epd44: I had the same concerns you did. I traded my 2001 7.3 powerstroke and hoped for the best. I can honestly tell you I have never looked back. The 6.4 (in my opinion) performs equally with my old 7.3. The mpg is slightly less than the 7.3 but I only have 5100 miles on it... I pull a 34ft 5ver that can weigh in at aprox 11,000#. Hope this puts you mind to ease a little.

 

22000 and nothing but problems, don't do it... F450 is always in the shop...

 

I think that I am going to do it. Even if they do come out with a new engine in 2010 I would be one of those guys who waits for them to get the bug's out. So what am I looking at 2011.5? This engine has gotten off to a lot better start than in 03 as far as I can tell. Thanks for the input!

 

I have both old and new and while I like both for different reasons, there is no comparison between the performance and creature features in these trucks.

While true the mileage isn't great out of the box, as the truck breaks in, that improves. The worries about future motors are a waste of energy. If you like what they have to offer in 2010, then trade up.

These trucks are fast, agile, and fun. Go for it!

 

I ordered mine in July, picked it up last day of August, First of Sept headed from Pa to Montana.Ordered to haul heavy, with 4:30 rear and auto trans.Have 39" 5er. May have killed the milage with the 4:30 rear. If you want to pull a heavy load and keep up with traffic, this thing will outpull many rigs and not hesitate on the hills.
If you expect milage with it, don't get your hopes to high. I have 9300 mile on it and when it hangs around 12 mpg I am happy, but I am not happy to often.
O8 Lariat F350 Crew dually, long box 2 wheel drive

 

IMO, I have a hard time seeing past the end of my face. So, I decided to wait on the purchase of a new diesel. Here's why:

1) Hard to say if the 6.4 will join the ranks of the 6.0L as dark years for the F series trucks. I want to base my decision after some longevity is proven with this engine. Other manufacturers have also shown "poor trends" in longevity, but mostly based on high torque/hp to weight ratios.
2) Longevity will also be an issue with the new diesels being introduced. In reality, I could forgoe the introductions if they reduced the torque/hp in these engines. I believe high torque/hp to be a contributing liability mirrored with other diesel brands.
3) Higher demand is one of the factors I keep hearing that contributes to high fuel prices. I really don't know if that is true, but what is it going to be like in 5-10 years if they can't produce engines that achieve better mpg's? Add in the return of a few diesel cars and the new 1/2T diesels coming out. Demand is going to sky-rocket.
4) There has to be better epa devices in the future to offset the low mpg's. Lately, diesels appear to be the "focus group" for all the pavement huggers pissed off at the clouds of smoke the dino burners are leaving at the stop lights. Communities appear to be addressing all years of diesels for emissions testing and even adding higher vehicle ratings to boot.

My opinions are just that, but if you get a diesel and the reliability isn't there for the series, or those other issues don't straighten themselves out, you still have that 5yr/100K warranty to cover the mechanicals and you could either get out of diesel or upgrade. Ford definately won't mind that.

In reality it is a hard decision if you don't need the attributes of a diesel. But the indicators are there that the 6.4L could be a dependable and reliable engine.

good luck
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