Ok, here is my dilema: I own an 96 f250 crew cab short box with a 460 and automatic. it has 148,000 miles on the clock. we just bought a 26 foot toy-hauler. combined vehicle weight loaded is up to 20,000 lbs.
I have been planning to do a few mods to this truck to help it tow better, including headers, dual 2 1/5" or 3" pipes, timing chain upgrade (68-70 460), and a large tranny cooler to keep the tranny in good working order.
But that is not my dilema. lately I have been hearing some noise comming from somewhere in the front end. The mechanic at the bodyshop that I work at suggested rebuilding the front end, i.e. ball joints, tie rod ends, center link, etc. this front end rebuild will cost me about $800. I figured all the parts and labor would run about $2500. so my question is: would I be better off to trade in the truck and get one with a diesel or keep this truck that is all ready paid for and do the mods? I really dont want a monthly payment from getting a different truck. If I do get a different truck, it is not going to be a new one, because I refuse to spend $40,000 or more on a pickup!!
I found a really clean 1997 powerstroke crew cab at a local car lot with 160,000 miles for about $14,000. that is about the price range that I would be looking at to keep a new payment down if I go that route.
I guess my main concerns are fuel economy, towing power, and reliability. am I expecting too much out of my truck? any input would be greatly appreciated!!

 

If its a tow rig then diesel is the only way to go.

 

Well it is a daily driver and a tow rig for our toy hauler. still think diesel is the way to go? fuel mileage should be better with a diesel to right?

 

yes i do think diesel is the way to go.
and yes mileage will be better with a diesel.

 

Honestly - why spend 14k on a truck that's more than half used up when you can spend twice that and get a new one that's got a warranty and is new?

I'd keep the one you've got or go brand new. My 2006 GMC was 34k with the diesel and auto tranny a year ago.

 

I can suggest and agree with you to never buy new. Its never worth it, the minute you drive off the lot its something like an instant 15 percent decrease in value. I mean, just buy used, you will never find a problem with it. Used doesnt mean junk. Look for something from 2000-2003 with less than 50,000 miles on it, around your $10,000-$14,000 range. Its very possible to find a nice heavy duty rig that still hasnt been broken in yet, and you may even find a turbo diesel which you would really notice the power. I wouldnt waste that much money trying to repair your 460, even after all that, your truck still prob has other things that need to be rebuilt. You have some options here, I say just do the bare minimum to get your 460 driving smooth and also be looking out for a nice diesel truck with a good rugged F350 suspension for your heavy hauling.

 

I don't know what trucks sell fo in yoru area, but around here a 5 or so year old trck with 100 to 150k miles sells for about half what a new one does.

I bought a new one because I couldn't see spending half as much and having a half used up truck.

 

id get a diesel, with gas around 3.50 here compared to 2.75 for diesel, id go diesel. it is also a work dog. The old idi's last close to forever if mantained properly. but you never know with a used vehicle


Im im the process of rebuilding a 7.3l diesel to put in my '89 (sig)

 

only thing i can say not from any experience though is that ive had people say the 460 tows alot better than the non turbo idi's. maybe not a turbo idi or a powerstroke but seeing as the 7.3 and the 6.9 make around 310 or whatever it is in torque when the 351 makes about that power as well and the 460 is around 400ftbs. only difference is the fuel mileage

 

14k for a 97 crew with 160,000 is waaay too much. Anyway, The 460 is rated at 260hp and /400lbs torque (*40lbs more than the psd of the same year). Both PSD's and the 7.5 are more than capable towings rigs. I myself enjoy the sound of the PSDs however, I opted for displacement and purchased a 97 7.5L H/D. Why? I'm more familiar with gas engines than diesel. If you are towing up to 20,000lbs you need more than any current 3/4, 1 ton can offer. Towing capacity depends more on suspension, frame, transmission, gearing than it does on power.

 

He said combined weight is 20k lbs. This is really dually territory, but any make dually would have no trouble, and if you can keep tongue weight down enough and not get in trouble with sway, any 3/4 ton can do it.

If you're putting a lot of miles on with this, I'd get a diesel dually. If not, I'd keep what you have.

 

He said he really didn't want another car payment. His truck, if in good condition and with proper equipment, shouldn't have a problem. The money spent on a new/used truck could easily equip his current set up properly. I'm assuming that this combined weight is with a 5th wheel hitch? Again, I love the PSD's.

 

You can probably make yours a dually if wanted. $14,000 will buy a lot of gas, even in a 460. The F250HD and F350 are virtually same truck except for front end. the F250 rides better empty although I like the F350 front axle.