest gas engine available in any make or model.
It is powerful, but also has an appetite to drink.
It screams when power is needed.. You might think it is going to blow any second.
If you need power, go with the Triton V10.

Buy a Chevy truck to go to church... Buy a Ford SD for work.
You won't see many farm or ranch working trucks that are Chevy..

 

Look for a 2009/10 model V10 truck, depending on your needs go f350 for the extra capacity. I'd personally without a second thought look for one with at minimum 4.10 gears, if you find one with 4.30 years GRAB IT

 

More so this vs a 2011 with a 6.2? I thinj that V10 has about 50 more lb-ft of torque.

 

How often will you be driving it?

Most of the issues with 2008-2010 were related to the 6.4 Diesel.

The 05+ Suspenions are coil sprung, and the 08+ had longer rear leaf springs for a better ride.

 

a super duty and ride quantity. really ??? a 250/350.. is a work truck... a nice ride is not a work truck...

my 2012 Gas 6.2L"XL" is a work horse.. and I carry heavy and Tow heavier....

just did 1,900 miles in 2 1/2 days ( with Wife ). arrived last night.. towing HEAVY.... and my truck has 162,000 miles.. a great truck. in 100 degree weather.
will return in 2 days empty..
and will ship out again for the 1,900 miles towing at Max tow numbers.... over 2,000 pounds in bed of truck and Towing 10,000 or more of trailer..
my truck has the door tag ... of 19,000 pounds... = truck, cargo, trailer, fuel and passengers.. strongest springs and both large anti-sway bars (factory).
( have done this in both directions.. the past 3 years... Winter Texans..

I do not do this WORK.. I am moving to stay this time , the 1,900 miles.. for the last this time..
read my signature

 

I believe that all the 3rd gen SDs (gas or diesel) got the 6R140 TorqShift six speed transmission. IMHO...that's a real nice transmission upgrade over the gen 2 SDs and I'm really impressed on how well the 6R140 works with the 6.2l. I would assume the same is true with the 6.8/6R140 combination although I haven't driven one.

 

Have 2012 with 6.2 and the 6spd and think it's all I'm ever going to need or want, for a F250 I think it rides great.

 

Daily. Thats great info thank you.

 

Yep, ride quality. As Bently_Coop mentioned, the 08+ trucks had longer leaf springs to soften the ride. Both GVWR's are the same. I'll take the one thats more comfortable.

 

Is it possible the 2010s got 6R140 as well? I seem to remember reading somewhere that this was the case.

 

 

With the gas engines in 08 there is that issue of the 2 piece spark plugs that break upon removal. Tons of tools designed to get these out now but something to think about. I think if the engine build date is beyond 10/07 you get the one piece plugs. I think the other way to tell is the coil boots. Black = 2 piece plugs, Brown = 1 piece plugs. Minor detail but nonetheless I think part of the conversation.

Other than having the 2 piece plugs, my 08 truck has been good so far.

If you want the 6sp auto with a V10 you need a new 2017+ Chassis Cab 450/550.

 

I'd go 11-16 6.2L. I think they drive great and the look better with the best creature comforts. I am not a fan of the 08-10 face. In the nicest way possible, the front end to me looks like it has a disability. The 6.2 is a great engine and as far as I know it has better fuel economy and a way better exhaust sound. I have heard of several exhaust leaks in the manifolds of the 3V trucks, but not with the 6.2.