Everything I know about Germany is from 25 years ago. I loved the country and driving was wonderful then. I understand that since I have left there are many more cars on the roads and of course things are much more expensive as the Dollar/Deutchmark exchange rate has changed to favor the euro.

 

Watch out for the speeding cameras. They are everywhere. YOU WILL GET TICKETS and you may not see them when you first arrive. You will have to watch for them. Our son's family got about 6 tickets before they realized there were cameras. The tickets will just show up in the mail.

 

Speaking of speeding......or not......

Make sure you are looking at the kmh and not mph.

 

Hi! Im new to this forum but i have bought a new 2008 ford f250 6.4 diesel and i live in europe so i shipped my truck here and have some things to say on this topic. The inspections are very strict here in Germany. About additional fuel tanks - be very careful!!! Because here in Europe they have very strict rules for adding fuel tanks, and its almost impossible to do that for cars with GVWR under 12 tons (26500 lbs approx).
I you decide to add one, do it in the USA and do it like it was from factory. (or replace with bigger one). Mine truck has 62 gallons midship replaced tank and aux in the place of spare tire - 40 gallons. I did them in the USA before shipping and when it came here i told them that i had those tanks from factory and they approved them. About in-bed tanks im pretty sure it will not pass technical inspection at all. Another thing is You will have to change lights (a lot of money). All cars from USA made after 2001 must do changes to light system. If you want to ask me more i will try to get info for YOu, welcome. Richard

 

I'm not sure how it works in Germany, but if the car will be registred in US it doesn't need any inspections, I think only extra insurance will be needed.

 

you have to get it inspected by comrade.

Yes you need some kind of insurance, recommend GEICO for the military or USAA. My previous post I mentioned about the extra fuel, I always carried a 5 GL container, that was the easyist was to get by the inspection issue.

 

hmm how do they proove him that hi is not just passing by the country, I got mine PSD on US plates and drove it through Germany and even Police stopped me they just checked my papers and let me go...

 

Thank you all so much for all of the comments and hints--that's what is so great about the FTE community!

After speaking to my sponsor this weekend, much of the info you guys gave is very accurate! Driving will not be 100+ mph as I had previously thought. It was a scary idea to me, but was thinking about safety of my family, and knowing that driving too slow in traffic could be dangerous too. Thannk goodness that worry is now over!

So I'm dropping the idea of the tonneau cover, as it seems that it's not of much use as a fuel saver to offset the $300+ cost.

Also dropping the performance upgrades I was thinking of, which included larger anti sway bars, poly bushings, etc. I am going to replce the rear brake pads before I leave to match the Hawk LTS fronts I already have. I should be good to go on brake pads for the next three years or so. I will also give the rotors one last look to encsure they don't need to be replaced.

I will have to pass some sort of inspection according to my sponsor who is stationed there (Ramstein/Sembach), which will include a look at the entire front end. Ball joints, tie rods, shocks, bushings, etc. I will look over all of these before shipping and replce if they don't look VERY good. Some side marker lights and a third "driving" light red in c olor at/below the rear buymper will have to be added, but kits/experience on base is widespread, and not very expensive at all. If I were to change completely over to German specs it would be spendy, but I am a guest in the country, thus the relaxed lighting standards.

I don't think that I will add a larger fuel tank, although I have thought about going with a larger in stock location one in the past. For any reasonable traveling over there I will use another car. The truck will be a to/from work vehicle. Although I will be living off base, I can fill the unleaded fuel (V10) on base at near stateside prices and buy coupons to use off base as mentioned previously. I will probably be living within 15 miles from work.

I will buy a very nice used car immediately after arriving there. ($15-20K BMW 3/5 series, Audi A6, etc) This used car will be my/wife's daily driver and will be used for any in little town shopping/traveling.

I am going to change all four shocks to the Bilstein's mentioned in a reply. Which model # and where is the best location to buy them?

I am interested in the rear block change mentioned, but after searching for 250 blocks, a few confusing threads came up about 250/350 block comparisons. Could I get some solid info or a link on this? I am sure I can do a block change on my own at the base auto skills shop.

To answer some of the questions/comments in the replies

I have stock Lariat wheels and tires along with a complete set of steel wheels/Bridgestone Blizzak tires for the winter.

I will have access to several auto skills shops with lifts, and tools available for loan. I will also be taking many of my personal tools along, but am trying to be selective, as I can only take so much weight shipped at the USAF's expense.

I am SUPER excited to finally get a chance to travel over there! Tons of pictures will be taken with the Truck in some great spots, and I will be sure to share them here!

Please continue to share any experiences/hints/tips that you might have!

 

One last thing--any "extreme" offers and this truck will be SOLD! I love this truck, but I would also love to get a new F250 diesel upon return!

 

Shockwarehouse.com is a good place and a good price.
F4-BE5-2818-HO - Front
F4-BE5-C296-HO - Rear

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...lock-swap.html

Looks like you need the following.

Blocks: F81Z5598DA Qty: 2
U-Bolts: N803770S436 Qty: 4
Nuts: N620485S441 Qty: 8

 

Hey Blue'87GT,

It is my sincere hope that you and your family have a wonderful and memorable time in Germany. Thank you for your service to our country and know that you will be welcomed home in 3 years time.

God bless our troops and our country...

 

Also the key about driving the autoban is stay in the right lane unless passing. make your pass and get the hell out of the way. Small cars will come up on you so fast you want know what happened.

 

Fuel economy won't be much at 100 mph!

 

Yes it must pass both German and US base inspections.

Great info on bed tanks forgot about that. But it is correct, Make everything appear as it came from the factory at time of manufacture.

There is also a brake equalization test where braking force on each wheel is verified to be within % of specification. If one wheel pulls more than it should the vehicle will be rejected.

 

yes, forgot about the brake test. They also check to make sure you are running the same type of tire all around and check exhust, lights and steering components.