What engine to get?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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What engine to get?
I am researching Fords for my next truck. I originally wanted an 08' as I like the body style. However, I hear a lot on both sides of the line regarding the 6.4l engine. Some people have claimed up to 20mpg, not sure if that was a 6 or 6.4 though, so it seems possible to get good mileage (driving carefully).
I never have owned a diesel myself, but I did drive an 05 350 6.0psd for a year hauling cars and never had an issue with it. If you were buying one as a personal daily driver what would you look for? Anything I get will be used with low miles (under 10k miles preferably, but under 15k ok). I am looking at 07's right now, but again I like the body style on the 08 better.
Those of you that have experience (maybe as a diesel tech, lots of experience in diesels, what have you) - if you were going to get a diesel truck to drive every day what would you get and why? I am open to suggestions outside of Ford also. I will say, though, I "was" a GM guy... until the new styles came out
Steve
I never have owned a diesel myself, but I did drive an 05 350 6.0psd for a year hauling cars and never had an issue with it. If you were buying one as a personal daily driver what would you look for? Anything I get will be used with low miles (under 10k miles preferably, but under 15k ok). I am looking at 07's right now, but again I like the body style on the 08 better.
Those of you that have experience (maybe as a diesel tech, lots of experience in diesels, what have you) - if you were going to get a diesel truck to drive every day what would you get and why? I am open to suggestions outside of Ford also. I will say, though, I "was" a GM guy... until the new styles came out
Steve
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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I am not interested in speed. I want a good engine - one that won't have too many problems (above and beyond regular wear and tear, matenance, etc). I use my truck as a tool and do tow trailers. Sometimes when I do tow it is several hundred miles. Nothing too heavy, but the last time I towed (columbus, oh, to chicago, il) I didn't have enough power in my 5.3l chev with 3.73's to run at highway speeds with the A/C on. Even with it off I ran in 3ord half the time.
I hear the 6.4l is designed to meet 2010 emissions standards. If the standards are more strict and the 6.4 is a less efficient engine than the 6.0 or previous engines, how can it meet the standards?
How about support from Ford? Are the diesels being backed up at the dealers? (outside of the issues with mods and voiding warrenties) How about certified diesel techs? How well are Ford dealerships stocked? Are there certain dealers that are better than others?
Steve
I hear the 6.4l is designed to meet 2010 emissions standards. If the standards are more strict and the 6.4 is a less efficient engine than the 6.0 or previous engines, how can it meet the standards?
How about support from Ford? Are the diesels being backed up at the dealers? (outside of the issues with mods and voiding warrenties) How about certified diesel techs? How well are Ford dealerships stocked? Are there certain dealers that are better than others?
Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
All that depends on which dealer you go to. Some are better then others. I was lucky and found one that is pretty good and I haven't had any problems despite having mods, but then again I never put forth an engine warranty claim and my warranty is officially over with now. As to how well they are stocked, not many are going to be stocked with parts other then the normal maintance parts. Now the wait isn't that bad when they have to order parts(atleast not here, that may be different in different areas), but if the parts aren't related to normal maintance and/or normal repair then more then likely it's not in stock. Unfortunately, despite the quite frequent headgasket issues, they don't keep those kits in stock either, so go figure, that isn't even a perfect guide.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Thanks for the info. I am in central Ohio and driving around town looking for trucks I didn't see a whole lot of diesels. South West of me might be the best place as that dealer is out in a rural farm community. I would say they would be the best to go to. Chances are the place up the street doesn't have a tech that's touched a diesel more than a handfull of times.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: South Jersey
go with the 07. the 08's have the particulate filters on them and that is a bunch of headache. I have the 07 with an automatic. so far I have 40,000 miles on it with no problems.
I specifically bought the 07, I figured I get the 07 or wait till 2011 to get one after the bugs have been worked out.
Use Ebay, My father successfully bought 2 vehicles there
a 2004 Mustang Cobra Convertible
and a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
he got both for great deals, he flew out to the Midwest from New Jersey and drove it back.
I specifically bought the 07, I figured I get the 07 or wait till 2011 to get one after the bugs have been worked out.
Use Ebay, My father successfully bought 2 vehicles there
a 2004 Mustang Cobra Convertible
and a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
he got both for great deals, he flew out to the Midwest from New Jersey and drove it back.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Thanks for the info. As for either getting an 07' or after 2011, that sounds like a good deal. I was looking at the 4.4l threads and I am thinking a 150 with a 4.4l would really be the ideal truck to have. For as much as I use my truck for now it is a good size (1/2 ton) but if I had that extra torq from a diesel I would be as happy as a toad. Right now all I can get a diesel in is a 3/4 ton (or bigger) - nothing wrong with that, bigger truck anywho. I got my 1/2 ton 4 years ago, so if the next one gets me through 4 years.. perfect timing for the 4.4. Hey, who knows... they might even toss that one in a 3/4 ton. Only time will tell how much of a performer it turns out to be, though.
