Purchase????
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Delhi NY
Purchase????
Just got offered an 08 350 powerstroke for $12,000 southern truck(Alabama) I was told full size bed. 160,000 miles. Looks good in the pics I'll have to post in a min. I think that's the 6.4 turbo diesel? What do you all think. I've never owned a diesel but know they go for hundreds of thousands of miles. Is it a good price if the condition is as good as it looks?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 983
Likes: 366
Having owned two similar trucks (a 2008 and a 2010), it'd be a hard pass for me. The XL truck is a stripper model (so no redeeming interior options there), and the 6.4 PSD is a steaming pile of excrement. Do like five minutes of google searching about the 6.4 PSD before buying one.
As for good things about the truck, the transmission is a solid piece (its either a 5R110 automatics or a ZF6 manual ) and the both front and rear axles are good units (super dana 60 front and Sterling 10.5 rear), but these trucks are let down by the 6.4 PSD, hence the reason a 2002 year model truck with a 7.3 costs twice as much even though its six years older.
.
.
.
As for good things about the truck, the transmission is a solid piece (its either a 5R110 automatics or a ZF6 manual ) and the both front and rear axles are good units (super dana 60 front and Sterling 10.5 rear), but these trucks are let down by the 6.4 PSD, hence the reason a 2002 year model truck with a 7.3 costs twice as much even though its six years older.
.
.
.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,049
Likes: 1,607
I agree with the above - if you've never owned a diesel, and/or don't have a lot of cash, stay away from the 6.4. It's not a great design, and requires you to stay on top of EVERYTHING to keep it running smooth.
My dad got a good one, his is still going strong with over 200k on it and he drives it daily back and forth to work. It's rusting out though, and he's had issues with the radiator leaking basically its entire life - seems like every 50k the tanks start to leak.
My FIL got one that had gas put in it, had the motor replaced only to find out the trans was also screwed, so he had that rebuilt. He was told he was getting a Ford reman motor...turns out it was a Jasper. 13k miles later we learned it had 5 different diameter pistons when it grenaded itself just driving down the road. Ended up with a rebuild from US Engine Production, also added head studs, and never had another issue for about 50k til he got rid of it for a new truck.
That's just my personal experience with the 6.4. It CAN be a decent motor if you make long drives and don't modify it, but if you want to hot rod it or just make short trips, stay far, FAR away.
My dad got a good one, his is still going strong with over 200k on it and he drives it daily back and forth to work. It's rusting out though, and he's had issues with the radiator leaking basically its entire life - seems like every 50k the tanks start to leak.
My FIL got one that had gas put in it, had the motor replaced only to find out the trans was also screwed, so he had that rebuilt. He was told he was getting a Ford reman motor...turns out it was a Jasper. 13k miles later we learned it had 5 different diameter pistons when it grenaded itself just driving down the road. Ended up with a rebuild from US Engine Production, also added head studs, and never had another issue for about 50k til he got rid of it for a new truck.
That's just my personal experience with the 6.4. It CAN be a decent motor if you make long drives and don't modify it, but if you want to hot rod it or just make short trips, stay far, FAR away.
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
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 983
Likes: 366
.
.
.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Delhi NY
Thanks all. I've been doing some reading up on the truck and that was what I was coming to the conclusion on. Not a great choice for a diesel truck. I think I'll keep looking and stay with my 08 250 5.4 lariat for now
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,946
Likes: 4,037
When I went truck shopping I excluded everything from 2003 through 2011 due to both of the crapih engines. If you really are thinking diesel, then start with the 6.7 or find a really clean 7.3 1999-2003(early)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 983
Likes: 366
Although to be fare I would exclude 2011-2014 6.7's as well because they had that weird turbo with one exhaust wheel and two compressor wheels mounted on one shaft that just didn't work. The 2015's and newer got a more conventional turbo. But then you gotta deal with the CP4 time bomb, so nothings perfect.
.
.
.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 850
Likes: 114
From: Virginia
My thoughts exactly. My 7.3 has 256k miles and the most in-depth repair I've had to do is glow plugs. My dad has a 2011 chevy 2500 with the 6.0 gas with 280k miles. It burns a little oil but still runs strong. To the OP, as others have said, avoid the 6.4. It is probably one of the worst (if not THE worst) diesels ever put into a pickup truck.
