I can't decide, PLEASE help me!!

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Sep 16, 2009 | 06:25 AM

AlaskaJeff

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 153

Likes: 0

From: Palmer, ALASKA

I can't decide, PLEASE help me!!

I am new to THIS forum but frequent many vehicle forums. I currently drive another brand (sorry)1/2 ton quadcab 4X4 small V-8 and feel it's time to upgrade to a 3/4 or 1 ton. I tow a 26' camping trailer around in the summer and while my truck tows it, it's a struggle. At some point in time we will probably like to upgrade the camper but with my current truck that is NOT a possibility. My kids are growing (12 and 14) so the rommier Ford cab will be appreciated. I do and will use my truck for what it's designed to be used for, I'm NOT a drag racer or a street queen 4X4 driver, but do take good care/maintenance of whatever I drive. I will try (wife and budget willing) to mod the truck with reliability upgrades and useful mods at some point in time. I've never owned a diesel rig but have been around them enough to know the peticulars of ownership. I am a shadetree mechanic with enough knowledge and skill to be dangerous to myself and others around me........With that said here are to two candidates in no specific order:
#1
2004 Ford F250 Pickup
Crew Cab/Short Bed/Power Stroke Diesel
97,865 Miles
$15,995
XLT Trim, Automatic, 6.0 Power Stroke Diesel, 8 Cylinder, 6 Passenger, Bed Liner, Trailer Tow Package, 4x4, Anti-Theft, Fleetside Bed, Short Bed, Crew Cab, 4 Door, A/C, Power Seats, Cruise Control, Power Steering, Tilt Wheel, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Dual Airbags, ABS Brakes, Cassette, CD Player, Alloy Wheels, VIN#1FTNW21PX4ED29700, Vehicle has a clean title.

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#2
<TABLE class=postheader width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>
2003 F250 Super Duty Kingranch 4 Door (Palmer)
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD>Reply to</TD><TD>: Use phone contacts</TD></TR><TR><TD>Price</TD><TD>: $15500.00</TD></TR><TR><TD>Telephone</TD><TD>: 907-232-9600</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Very nice well maintained 03 kingranch
130,000miles
commuter miles
3,000 mile oil changes
Auto start
Insulated custom canopy
Spray in bed liner
Tow package w/brake controller
V-10 with automatic
tranny svcd every 30,000
fresh tune-up,new brakes and more

Call Randy@232-9600 9am-10pm
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>They BOTH have things I am looking for but I'm having a hard time deciding which one will fit my needs best. Funny they are BOTH white, just how it happened. I would appreciate the Ford guru's here to give me your opinions. I will take any and all pro vs. con comments about the trucks. BUT If you want to bash one truck or the other or get into the Gas vs. Diesel debate PLEASE don't...........I would like to hear about reliability/longevity issues between the two engines and other relevent information. Is it a fair comparison (apples to apples) between the 6.0 SD and the V10? I appreciate your comments.
Thanks
Jeff
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Sep 16, 2009 | 07:07 AM

browntown3

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 311

Likes: 7

From: East TN

I would say both are pretty decent choices, has alot to do with how many "creature comforts" you are wanting. King ranch is obviously going to have more goodies than the XLT, Being in Alaska you would probably have to plug your diesel up? From what I understand the 03-04 models of the 6.0 had some problems with them. V10 would get you heat quicker. Both engines will pull whatever you want to pull with it no doubt. You do have a tough choice ahead of you, I am sure you will get alot more advise from others. Good luck

Sep 16, 2009 | 07:20 AM

AlaskaJeff

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 153

Likes: 0

From: Palmer, ALASKA

Thanks browntown, creature comforts are nice but not a show stopper. I am leaning towards the King ranch but the miles are a concern, not knowing how long the V-10's are lasting. I did talk to the owner and he is the original owner, special ordered it, and has from what i can see, taken VERY good care/maintenance of it. My current truck has an autostart also, they are VERY nice to have in the winter when you park outside (as I am and probably always will). YEAH, for sure we plug in ALL vehicles in the winter here in Alaska, MOST diesel owners plug in after it falls below 20 degrees and gassers vary but many plug in at or below zero.

Sep 16, 2009 | 09:45 AM

rebelyell618

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 563

Likes: 0

From: Llano and Huntsville, TX

dont worry about the V10 life it has alot left if it was/is taken care of.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...their-v10.html

but in all honestly both are great choices so you cant go wrong with either, Im sure that doesn't help with the decision making though .

Sep 16, 2009 | 09:56 AM

brian42

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 7,092

Likes: 145

From: San Diego, CA

'03-'04 6.0L had some problems. Some were lemons, but some were great. By now the issues SHOULD be fixed if there were any with that engine. The diesel should already have a block heater installed with the plug resting behind the front bumper.

Personally, I'm a diesel guy but there's nothing wrong with the V10 either. I do hear that the 6.0L does not like to sit for a long time (turbo vanes stick, $$$ to fix) or idle for a long time (soots up the EGR, $$$ to fix). A high idle program would help the idling problem, but I don't know your intentions for the truck (daily driver, seasonal towing). Either will have no problem towing your trailer.