All in all, I just want a diesel
Steve
All in all, I just want a diesel
Steve
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Airdrie Alberta
My dads 08 has been great, just took it on an 8000km round trip, no hiccups and the thing with the 08+ trucks is that the interior is way nicer then any previous model. With the emissions equipment, even though during the regen it dumps more fuel to achieve the high temps needed, the exhaust is still a whole hell of a lot cleaner then that of a previous model truck with the cat still in place. As far as economy, around town my dads 08 gets similar mileage as my 03 6.0, highway I do way better though, towing mileage is pretty close to the same as well. Both trucks are F350 crew cabs with auto's and 373s
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Cargo Master
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The 08 does look nicer. I am a fan of the style, for the most part, over the older models. However, miles per gallon and engine relieability is more of a concern than the way it looks. I mostly drive highway, but do a considerable amount of in-town driving as well.
One thing I have noticed is the big 3 wen't with the huge plow front ends. Not sure why. An 08' 350 has a much further close-in road view than the 350 I drove for work.
I wish someone could put out a nice looking, aerodynamic, efficient truck these days. I don't mind the trucks being "higher" or "bigger", but do something with that damn front end!
One thing I have noticed is the big 3 wen't with the huge plow front ends. Not sure why. An 08' 350 has a much further close-in road view than the 350 I drove for work.
I wish someone could put out a nice looking, aerodynamic, efficient truck these days. I don't mind the trucks being "higher" or "bigger", but do something with that damn front end!
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One thing I have noticed is the big 3 wen't with the huge plow front ends. Not sure why. An 08' 350 has a much further close-in road view than the 350 I drove for work.
I wish someone could put out a nice looking, aerodynamic, efficient truck these days. I don't mind the trucks being "higher" or "bigger", but do something with that damn front end!
I wish someone could put out a nice looking, aerodynamic, efficient truck these days. I don't mind the trucks being "higher" or "bigger", but do something with that damn front end!
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Cargo Master
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Do the hood vents/model tags have something to do with that also? Not bashin' them, they're cool.. just never seen them until the new models. GM put them in on top near the window on theirs too.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Jun 2007
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i would go with 6.4.i know alot of people with the 6.4 including myself.there very powerful quiet and reliable engines.the 7.3 and 6.0 are wonderful engins.it just depends on what body style of truck you want.
whatever you get you be happy.
whatever you get you be happy.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 852
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From: ARIZONA
well, for starters, the 01 to 03 market for 7.3s is booming with the diesel fuel crisis, and the 6.0 are starting to follow, overall prices are down only because $145 bucks per fill up really sucks, expecialy not long ago it was $85.00.....and so far, besides what guys are posting, the real folks with the 6.4s are barely getting 13 mpg as the larger powertrain,
(gear ratios) are killing them.
We all know the 7.3 will go 500+ K miles,
the 6.0s are now hitting the 100+K miles and some good, some bad.
and well the 6.4, not ony are they 40 to 50K price tags, but they are too new to tell how this motor will hold up, however, im betting that the electronic piezo injectors dont do very well over the next few years. JMO.
Now the case of the 6.7, who knows there either, but ford is testing now for a release in two years,
daily driver by far is the 7.3 or 6.0 as they are getting roughly the same mpg which is about 15 mpg.
(gear ratios) are killing them.
We all know the 7.3 will go 500+ K miles,
the 6.0s are now hitting the 100+K miles and some good, some bad.
and well the 6.4, not ony are they 40 to 50K price tags, but they are too new to tell how this motor will hold up, however, im betting that the electronic piezo injectors dont do very well over the next few years. JMO.
Now the case of the 6.7, who knows there either, but ford is testing now for a release in two years,
daily driver by far is the 7.3 or 6.0 as they are getting roughly the same mpg which is about 15 mpg.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Indiana Cornfields
I work in a big Ford dealership here in central IN. and I can tell you that our 5 diesel techs are staying VERY busy with the early 6.0 and the new 6.4L. If I was buying a diesel I would try to find an old 7.3L. I see very few that have major issues. But since you are looking at a newer truck I would get an 06-07 6.0. They seemed to have a lot of the bugs worked out by then.