Howdy--I am taking my beloved truck along with me for a three year assignment, as I cannot part with it! Sellign it isn't an option, as I cannot get anywhere near what it is worth, and it is quite simply the best vehicle I can imagine traveling with my family in (wife and two girls). Couple of months, and my 2003 F250 supercrew Lariat 4x4 with 55K miles will be on a ship to Germany. I will be able to pick it up there around 1 March 09. I am looking for advice on what to do as far as maintenance, performance upgrades, and possible reliability issues that I can address prior to shipping the truck.

For maintenance, I of course will change the oil, flush coolant, fuel filter, and clean the K&N air filter. I will also swap a new serpentine belt.

Should I replace the differential fluids with synthetics, or do these need to be changed at all? They have never been changed to my recollection.

Late this fall I replaced the tires with new Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor Pro-Grade tires.

I have already had the dealership flush/fill the tranny fluid late this summer.

I have replaced the front brake pads with Hawk LTS pads, checked the rear pads which are in terrific shape.

I do have a slight knock in the front which I believe is a ball joint failing. I will take it to a shop I trust to have it looked at. I also will have a squeaking bushing checked out at the same time (stabilizer bushing?).

I am considering adding a tonneau cover for higher speed driving and fuel economy in the land of $9/gal fuel. I can fill up on base for normal USA prices however. Are these tonneau covers stabil at 100 mph+ speeds? Do they help with fuel economy enough to justify the approx $300 price tag?

I am also considering lowering the rear of the truck to "level out" the ride for better handling/emergency manuevers, etc. Anyone done this?

Would changing out to some new performance shocks be worthwhile? If so, what brand/type would be good? Performance with reasonable ride quality?

Any other hints would also GREATLY be appreciated!

 

if you swap shocks, go with bilstein

 

100 mph, its regulated to 97. Also, 100 would not be recomended at all with a 8000 lb truck. Definately, 250 blocks in the rear, soft roll tonneau, just bring the belt for a spare. I would change all fluids before you go and check with them how much fuel you can add, it would be best to fill it and make sure you add a cetane boost and stabilizer.

 

Only thing I would really do is to add a larger fuel tank/in bed fuel tank so I could avoid paying the high fuel prices while your off base for a trip ect..

Although you may want to check the laws over there regarding carrying that much fuel onboard.

I wouldn't really bother adding any performance modifications to the truck, I don't think you will be able to do enough to it for it to handle and drive like a BMW or Mercedes. And with the stock programing, 97 m.p.h is about all you can get out of it, plus with my 3.73's, the ol' V10 was revving pretty high.

 

Most people don't drive 100MPH in Germany. The average speed driven is about 70MPH to 80MPH on their major highways. Also, good luck parking over there with your truck.

I've been to Germany twice and it's a beautiful country, you'll definitely have a vehicle that is in the serious "rare" category over there. I'd be prepared to get several offers of people who would like to buy your truck for an extreme markup!!! Which part of Germany are you heading to?

 

I personally would not consider goin 100 mph in an SD; no matter what the vehicle or road condition. It is a TRUCK!...Sit back and enjoy the drive. As for maintianing the vehicle, most bases over there have garages maintained by MWR where you can work on your own vehicle. I would get familiar with a Chiltons book for SDs and/or make use of the online shop manual and this web site to perform your own maintenance while you are over there. I spent 3 years over there (Germany) when I was in the USAF.

 

With the new coolant flush, I would consider putting in a coolant filter.
Also, be sure to take enough filters for future oil/fuel/whatever changes.
Don't bother with any performance mods, as you said fuel is expensive.
A bed cover would look nice, sure. But if you want it just to save fuel, you will lose money. You'll lose the cost of the cover. Just leave the tailgate up and locked.

Maybe a backup camera if you have the spare bucks. Parking can get "interesting" in Europe. Nah, just have the Missus stand watch, LOL!

