Engine and Axle combination???
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: New York
Engine and Axle combination???
What Engine and Axle combination for a F-350 should I get??? Please keep in mind it will be a daily driver so I want good fuel mileage. Also, I may never have any towing/hauling applications. I just happen to like big trucks. PLEASE help!!! Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 212
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From: Easton PA
For your purposes go with either the V8 or the V10, preferrably the V10. The gassers would be a better choice since you will almost never haul anything and it will be less money to buy one initially and for maintenance. It will take over 100,000 miles for you to make up the difference in MPG if you were to buy a diesel, although the diesel is easier to mod. Get a SRW since you wont be doing any heavy hauling. If you get a gasser, go with the highest rear end ratio you can get (4.30s preferrably).
Gary
Gary
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 212
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From: Easton PA
Then I would have to say go for the V10. There is alot of weight to be moved around in these SDs and the V8, although very sufficient in the F150, struggles a little bit to move the mass of the SDs. The V10 will get either the same MPG as a V8 or 1-2 MPG less, and the V10 will get 12 when fully broken in. If you definitely decide to get the V10, try to get one with 4.30 rears as these are the best gears for the V10. For a $600 option over the V8, you will be very happy with your choice as they are very quiet and yet can shred the tires off of the truck when the power is needed. Go for the V10 and don't look back.
Gary
P.S.: There is a thread a couple pages back that was a poll on whether people should either get the V8 or a V10. Check it out.
Gary
P.S.: There is a thread a couple pages back that was a poll on whether people should either get the V8 or a V10. Check it out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,332
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From: Baltimore
4.30 gears are good if you tow and want grunt. If you want a daily driver and are concerned about fuel economy 3.73 is a better choice. Test drive the 5.4 and 6.8 before you buy. Get a seat of the pants feel which would best suit your way of driving. After all it is a decision you will have to live with once you make your purchase. I think they use the new 5.4 three valve engine in the SD which is advertised as giving more hp and better fuel economy. JMO
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 212
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From: Easton PA
Originally Posted by slc10844
4.30 gears are good if you tow and want grunt. If you want a daily driver and are concerned about fuel economy 3.73 is a better choice. Test drive the 5.4 and 6.8 before you buy. Get a seat of the pants feel which would best suit your way of driving. After all it is a decision you will have to live with once you make your purchase. I think they use the new 5.4 three valve engine in the SD which is advertised as giving more hp and better fuel economy. JMO
Gary
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
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From: Phenix City, AL
The new trucks do not have 3.73 as an option, only in the diesels.
For a daily driver, the 4.10's would be a good choice. Also the 3V V8 has plenty of snot for what he is describing. The V10, be it my choice, really won't be needed for just doing some daily driving. BUT, you may want consider future uses (i.e. towing / hauling). But if you don't expect to do this, the V8 will do you just fine.
If you get an 99-04 SD, then definitely get the V10 and 4.10's That is you best economy range for gears and the V10 does much better than the 2V V8.
BFR
For a daily driver, the 4.10's would be a good choice. Also the 3V V8 has plenty of snot for what he is describing. The V10, be it my choice, really won't be needed for just doing some daily driving. BUT, you may want consider future uses (i.e. towing / hauling). But if you don't expect to do this, the V8 will do you just fine.
If you get an 99-04 SD, then definitely get the V10 and 4.10's That is you best economy range for gears and the V10 does much better than the 2V V8.
BFR
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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As for best combo, it depends on how you use the truck. That's why the options exist.
Are you considering a 4x4 or a 4x2?
Are you going to put larger diamater tires on?
For a daily driver, what kind of roads? Stop and go or highway?
Your needs will vary from others. I have a 4x4 with the 7.3 in it w/ 3.73s. Most of what this thing does is highway. My driveway is off of a 4lane divided road, and it's 12 miles to the nearest traffic light. 3.50s would be better for me, but not even an option.
Are you considering a 4x4 or a 4x2?
Are you going to put larger diamater tires on?
For a daily driver, what kind of roads? Stop and go or highway?
Your needs will vary from others. I have a 4x4 with the 7.3 in it w/ 3.73s. Most of what this thing does is highway. My driveway is off of a 4lane divided road, and it's 12 miles to the nearest traffic light. 3.50s would be better for me, but not even an option.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,857
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From: Northern CA
If you're not towing or loading the rig much you really don't need a F350 either. A F250 is virtually identical. Also, before you blow off the 5.4 with the tall gears, take one for a test drive first. I've got the old 2V 5.4 and 3.73's. It is NO dog! Its a CC 4X too. I don't care what anybody says. Sure it'd be nice to have a V10, if you need it.
gw
gw