Go test-drive a 5.4

Better yet, try to hookup the trailer you are going to tow and see how it does. Some dealers are very accomodating when you want to try towing stuff.

You'll be very happy with it, if you don't ask too much of it. And even then, when you're overloaded and going slow, it'll still get the job done.

I can't recommend the V10 for your use. Unless you have a bit of self-image tied to your engine size, if you know what I mean

 

Your post before this one says bigger tires. Why would you look at either motor with the 3.73 gears? Get the 4.10 gears and if you add taller tires it will act like 3.73's. Better yet do some digging for a truck with 4.30's.

 

with my 35's and 4.10s its almost exactly like 3.73's


i still have tons of power to spare, it tows well and gets great mileage

(got 13.9 today...372 miles and 26.75 gallons, highway and city, as well as a few 0-65 on the floor starts)


i would suggest 4.30's if you can find one...especially if your going to larger tires....

 

Mine's an '03 with 2V V10, 3.73s, 4x4 and all stock including tire size. Unloaded curb weight is about 6800#s.

I get 11mpg to 12mpg mixed driving and a little over 14mpg highway at 65/70mph in OD.

Just turned 44000 miles with ZERO (that's NO) engine or drivetrain problems and the engine still runs and starts like new with nothing but oil/filter changes.

The only package I'd trade this truck for is a new 3V V10. The problems I've read on the internet and seen some pals and family have with some of these new diesels (all 3 makes) scares me and I don't like to gamble with my $$.

I'm glad FoMoCo understands not everybody wants or needs to drop 6 or 7 large extra on unproven gimmicky diesels and still sees fit to offer a proper HD gas pickup engine since GM and Dodge don't.

 

I bought an "06 F350 V10 new. It was the only V10 in the 3 closest dealerships here. It was a lariat with every available option & 4.10s. If I had my druthers, I would have ordered an XLT with 4.30s but this was a bird in the hand so to speak. It's actually too pretty to be a work truck. The point is, I think you will have a hard time finding an 06 V10 with everything you want in it. I believe the only rear diffs offered are 4.10 0r 4.30. The higher gears were in earlier models. I think the 5.4 might be great in a 1/2 ton but for $600, you cant go wrong with the V10. The diesel guys all laud the longevity of diesel engines but many V10s are getting 200,000 miles & some even 400,000. Maybe a diesel gets more but for the price of that option, you could get 10 V10 engines.

 

I like the last 2 posts!!

 

I have an 06 F350 dually, with a utility body. It has a 5.4, and it runs really strong. The V10 does not have big displacement. It is only a 6.8l engine. Drive both, and get the one you like the best.

 

Only? The 2V 310HP V10s are strong enough to keep up with a GM 8.1L for towing, out-accelerate it empty and get better mpg while burning no oil!! I've seen truck magazine shootouts that proved it. The older big-block engines aren't even in the ballpark. As far as I know GM's lagest gas trck engine is 6.2L and Dodge's is 5.7L.

The big-block gas truck engine days are gone and there are reasons why.

Check out the torque graph-how many current gas engines are rated for 400lb-ft (94% of it's peak) flywheel torque at only 1900rpm? Hint: None.

The engine was designed from the ground up as workhorse and that's what it delivers. The guys who own them already know all this. Go check out the V10 section on this very site.

I own trucks with a 2V V10 and and F150 3V 5.4L-towed the same trailers with both. The F250/V10 with only 3.73s pulls circles around the 1500lb lighter F150 and gets better towing mpg doing it. Both good dependable engines.

I'll just say if you have to do any highway towing at all with a SD and you have a choice, spend the extra 600 and get the V10. You can thank me later.

The 3V 6.8Ls add insult to injury over the 2V V10s.

 

Hmmmmm...the 6.8 has 20% more displacement...thats a lot more in my book.

 

You might want to stay with a 5.4......if you buy the 6.8 you'll be wanting to get a bigger trailer.

 

True dat...when we bought our fiver last year, the only thing that stopped me from buying the 32' unit was the 4.6 in my 150.

 

I think the the 5.4 would suit you fine for what you describe if your looking for a practicle opinion. There going to be more available. If you plan on offroading and bigger tires and so forth I'd suggest optional lower gearing to help you along. But if you want way more power than you need? Personally speaking even if I were just to use it to go to church on Sunday I'd have the V10. I trade in my 95sc 351/3.55geared for my current truck and boy I'll tell you what it's fantastic change. I wish I could have a v10 in everything! The lincoln, the mustang and maybe even the lawn mower! Totally a kick butt engine from the boys in blue. I really love driving it.

 

Okay Okay I get it!! I'd probably be happy with 5.4 geared low, but then I might have been happy with 351 with 4;10s, so why p--s around? get V10 and be happy!!
But man are they hard to find!! every gov't and company lease return is 5.4. I found a 2 05's with low k's, but they are in Quebec. thats the wrong side of the island Martha!!

 

That is going to be the biggest hurdle for you.

 

shockman
I just traded in an 05 F250 CC V10 that is in my gallery back at the end of Nov. It is in new condition except for the holes from the fifth wheel mount. I keep my vehicles spotless. It went to Edmonton as it was a lease back and would have gone to a dealer auction. Only had 24,000km on it. If you can find it, it's a great truck with no problems.