I need to get out of my current truck due to mechanical problems and reliability. I want to get a diesel instead, but low miles. The 08-09 6.4's are probably the only game in town with low miles. I hear a lot of good things with the 6.4, few problems (but there are some, as with any). However, the emissions crap really is a bummer.

When the 08 came out I thought Ford really hit the nail on the head with the styling. The emissions crap turned me away last year real quick.

Would getting in to a 6.4 be a good move? There is bound to be some breakthrough in technology as time goes by to improve on the efficiency. If I get a low-mile truck for a good deal now and the 6.7 comes out as a much better engine (time will tell), then I could get out of the 6.4 and go after a 6.7 within a couple/3 years. If not, I would have to live with the 6.4 for longer.

If the 6.4 is a "good" engine (mechanically) it might be worth it to get it even with the poor mileage.

Any thoughts? I guess I just don't know what to do. The emissions crap SUCKS but finding a low mileage (under 20,000-25,000 miles, preferably under 10,000) 6.0 isn't too easy any more. GM screwed up on their styling. I don't care if they get better mileage, they look like crap. All 3 are under the same emissions regs, so it doesn't matter which company they all are "chained down".

Steve

 

well this can be really subjective. Some will say just get a V10 gas, others will say go for the PSD.

What you really should consider is how you are going to use the truck. If you are going to be going long distances, lots of towing or hauling...not so much short city driving then the PSD is gonna be the route I would do.

Yes the emissions suck but It is gonna be awhile till technology makes it efficient again.

13 city/17 hwy or around 11 towing is me if that helps but even that varies by truck.

personally if I was back in the market I would go down and buy another no problem...

Just be sure it is a job 3, has manual locking hubs and the integrated trailer brake controller.

 

Myself, If you really need a diesel and can waite to see the results of the 6.7, that is what I would do. Second, If you can find a good one, Oasis report and low miles, I would consider the 6.0. I am really happy with mine and a few, one in particular, PSD techs say they are having more probs. with the 6.4.

 

Your suggesting a 6.0 liter? Wow. I guess everyone's opinions are welcome and our 05 is doing okay stock but it has had a few problems too.

I will be the exact opposite of 69cj. Don't wait untilt he 6.7. It will be a few years more than likely before Ford gets the bugs out of it. The 6.4 has the emissions stuff but it does not have the new NOX liquid as an additional emissions attempt. I can't imagine they will get that right.

On the flip side, the tranny will be a 6 speed which will help with fuel mileage. If that was available to me in the 6.4 I would be all over it.

 

Senix - what all have you done to your truck? Any performance/improvements on fuel mileage (tune, etc)?

My work commute is 24 miles in the country (john deere dealer). Not much stop and go. I wouldn't consider a gasser anyhow - I am in an 03 silverado z71 with the 5.3L. For DD it's "ok", but I use my truck. Heavy trips and pulling on the highway sucks - gas mileage and power. My normal mileage should be around 16, but my last tank was 13 - hub/bearing went out. I am curious to see what my next tank is after the fix.

Steve

 

I am running the banks ram air and 6-gun.

Changed my front bumper and got rid of the conti hwy slicks.

That is it. I can get 13 city about 17/18 hwy unloaded and aroun 9-11 loaded heavy running 75.

With a commute you are saying I think the PSD would be just fine, plus the towing is great in these trucks.

So if I were to get more of a hwy tire and go back to the ford front bumper I might squeeze another mile or two out of it but I have not really seen anyone get above 18 even stock. But I do think that 15-16 right off the showroom floor is within reach.

 

17-18 isn't that bad. It would be nice to get better, but thats still very reasonable. What gears and how well does it handle loads? I am guessing you have the 3.73's - do you down shift much or do the turbos take care of pretty much everything?

Steve

 

3.73's is what i have, you could probably do a little better with 3.55's but myself with towing 3.73 is the most I would go on.

Towing is where the big difference is gonna be. The ford is so much heavier and stiffer that the feel of being in control and the fact of being in control is so much greater. Keep in mind these trucks are not light. mine comes in at 8100 lbs.

No downshifting unless it is really steep and I just let the truck do it all.

If you are looking then I suggest getting one with the trailer tow package and snow plow prep package if you can, gives you heavier front springs, more amp alt and heavy duty clutch fan.

 

here is a link to some of the unual loads that I have done:Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - senix's Album: my new front bumper - Picture

 

I don't know that I would want the heavy front springs. That would stiffen the ride quite a bit.

Are the heavy springs stock on the 350's or are those optional? And will it always be the snow plow prep package that has them? Or do any other configurations have the heavy springs? Like if I got a FX4 model 350 would that have the heavy springs or would I need the snow plow prep on top of it?

Steve

 

i believe it is snow plow prep only, but I suppose you could just order them. I make it a point to get the package because of the stiffer up front and higher amp alt. Just me I guess but what ever works.

The Fx4 package used to have the rancho shocks and skid plates..I just ordered the skid plates on my own since I have the lariet package.

 

On my model year, if you got that you lost the heating thing that quickly heated up the cab. I chose that since I will never plow. I did upgrade my springs though right away. they were way too soft.

 

Jasfaa - what kind of mileage are you seeing with yours? When you say the springs were too soft - under what circumstances? Stability when towing or you just felt they were too cushy?

Steve

 

I get 11 stock and I got 18 hwy when I put a chip on it briefly about a year ago to compare mileage down and back to Portland. I have heard the DPF delete will give you a few more mpg's as well. I just have not had time this year to investigate.

The rear springs were way to soft compared to the 2004 I had. My Camper without heavier duty springs, bent my airbag brackets and I had them replaced. Ever since I did the add a leaf, there has not been an issue. I also added a heavier sway bar but I did that immediately. My camper is 5800 lbs and I really should have a dually but I am just under the weight limit.

 

Your camper is 5800lbs and you bent your airbag brakets? Wow. My truck now is rated to 7800lbs and its a 1/2 ton? Unless you have some serious vertical load that seems really odd. I am assuming it's a 5th wheel or a goose neck. I guess 2900lbs if its 50/50 is quite a bit though.

What cap is that I see? Im looking at a Leer 100xr.

I was researching trucks about a year ago (why I joined this forum) and learned about the DPF crap on the new ones. I was going to get an 06 but moneys kept me in my current truck. Now with my problems I'm back, but I am thinking the newer trucks are the way to go even with the DPF crap. Removing it would be nice mileage wise, but voiding the warrenty doesn't sound very attractive. I am not sure what my state regs are either, probably illegal. So I guess intake and a tune is about all I can do to the 6.4, unless I can do exhaust while holding on to the DPF.

Steve