I just bought a 02 X with the V-10, 22,000 miles.. The truck is just like new! The wife and I have tossed the idea around of trading it for the diesel. I found a real clean XLT 7.3 with all the goodies. Real clean nice lift, sweet rims, and Toyo tires. The problem is the PS has 96,000 miles on it and my wife is turning her nose up to it, saying it has to many miles and she refuses to trade her V-10 with 22,000.. I have tried explaining to her that a diesel with 97 grand is just a baby and barely broke in!! Any help you guys could throw my way would be appreciated..
What are the MPG differances between the V-10 and the 7.3 PS?? I have heard alot of conflicting testimonials..

 

A diesel engine with about 50-60K is like a baby just learning to walk. It takes a few steps, but it's not quite there yet. A truck with 100K or more on the clock is like a full grown man in his prime, very strong and quite efficient at whatever is thrown at him. In other words, diesel engines seem to be at their prime whenever the 100K mark hits (give or take). As my X stedily approached the 100K mark back in 2004, I noticed that I got better fuel economy, not to mention more power. I went from barely getting 650 out of a tank to getting about 720-750 miles easy. As long as you change the oil and other fluids regularly, the engine takes care of itself and gives you years of love and trouble free service. As for the mileage differences, they're close, but at the same time far apart. The V10 will probably get you about 9-11 around town and you COULD see as much as 17 on the freeway. With the PSD you'd probably see about 14-15 around town and as much as 18 on the freeway stock. Towing with the PSD will get you about 10-13 (give or take) depending on the weight of the trailer. I'm not too sure about the V10, so I won't comment on it. Check the V10 forum and you'll have a better idea. Heavier trucks like the F-350 will get a little less just because their heavier. Lifting your truck, going to bigger tires, as well as general maintenance has an effect on your mileage. But as long as you change your fluids and take action when your truck has problems (if any), it'll take care of you.

 

Thanks TDThat is a very good description that I can have the wife read... She never listens to me!!!

 

Dad's PS seemed to be getting better after 50000 miles as far as mileage and general engine running went as compared to before 50K

 

2000 V-10 4x4 towing 8500 lbs. (give or take) and I get 7-9 mpg @ 60 mph. Headwind and terrain dependant.

16 mpg empty on Florida flatland @ 60 mph

But you probably knew that since you have one. Good luck with your choice, sounds like a nice dilemma to have.

 

Double and triple check the tranny condition!!! The 4R100 Transmission is a PIECE!!! The 7.3 L has a lot of torque so, make sure the tranny is in good shape or else you will be buying a new one like I just did!

 

OK.. What do I look for on the tranny.. How do you know if it is wasted.. With the lift and oversize tires, reason for distress??

 

I don't know if the yard will have the tranny for you to pull or they have already pulled it. However, if I were you, I would drop the pan and see the condition of the fluid and what debris is at the bottom. If the fluid is bright red and fresh, I suspect there might have been problems because some people will try changing the fluid to fix a suspect tranny. If there is debris, run like hell. At that point, it is worth the price of a core.

 

I wonder iof the Ford dealer will let me drop the tranny pan... I doubt it.. I will just keep the V-10 for now I guess..

 

The only model year to worry about the transmission is the 2001 model year. (I not so recently found out) I'm not quite sure on all the details, but for switched to a different design that year that caused problems. To my knowledge, it was addressed and corrected for the 2002 and up model year.

 

Personally,
I'd find one w/o mods... I got super lucky when looking for mine. I found an 02 ltd with 77k on it. It was in my price range and looked to be in good condition. When I go look at the truck it was a one owner vehicle, registered to a woman and there was a shriner emblem on the rear. Right then I knew this thing was taken care of. The only mods on the truck were remote start and tint (hell yeah!). I think I made out pretty darn well, there is no reason why you shouldn't either. If you are happy with what you have, don't rush things! Good things come to those who wait. You will find an EX that fits you (and your wife) a bit better. Also, if you looking on autotrader be sure and look at all the major cities around you. If you type in any city and "zip code" the first site that shows up will give you a list of all the zip codes for that city. Choose one and throw copy/paste that into autotrader. I ended up having to go to about 20min north of Atlanta (from Savannah) to get my beast but you will have the best selection and best prices because of the amount of competition in bigger cities. Also, if you end up getting a 7.3L go ahead and get a aux tranny cooler and put some fresh tranny fluid in and it. It will be cheap insurance and a piece of mind that you will get the most out of the transmission.

 

Tell him that if you like what you see, you will buy it. Otherwise just pay for the pan drop

 

The Mechanical Diode was addressed, but the weak torque converter wasn't.