I am seriously looking at a 2003 SD V10 Lariat Supercab 4x4 with 3.73 gears. They are asking $24,000 and has 31,500 miles on it.

I currently have a Dadge Cummins and I hate owning a diesel....that's why I am looking at the Ford.

I have a 8,000 Pilgrim 5th wheeler that was bought last year....the CUmmins seems to pull it fine (also a 3.73) but I am a little concerned with the 3.73 gears with the V10...should I be worried???

Also, isn't the 2003 the last year for the two-valve engine?? Is this an issue???

Should I buy this guy (really nice condition) of keep looking??

Having never owned a V10, I am looking for any input that anyone has to offer...thanks iin advance.

 

Check out the V10 forum here, lots of knowledgable V10 guys to help you out:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...splay.php?f=49

2004 was last year of the 2-valve in the Superduties. 2005 was 1st year of the 3-valve. I don't think you have anything to worry about the 2003 V10, especially with only 31,500 miles on it. I honestly think they are one of the best gasoline engines Ford has ever produced.

 

2003 was a good year for the modular engines. very little if any problems. the 2v engine is still used in the vans.

 

First off, welcome to FTE and second off, check out the V10 forum down in the "engine, performance, and troubleshooting" section of this site.

As to the vehicle you are looking at, the 3.73s are the worst gears you can get for a towing machine. Your best bet would be to find a V10 with the 4.30s as that is the best combination. And as for $24,000, that may be reasonable for those miles but I am not quite sure. I have seen guys that have paid more or less for that same year so I will let someone else help you out on the price.

As to engine issues, for that year, there are none and the 2V engine was still used for the 2004 year. The 3V came out in 2005.

The biggest thing is that if you do get a V10, you can't drive it like you drive your Cummins. The V10 needs to rev to make power so let it spin; don't lug the engine.

Gary

 

KEEP LOOKING, unless you must have leather. I bought a used 2003 v-10 in late Jan: xlt sport, 4x4, crew, 66k miles. I paid $15k from a private seller who was motivated. I shopped around for about 4-6 months and drove a hard bargain, but still that asking price seems a little high. I was not looking for the Leather package, but I saw pleanty of well equipped v-10s for around 20k or less, here in KY, it may be different in your region.
I love everything about the truck I but the 3.73s. I dont tow a 5th, just a regular trailer which it does ok with. However, I do live on a long hill. which is kinda of steep in a couple of places. Even if 4 wheel low I have to ride the brakes coming off the hill. I honestly believe my wifes 4 runner with 4.56 gears holds back better in 2wd hi than this truck does in 4 lo. My truck has 305/70/16 mtrs on it which probably doesn't help. I had to come off the hill in the snow the other day and it was a little scary for a second. My Jeep has 4.10s and holds back much better in 4 lo. I don't even have to touch the brakes with the Jeep.
I plan on switching to at least 4.56 gears when I have some extra $$$. But still with all the money I saved over a used diesel (which was my original plan till I test drove a V-10) I can live with the lousy 3.73s for a while. If you could find one, I would suggest test driving a 6 speed. I would have tried one but they are so rare here no dealer even had one on the lot to test drive. My next truck will be a 3v v-10 six speed. I am sure that would be so much fun, just like driving a chevelle, another old muscle car.

 

I have a 2003 V10 with 3.73LS It is a great truck. The 3.73 is the weak link in my truck. I would have opted for the 4.30's if I had to do it over again. For around $1500 you can geta truck regeared (both axels) The V10 engine is a dependable and powerful engine. Built for many years of service.

I have been thinking of trading my 03 in for a 06. I have a 2003 XLT sport supercab shortbed with 60K miles. I have black leather interior. I have kept in tip top shape. It really looks showroom new. 3 dealers have valued it as a trade. The lowers was $18200 and the highest as $19850. They stated the ZERO reconditioning that needed to be done to sell it is the reason for the numbers. Blue book is about $17800. So if the truck you are looking at is in great shape, that number can come down a bit but it is all about the condition.

 

i have a 05 v10, but i will dito the guys above me. if the trucks suits you . you can always have it regeared to 4:30's with which this loves to run with. seems the all around perfect gear set for the mod v10.
good luck man . and please check out our v10 area. we like our diesel bothers a few lines up always help each other out with great advise.and we have a lot of good clean fun busting each others brass ones.

 

Thanks for the replies...

I am a little concerned about the 3.73 gears...I live in a relatively flat area in Illinois, but you never know where I might wind up.

It looks like an 8,000 pound 5th wheel is too much for those gears, correct??

Of course, the salesman said it would pull fine....

It is a real shame becuause I really like the truck.

 

Check here and it will tell you what you can haul with what set up..
http://www.clubfte.com/users/monsta/TrailertowingV2.htm
And I wouldn't let the gears stop you from buying the truck if you really like it..You should be able to pick it up for a little less and use the money saved to swap gears if you find the 3.73 lacking..

 

fordfan just said it man.go for it you can always regear if you want to.and used v10 are not a every day item

 

You can negiotiate the price with most dealerships for a real steal on used V10'S; a used V10 for some ignorant reason has a wrongful reputation as being gas guzzler.They are not,they get between 10-14mpg(loaded+unloaded),that's pretty good economy for any 3/4ton,1ton truck no matter what the make.
Many uneducated buyers are staying away from the "BIG" V10 badge.
My opinion of the V10 is that you can totally be "worry free" when buying it as a hauling rig and everyday truck..
You may want to eliminate the "Y" crossover on the stock exhaust to free up some extra ponies..
I bought my 2001 f350 crew cab dually 4x4 lariat in 2002 for 23,000 and it only had 26,000 miles on it.I recently was considering trading it in on a newer superduty harley edition and I found out that most of the dealerships were commenting that V10's they have most people are passing on buying them because of it having the V10.
I know for a fact that FORDS V10 is the best gas engine in the truck market for serious hauling needs.
GOOD LUCK! I think you'll be happy and never look back at your trailer and say dang I should have gotten a V10.