[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Feb-02 AT 12:56 PM (EST)] Hello, this is the first time I plan in owning a Ford F550 power stroke diesel with an automatic transmission. I did not hear any negative feedbacks in regards to the power stroke except the automatic transmissions of the 1999 and 2000 that they often brake down, makes noise etc at approximately 40,000 miles. I cannot locate anyone who drives a 2002 with auto trans. The dealer said the model # of the auto trans is 4R100, and according to the dealer Ford has upgraded the quality of it. I will be using this truck to a haul 2 car trailer. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and more power.

 

You certainly don't need that much truck to haul a 2 car trailer.
You could haul a 4 car "Wally-Mo" trailer EASY with a F550.
If you or whomever is capable of driving a manual transmission, I would recomend this route, its probably a 6 speed syncronized type that would be as easy to drive as say a F150 with a 5 speed.

 

Thanks for the advice. Will consider it.

 

I just purchased a 02 F550 4x4, 7.3 auto crew cab with the Manning dually bed conversion. I love the truck other than it rides a little rough without a load. I have a small transportation company also [link:www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html|FTE Posting Guideline's] It appears that the auto trans problem has been solved. As was stated earlier an F350 can pull it just fine. The issue with a 350 isn't the pulling ability it is the tow capacity 11K vs 18K but more importantly is the ablitiy to stop your load. I spoke with many operators and from personal experience towing heavy loads on the ranch that the brakes wear out in less than a year. Sometimes as early as 6 months. Other than that the only thing I would possibly recommend would be to choose your rear gears correctly for the loads and terrain you will be hauling through. I have 4.88's they are a little steep and it cuts my mileage but I woudl prefer the ability to haul without the power loose feeling.

Stretch