I'm looking into getting rid of my 2001 F150 and getting a diesel F250 (99-03) and wanted to know what advantages/ disadvantages I would by getting a diesel truck. Right now I only drive 150 miles a week and was wondering if a diesel truck would last me longer than gasoline. Hopefully I am putting this on the right forum and could use some opinions

 

go diesel if you haul or tow heavy loads, otherwise I would not see what the real advantage it would be.

Diesel's do get better fuel mileage as a general rule.

 

By looking at a '99-'03, I assume you're looking for a 7.3.

Advantages: Fuel mileage, longevity, low end torque, great for towing, near bullet-proof engine.

Disadvantages: Higher fuel cost, higher maintenance cost.

These are just a few and I'm sure several others will chime in here. For the use you're talking about, you may be better off with a gasser unless you're towing or hauling heavy a lot as Senix said. Even at that, a V10 or even a 5.4 geared right will do the job. Unless, of course, you just want a diesel.

 

Unless you are pulling or planing on pulling heavy loads, gas engines are better; lower cost per gallon, cheaper parts,start easier in cold weather, maintain hotter water temps. at idle for cabin heat, lower purchase cost,just as long of life--all of our 1995 and newer vehicles are going over 350,000 miles and appear to have lots left., vehicle front end weight is less so driving in soft soil conditions is easier.(don't have to use the 4 wheel drive to move on the gas rig where the diesel does)

 

What is it you are looking for? Power? Mileage? Ability to play? Towing? Just want something different? (I know that's good enough reason for me sometimes)

I agree with everything said above. If you are just driving and hauling the occassional small load in the bed, a gasser might be your best bet. But if you like to play around with chips and tuners, you can easily get quite a bit more power and gains from playing around with the diesel vs. gas.
One thing not mentioned is cold weather can be kind of a PITA, have to keep it plugged in and be mindful of gelling. Last ski trip I went on, saw tons of Excursions and 3/4 ton diesels idling away in the parking lots all weekend 24 hours a day. They were all afraid they wouldn't be able to get restarted. Very windy and cold. OT a bit on that, sorry. I was thinking those places should have a diesel section with outlets to plug in.

 

Realistically, I won't be doing a lot of hauling or towing. With me being in the military and seeing how well a diesel engine will last in the worst of environments I was interested in making a switch in trucks. I also noticed how much more I can customize a diesel performance wise without cursing too much at the pump. I currently live in Georgia but am moving to Kentucky in less than six months so I don't know how the weather will be in the winter season. I suppose I'm just day dreaming and should drive my current truck til it dies but I just wanted a few opinions

 

diesel will do fine in the winter. issue will be warm up time. Will you be living on post in KY? I assume Ft. Knox or Campbell? If so by the time you get it warmed up you will be at work.

But there is always someone moving or something so I am sure you would get it working.

 

I think the engine longevity thing is really over done. You'll wear out the truck before you wear out a gas or diesel motor.

The only exception is if you are towing heavy loads all the time. Revving a gasser at 4k rpm just to handle the load wears them out, while the diesel does it at 2k.

But for most of us, longevity is not an issue. From what the OP has described, a diesel would be a want, not a need. Nothing wrong with getting what you want, of course.

 

I know there is another forum for this, but I am interested in bio-diesel. I have seen advertisements for machines to make it myself at home which would be really cool. I read an article that really inspired me to look into a diesel truck but I think now I should stick with my F150 since I don't need a heavier duty truck. Thank you for all that replied

 

One other thing to consider is that while a diesel engine generally makes more power, more efficiently, they absolutely must be given regular maintenence, and are very finicky when it comes to contaminants.

Injection pumps, Injectors, Turbo Chargers and Engine Bearings have extremely tight tolerances (usually much tighter than gasoline engines), so you have to make sure that the fuel you put in, and the air that gets sucked in, and the oil that runs through it is extremely well filtered.

Another thing that is important is to make sure that your coolant is conditioned properly. I've seen many people who neglected the coolant in their diesels, and ended up with pinholes in the cylinder liners (connecting the combustion chamber to the water jacket). This is called cavitation(electrolosys) if I remember correctly, and produces roughly the same result as a blown head gasket, or a cracked block, and usually requires a major overhaul (if the cylinder liners are even replaceable).

If you are not careful with it, the repairs for a diesel are likely to be a lot more expensive than similar repairs for a gas engine of equivalent power output.

(Disclaimer - I am not certain this applies to Fords line of Diesels, but I know it is absolutely true of the John Deere, and Caterpillar, engines that I sold a lot of overhaul kits for. I have roughly 10 years experience as a mechanic, plus another 12 as a parts guy, so I've seen some ugly things happen to diesels.)

 

Well, maintanence shouldn't be an issue with me but before this forum comes to an end I was curious what kinds of gas mileage I would get if I went diesel? I get about nine miles to a gallon driving to work in my 5.4L right now and was wondering if I would get better mileage.

 

I vote for you getting what you want. If you're looking for a certain year range, test drive a gasser and a diesel and decide which you like better knowing all of the above information on maintenance, etc. I have always wanted (not needed) a diesel, but was willing to accept a gasser and I've always been a fan of the Super Duty styling, so that was a no brainer. I drove my truck first, then tested a gasser. No way was I getting anything other than my truck after the test rides.

As far as fuel mileage goes, my last two tanks were 16.3mpg and 15.5mpg. Two things to consider are that we are on winter blend right now and I idle it to warm it up. In the summer time I pull 18-20mpg.

 

i have a 96 7.3. personally anything than 97 i wouldn't buy a diesel for what your doing.
that said the only reason you should get a diesel prior to 97 is because the big gassers back then got bad bad fuel mileage. i'm assuming you want to have power, but cheap with low maintance costs. IMO your best option for your needs/wants is a v10. guy at work get 14mpg out of his 04 and his dads 99 has run out of oil three time b/c they have ever changed it but about those three times, and it has almost 300,000miles on it and it runs like new still, and they beat the living **** out of it on their farm.