Hey,
I'm currently looking to buy my first truck. I won't settle for anything less than a Ford, but I also want something that won't be to expensive to run. I'm considering either a Ranger with the 2.3, an old diesel (6.9 or 7.3 non Power Stroke), or a F-150 with the 4.9/300 inline six. Out of all of them, the F-150 seems to make the most sense for me to haul around my fishing stuff and be able to tow lighter loads like my friends boat. Unfortunately, I don't have all that much money, and was wondering what kind of fuel economy you guys get with your 4.9s/300s. I know they're supposed to be amazing for durability, and that's another reason as to why I'm leaning towards the 4.9. Some people tell me they get 23 mpg in their 4.9's, while other guys say they get 10 mpg driving normally, so I thought I'd see what kind of mileage you guys get. Thanks Alot

 

Depends a great deal on tranny and rear axle.

 

I have both (2 F150s with a 300, F350 with a 7.3) and its a real hard choice to pick my favorite between the two (one F150 is my dads).

if ur looking for a vehicle to get from point a-b and back without major realibility issues id look into the Ranger w/ the 2.3 and manual. they get good fuel milage (25-30mpg) and are easy to work on.

the F150 with a 300 is a compromise between the two. being a 1/2 ton it will still retain a nice ride with decent power, towing and mpg. My f150 is a totally different aniaml then what u are comparing to so ill use my dads for compatison sake. it is 1995 F150 XLT 4x4. almost 100% stock with regular maintaince it can still get 18 average mpg with mixed driving after 175,000 miles. his has 31" tires, E4OD auto, 4x4, RCLB and 3:55 gears. i would assume a manual with the same optioning may be able to squeek by with 20 average with the right maintaince and in correct running order.

the F350 is a custom 4x4 with the 7.3 and 5 speed. 3:55s fill the punkins and is probaly one of the lightest versions available. i dont have solid mpg numbers but this tank (one burned one tank so far, milage was a dismale 8.62 with my foot to the floor boards most of the time LOL), but im lookin at hopefully 18 mpg. only thing done is an exhaust that was on when i bought it. the ride is very harsh, so making it a DD may be a bad idea, especially compared to my F150. but for towing, hell this thing can feel like it'll pull down a house. i never and probaly wont ever tow w/ it but the PO said it was great.

all three choices are cheap and easy to maintain, will last a long time if treated right and will be easily had to purchase. with that said, i think the F150 with a 300 and 5 speed would be ur best bet for a DD and if ur gunna tow under 5,000 lbs regularly. the 5 speed in these trucks isnt the greatest. an autmatic is also just as good but most at this age need some attention (rebuild).

 

Thanks alot, I really appreciate it man! For my sake, I'm going to buy a manual.

Thanks again

 

i also read that the IDIs, if kept between 2000-2500 rpm, will achieve really good mpg either loaded or unloaded. to be even more particular id say 2000-2200 rpm.

 

Thanks, I think I'm going to look into the diesel. It's a really hard choice because I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to be using the truck for. I still have a few months to decide though, so the help is really appreciated! Thanks!

 

I wouldn't buy anything with an automatic. My truck, when it wants to run, can be shifted into fifth gear at 35 MPH (see my sig). It does badly on gas right now--could use a tune-up. I'd expect 20 MPG, if it's driven sanely (not too hard, since it's not made for speed) and running right. Diesel might be a good option for you, too, but they tend to be in constant high demand. Whatever you do, good luck, and enjoy it!

 

About 16 MPG highway. But I'm hard on the gas pedal. It has over 206K miles and I've beat the heck out of it. Buy the f150 for the 300. If it doesn't run, it will only because you ran out of gasoline.



Also I run about 2000 RPMs at 70 MPH and 2200 at 80. This is with 3.08's. What is the f150 you're looking at geared?

 

My 4.9 got around 17 at first, but then I put my foot into it and it's been about 15.5 ever since.

My old '84 got around 13.5 mpg.

If fuel mileage is a big issue, probably should go with the 2.3 Ranger.

 

Another thing to consider is the much higher routine maintenance costs of a diesel.

 

Are they really that bad? I don't remember my grandfather paying that much to maintain his 6.0 PS that had 200,000 + kms

 

Well, im not sure of the mpg of my 4.9. but i do know that i only have to go to the pump about once a week, put about $20-$30(Canadian dollars) of gas and that'll last me another week and sometimes a bit more. i hope that helps?

 

Hands down 4.9 300 with a 4 speed. Diesels cost to much to maintain, and they are a pain to work on.. If you buy the F150 w/ 300, you will love it! I do!

 

I have a 1981 F-100, 4.9, srod 3+od trans, 2.74 rear axle with unknown mileage that I drove to California 3 times from the SouthEast. On those trips I got over 24mpg with the truck loaded and once pulling a small box trailer. It had a fiberglass topper on it and when the topper was off the mileage dropped to 21mpg on the highway and 19mpg in town.

My 1990 F-350, CC, DRW, 7.3 IDI, 5 spd w/4.10 got 18mpg in town and 20mpg on the highway but that dropped to 10mpg pulling a 37' 11,000LB fifth wheel at sea level and down to 8mpg at altitude.

The present '03 F-350 6.0L, CC, DRW, 6 spd, 3.73 ratio gets 18mpg highway and 16mpg in town empty and 12mpg highway pulling the 14,500 LB fifth wheel at an illegal speed.

My thought is that a full sized truck like an F-150 with the 4.9 will out last the Ranger with the small engine.

 

Wow, that's some great highway mileage. That's what I love about our pickups geared like these...all the utility of a pickup, and great mileage to boot.
That 2.74 axle tells me you turn about 1425 rpm at 60 mph...just off idle!!!
I turn 1600 with my 3.08, which I ordered like this.