Check the Tech Folder and Articles, I would go with synthetic drivetrain fluids. You won't have to mess with it the whole time you are there.

Good luck, stay safe, and HAVE FUN!!!!

 

If it were my decision, I would sell the truck in Germany at the first "extreme" offer. You may receive enough $$$ to buy a new Super Duty when you return the US. I would purchase a "local" vehicle so that maintenance is not an issue and so that you "blend in" with the natives. Americans are already targets to terrorist groups and driving a Super Duty will not help you and your family stay low profile. Just my opinion...

 

don't do anything other that regular maint. and you indicated ball joints. You can get regular parts over the internet nowadays or thru AAFES so you will be fine. With Germany so small now you should be able to move on the installation which will help with the parking issues. When I was there we had a F250 with a camper on it. Came in handy with traveling around the area. You could buy gas coupons on post and you could redeem that at the ESSO stations. Don't know if that is still the case but we would save them up for trips.

Always carry a 5 Gl container of gas with you and a couple of hundred Euro's in the glove box for emergencies.

 

Never purchase a used veh over there. You will spend more time trying to get to pass inspection. Unless you buy new and then you will have the issue of trying to get it safety inspected to meet us standards.

I took at 74 Buick apollo over there with 88K miles on it and drove it the whole time I was there. Every winter storm everyone wanted to go home. You guess it. Get it the american car. I would just throw some chains on it and away we went.

Every 6 months, my buddies were out getting another bondo car...

 

Update. My son took his F250 6.0 Turbo diesel to Germany 18 months ago and is still there. I visited Germany Aug 08 and saw first hand what is there.

1) If you have any broken glass, cracks etc. replace them now you won't be able to do so in Germany easily as they don't stock the glass. It won't pass inspection with damaged glass.

2) Don't mod anything away from stock or expect troubles on inspection.
If you have make sure it meets all US DOT specs.

3) Do All your service in the US before you leave. This includes fresh oil change air filters etc. I would also bring with you extra rotors, calipers and pads (fan belts) and oil filters / air. I had to ship them to my son and you don't even want to know the shipping cost of rotors and calipers priority mail. AND don't ship anything Not Priority if you expect to get it.

4) If you have stock rims,, bring them,, don't know if non-stock rims will pass German inspection

5) If you are using rotella you might not find it there. Don't remember what my son had to switch to.

6) Autozone ships to germany. Establish an account. If you need parts they can ship them.

7) Change your coolant to long life coolant. Make sure it will run at least 3 years. I have been using Fleet for heavy diesel trucks in mine as the additive package is in the antifreeze.

8) Oil prices there will shock you. 1 gal of Mobile 1 is over $100 off base. Conventional oil that you buy at Walleymart for $2.00 will be $8.00 / qt/Ltr

9) If you can get a extra fuel tank do so. Consider you will be rationed diesel and you want to not buy it off base. You will have to buy the diesel on base and then pump it at an off base station. Most on base stations don't have diesel.

10) If you want more info PM me and I will see if my son can contact you direct to help you answer questions. He is extremely busy and might not be available due to his job requirments.

Hope this is helpful.

 

If you want some solid info get in touch with Bill Hewitt - POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners. He used to set up ambulance services over there based on 7.3s so he has experience shipping and operating in Europe

 

I don't have much to add other then to repeat what the other posters have said. I sent some time working in Germany and loved it there. Have fun and enjoy your time.
BTW the OP has a V10 not a diesel according to his sig.

 

I would do exact same thing, I'm not so far from germany first thing it will be hard to park your SD, usualy it takes two parking places to do it , second the fuel prices are extrem, I've got mine 08 PSD and it costs 140 USD to fill it up and In Germany prices are even higher. take some belts, brake pads, rotors and other, don't take oils and other lubricants you can buy them in Germany. HAVE A GOOD TIME

 

Ditto on the previous tips...except for the diesel parts....Monster 4 beat me to it but he is right...no worries if he is taking the V10.