I have owned and driven all three 5.8, 7.5, and 7.3L Powerstroke. Needlesas to say the Powerstroke by far outpulls either of the gassers, and gets almost twice the fuel economy.

The 5.8 will do maybe 1-2 mpg better than the 7.5 empty, loaded they both get about the same. the best I got with a 5.8 (4.10s) was 14.5 mpg. Best mileage from 7.5 (3.55) was about 13 mpg. The 460 in general will outrun the 351 empty, and will run away from the 351 with a load. given that I have towed way more with the Powerstrokes (I've had 7 of them) than I have with the gassers (3-5.8 trucks all F-250s) (3-7.5L all F-250s)

Pulling 8K with the 460-maybe 8 mpg

pulling 9K with my Powerstroke-15-17 mpg.

If you can find a good deal on a 7.3L Powerstroke, you will be much better off in the long run. But, a Gasser will do the job if neccasary.

Good luck!

 

i had a 97 F-250 heavy duty 4x4 reg cab long bed with 4.10 factory gears. it was a dog stock even with 38k when bought from original owner. i installed aftermarket filter system and a high flow converter and cherry bomb muffler with a custom tuned jet performance chip. that truck ran like a demon!! got 12-13 mpg arond town and i pulled a 6-7k trailer six times a year and it did way better than my stock 5.4 super duty

 

i've got a 96 F350 cab/chassis w/a 12' stake body and it has the 5.8. . . should have never bought that truck. When loaded it is a bear to get moving, and doesn't like to go much faster than 65mph. I've owned this truck for 10 years, and it only has 110k miles. We use it for picking up lumber\steal for jobs around the farm. Would not buy one with a small block again.

 

Hell yes a 5.8l will do the job. If you are towing maximum payload all the time, you might be happier w/ a 460. 351w are tough little engines. Their mains are 3" which is bigger than many big blocks and with the right maintainence there is no reason that it won't be able to get 200,000-250,000 miles out of that engine. What it comes down to is application, are you towing heavy payloads all the time, or are you occasionally pulling moderate loads and doing a lot of running around empty? Pulling heavy loads, the 460 is a better choice, but just running around with the occasional heavy load, the 351w will be better. Remember that from 1965-1972 the biggest engine available was a 352cid (65-67) or 360 or 390 (68-72) without too many complaints.

 

I have a 96 Ford F 350 crew cab long bed 2WD 351W e4od 4.10 rear end with 345,452 original miles and still going strong, Ford rates this truck to be able to hule on a trailer 7,600lbs max and I've towed a trailer with 7,585lbs on it and the 351W done just fine towing that load 70-75 mph on flat land and 55-65 mph on hills so in my opinion the 351W does just fine in that big of a truck



My 96 Ford F 350 crew cab long bed 2WD 351W e4od!!!