hey guys, I am looking at wanting to buy a 92-97 full size pickup. I was just gonna see if I could get some input on different combinations. I want a 4x4 and manual trans most definately. I was wondering between 351w, 460 and the powerstroke, mileage differences, power to weight (like if the windsor is too underpowered for size of truck), I will not be pulling a lot but would like to do some upgrades. Like if I got a 460, i know they don't get the best gas mileage, but would it be cheaper than the extra cost of the powerstroke( the extra cost of diesel fuel) and the more expensive upkeep on a diesel? Any info comparing the trucks would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get a truck but kicking a lot of these questions around. thanks

 

IMO, you answered it right here "I will not be pulling a lot but would like to do some upgrades". I know ,the big block is cool and the diesel is even cooler...but man o man, if you can't drive it....

I'm not sure if the 351 or the 460 were still available in the years you're looking at, but unless you're really hooking up to big weight and climbing huge hills, the smaller engine has the torque.

Ohhh, this is all coming from a guy who has almost bought the powerstroke a few times, but that 95 Eddie Bauer with the 5 speed, 5.0 and 355 gears just keeps running and running and running and........dang if I can justify all that money when the old girl still looks and drives good.

I think I'll go out and pat her on the tailgate.

 

I really love my V-10.

 

the 351 was redubbed the 5.8L the 460 7.5 (iirc) you'll get best fuel economy with the powerstroke and great power. You'll have to listen to the diesel motor while you drive, though. the 5.8L is by no means underpowered. You'll get decent economy with it. The only negative that comes to mind with the 460 is that the exhaust manifolds have a tendency to warp.

 

It really depends on what you are wanting to do. The 351 is a very good, diverse engine. It will pull, but not as well as the 460 or powerstroke. The 460 is just an all-around beast, but really sucks the fuel. With the cost of fuel where it is, its hard to justify the higher pricetag of the powerstroke with just fuel alone. The powerstroke will last a very long time (ive seen em with 350k still going strong) and is an awesome motor. The 351 and 460 are also good engines and will be cheaper to buy. It up to you, but if its going to be a daily driver, i wouldnt wanna fill that 460 up alot with this $3 gas.

 

I bought a f250 with a 351 and a 5 speed and its 4x4. I love it. It has good power i think. i've had it a little over 2 months. The biggest thing i pulled was a skidloader and trailer i'm guessing around 8000lbs. I could run in OD except when i hit some hills then i had to downshift. The powerstrokes are a good engine and so is the 460. I also drove a couple of older 7.3l idi's. But i chose the 351 because i not always pulling. I do some hauling and just short trips around the farm. I know that engine will get it done when i need it. If i was pulling heavy every day i would have opted for either one of the diesel's. 460 just suck to much fuel. I also have 4:10 gears in mine so that helps with haveing pulling power. I've anywhere from 14.5mpg to 9mpg depending on what i'm doing. I would go with the 351 but it's your decision. I just put in my 2 cents worth

 

I picked the 460.

Didn't want to spend more up front for the diesel, and didn't want to learn how to care for one. Didn't want "almost enough" power either, so no 351.

Mine's a 4wd supercab, 5-speed with 4.10s... all stock. When my 7'6" Western plow is on the front, I use most of the 460 to stay ahead of traffic, so I wouldn't want any less power, but if you're not in a hurry I'm sure the Windsor would get you there.

If I keep my foot out of it I can get an easy 10 mpg in town and about 14 on the highway @ 65 mph.

In the years of truck you are looking at, I'd let the condition make the decision. Most of these have been worked and worked hard, so you might spend 6 months finding just what you want... I spent more than that plus I flew 1400 miles to get it.

Good luck.

 

Ok, we have both a 1990 F250 460 4x4 Manual and a 1997 Powerstroke with an automatic in the family. My 1990 460 will get about 14-15 mpg (upgraded exhaust is really the only mod with a 3" Powerstroke system) on the highway empty. When I put my slide in camper in, we get about 10-12. We're pulling a boat this weekend to the lake with the camper shell and I expect it to stay about 10-12.
The 1997 Powerstroke will get about 17-18 mpg on the highway empty at 80-85 mph. When my inlaws have the 5th wheel and boat hooked up to it, they get about 11-12. If it was a manual, they would do better.
Both trucks are F250 HD (8800 GVWR) extended cabs 4x4's with 4:10 gears. With fuel prices almost being a wash in NM, I would really consider the Powerstroke if you drive a lot.
Beware that soon diesel is going to get more expensive due to the low sulfer requirements the EPA is passing down. Sulfer content is going to drop from 80 PPM (Parts Per Million) to 20 or 5 (I don't remember exactly which one) this fall. This is what happened in the late 90's when diesel got more expensive than regular gasoline. I also haven't seen anything about what the low sulfer content might due to an older diesel. Sulfer is a lubricant so additional stuff might have to be added to the fuel tank like when we added lead to unleaded for the older cars.
I would expect the mileage to be about the same with the 351. My brother has a 1993 F250 (8200 GVWR) with the 351 and 5 speed and it seemed he didn't do much better than 12-13 pulling a 1500 pound jet boat.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Well I recently went from a 302 to a 6.0 PSD as a daily driver. I must say I love all the extra power I have. Since I am selling my big boat I will not be towing the heavy loads like I was but I do have to say it is EXTREMLY nice to have the extra power there when you need it. I have several friends with 94-97 7.3 PSD that would not trade them for the world. They also use theres mostly for daily drivers and they also love having that stump pulling power when needed. With the price of diesel in my area now being a little cheaper than gas I enjoy the PSD even more.

Now it is also a matter of preference. I loved my 302 but stepping up to the diesel was like going hunting and shooting a deer in the first 10 min in the stand and heading back to the camp, it was awsome. Either way you go I am sure you will be happy.