I called around today on new V10's and I just can't swing the new truck price. But the great news is, I'm finding more 2005 and up V10's. Most happen to be at dealers though and I wanted to buy from the original owner but after learning a little about the Oasis report on this forum!, I guess I can still find out the trucks history. I love this forum, man have I learned a lot thank you to all that have responded!

I want an F250 crew cab so much that I'm starting to look at the 1999 through 2004 models because I'm finding a lot more of them. I've been reading about some of the power modifications that can be done to the 2 valve if i need more power later so, if I find a low mile very well taken care of 2004 or older, I don't want to rule it out. For that matter I wouldn't rule out a 5.4 but I've seen even fewer of them.

Looking at the 2004 and older models, do you guys have any suggestions on what to look for or what to stay away from. Any suspension changes for the better or worse in any year? Tranny, axle suggestions or combinations. I would love another manual but would enjoy an automatic so feel free to either suggest one or not.

If I find an older one in great shape, can I go to a dealership with the VIN and request an Oasis report?

Thanks for all the great info,

Aaron.

 

If you want a CC the first thing I would rule out is the 5.4l.

If you want to go with the older 99'-04' SD, I would try to go with an 03' or 04' due to the fact that it will have the updated heads. (More Threads)

If you tow heavy or want to put on larger tires 4:30 gears would be best.

Finding a used V10 like you want may be a challenge especially if you want certain options.

In 05' the SD went through a small redesign and switched over to the 3V V10 and 5 Spd Torqueshift as well as changing the front springs to coils.

I prefer leaf springs over coils because there stronger but thats just my preferance.

99' 2V V10 275hp 425tq

00'-04' 2V V10 310hp 425tq

05' up 3V V10 362hp 456tq (I think????)

The 2V will respond to perf. mods and somewhat decent increases can be had.

It has been said several times that the 3V is about as good as it gets in stock form.

If you look at a 2V my main focus would be making sure everything is good with the plugs (Threads) and the manifold studs aren't broken. Other than that basis vehicle buying stuff applies.

 

Is there any way to tell on a 2003 if it has the ubdated heads or are they all the updated heads? I know sometimes car makers change something halfway through production. Is there a way to look at something and tell? Or do you look at the VIN and determine that way?

Thanks for the info on the leaf springs. I wouldn't mind leafs at all. One of the reasons I want a 250 is because of the straight front axle. My 1990 had leafs in the front. It didn't turn very tight and rode rough but hey, it's a truck.

Thank you,

Aaron

 

I believe the heads with extra threads were put in late 02' production. You will have to go by the build date. Krewat said the date several time and I can't remember it for certain. I think after 8/02 build date but I'm not 100% sure. So an 03' should be OK for sure.

My dad has an 03' w/ over 70k on it from new with no probs except for broken manifold studs.

With proper maint. there is no problems with the 99'-02' trucks. Problem with a used vehicle is you don't know the history and how it was cared for.

99'-04' SDs with leafs don't have tight turning radii for shure, especially with a CC. I drive my dads 03' from time to time and his CC has a noticeablly larger turning radius than my SC.(Both short beds)

No "Death Wobble" issue with leafs either. You don't get much beefier than a straight axle and leafs springs. I just hope Ford doesn't go with IFS on the SDs. It would be a bad idea IMO.

 

DKF

Your are starting to post a lot of hooey....

Get your butt into a 05 and up Coil sprung front ended SuperDuty and go wring her out on you most challenging 4x4 off road or what ever thoughts you have about where the leafs might be superior....

"Death Wobble" is a pejorative you choose to use relating to a Brand and truck you love???

Come on brother don't perpetuate any more myths to a fellow trying to decide on a truck... Are you aware that no one has become dead from the bump steer and that Ford was rather quick to figure out the problems and fix them....????

Your prejudice for the leafs has clouded you judgment....

I will freely admit that when I heard Ford was changing to coils---That almost made me pass on a New Ford 4x4 truck...I mean what frigging sacrilege!

In the end I gave it a shot... I think the coil sprung 4x4 is superior to the leafs in so many ways that I am astounded at how emotional I got over Ford's decision to change.... totally illogical

Like I said... go borrow or rent a 4x4-- long bed -- 4 door and beat the hell out of it any way you can and then take the beast to a Wal Mart parking lot and whip into most any spot you need with out an acre and a half turning radius your current truck requires!

 

Just going off of what many guys have posted about "death wobble" problems in the SD section.

I do not have hands on experience with the 05' up SD and won't for some time, because I am happy with my truck.

I just don't like coils, plain and simple. The coils provide no integrity or add any strength to the front susp. Coils rely all on bars and linkage to keep them from turning into a pogo stick.

Turning radius never really was concern for me, its a truck and to be expected.

All that being said I would not hesitate to ever go out and buy an 05'Up 3V TS combo and would not discourage anyone else to as well.

I guess I'm just a little partial to my truck as many other people are.

 

DKF

seriously brother...you really need to compare both side by side and then beat hell out of the coil sprung one... I was EXACTLY of the same opinion you know hold... I had my mind change by reality and personal experiance...

BTW you know what Ford did to fix my bump steer (front end oscillations after bump) the dreaded D---- Wobble) ????

They tested the lower ball joint for correct torque, tested the return to front ahead turning torque, replaced the front shocks and finally when all that did not correct the problem they installed a NEW steering wheel... Funny how a new steering wheel fixed the problem --- but it did -----and it is in the TSB relating to front end vibration, wobble, wander....

Bottom line is; The problem was NOT front end geometry, or suspension related, it was power steering feedback from the steering column