Hello
I'm in the market for a used Farm truck. I want something that can handle towing my trailer when I go get the round bales for the horses, or a skid steer. Due to my budget of 4000-5000 that puts me in the high mileage club when it comes to the trucks I can afford. So i'm trying to figure out which engine i should go for. I know diesels can handle high mileage , but i'm not sure about the gas engines.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. if you know of any past posts that i should read point them out. Still trying to figure this website out.

 

Personally I'd go with a diesel. I've got a couple buddies that have either the 7.3 or 6.0. I've pulled with both engines and had no issues. Biggest thing for me when pulling is having a manual transmission.

 

Your budget will put you in an older truck. The 7.3 diesel ....or i would look for the v10

 

00-04 flat bed dually with whatever engine you can find (7.3 or V10). You're going to get old and high miles, so maximize what you can in terms of springs and gears to do work.

 

Depends how far you regularly travel, how fast you need to go and/or how hilly the local topography is. I suspect you are also looking at getting 4x4 included in your $4-5k budget. Agreed that the 7.3 and V10 will be more suitable if you need/want the power. For me I opted for a 240k mile, $4000 cost, 5.4 4x4 for shoving around RV's and hauling precast concrete. Not a whole lot of HP or speed for me, but I throw it into 4x4 L when I really need to shove something hard and keep the speeds/acceleration moderate on our flat highways when hauling heavy trailers. Works for me, I rationalize it by thinking about all the drive-train/brake wear I am saving...

 

In addition to the purchase, do you have budget for brakes, shocks, tires, all fluids, etc.?

At that price point, it will need some things. Even if you paid double for the truck, you would still need to do some things.

I figure you can probably get a running truck for your budget, and make it reliable for about double that amount.

 

What years would you recommend for those engines ?

 

Thanks. Ill start keeping an out out for the 7.3 and the v10. I glanced last night in my area on craigslist and there were a lot of the 5.4 v8 and and the 6.0. a few 7.3, but no v 10's. While i'm out hunting for theses trucks. Are there years i should stay away from. What about mileage? Should i look at the trucks that have 300k miles.
Sorry for the newbie questions. I've only had gas engines before. my past trucks have been 2 f150's and 2 dodge 1500.

 

This was asked earlier, but how far do you plan on towing? We've got a 5.4 f350 service body truck loaded down with a welder, torch, air compressor, and a bunch of tools that does everything we need it to. However, the longest trip that we towed with it was about 40 miles. Is it the fastest, most powerful truck? Nope. But it hasn't let us down yet, and maintenance on it is way cheaper than on my personal 7.3. Typically the 6.8 v10 and the 5.4 v8 won't last as long as the, be as powerful, or get the fuel economy of a 7.3. However, if the 7.3 hasn't been maintained well, it'll go from a cheap farm truck to a moneypit. That being said, I love my 7.3 and plan to keep it a long time. If you plan on towing and traveling long distances, I'd look for a well maintained 7.3. If you plan on towing and traveling short distances, I'd look for a v10 or the 5.4 as short distances that never gets a diesel up to operating temp is hard on them. Hope this helps.

 

thanks. That does help. I just want something that can you but handle the high mileage im seeing in my range.

 

You would be looking at 1999 and up for the 7.3 or v10. There isnt any bad years for either engine. 7.3 will last a long time if it was well maintained.
When i bought my 99 7.3 it had 185,000 miles...nothing at all wrong with it. I even had a local diesel mechanic go through it and internally it needed nothing. We just replaced the high pressure pump, rebuilt the turbo, all new hoses..ect.
The diesel is more expensive to work on..but i think it would make a better farm truck for you.
But i wouldnt dismiss a v10 if you come across one.

 

The '99 non-PI wasn't "bad", it was just a slug. Hold out for 2000+ for a V10.

 

 

Got another question for you guys. I'm seeing a lot trucks for sale in the 200k+,300k+ mileage ramge, what mileage would be OK to buy and when should I walk away?

 

I picked up mine (2008 4x4 SC SRW F350 6.8L) with 141k miles for $4900 (talked down from $5300). It was just a fleet truck I put about $400 of maintenance into. Deals can be had, just keep an eye out. I avoided the diesels specifically for upkeep costs. The 6.8s do really well long term so long as they aren't abused or ignored.

Edit: Try to get a 3V V10 if you're looking at them. Nothing against the 2V, but at least the 3V is comparable in power to the 7.3L.