nlitend1

I had a 08 f350 ps rental for 2 days. towed my 22.5 ttrailer and it was agrivating with the turbo lag. It measured 12.5mpg UNLOADED on the hwy. This thing was a pig. MY f150 gets 14mpg pulling the trailer and I am not taking it easy. We averaged 65-70mph over mountainous terrain. I agree with the others, plan on upgrades to get the most out of the ps. I was surprised at how smooth it was for a 1 ton. Very different than the older 2000s.

flipd2k

with a 250 or 350 jus put a bullydog programmer and the power is pretty incredible =]

mtnbike101

I just moved from a 2004 F150 (4.6L) to a 2009 F250 (5.6L). I could not justify the $7k for the diesel and there were no V10's on the lot. I notice that it does drive more like a truck and not as smooth as the F150...but that doesn't bother me in the least.

You do need to watch your overhead clearance as the 20" wheels put this thing up in the air. I can BARELY get into my parking deck at work with a seven foot clearance; I think there are about two inches or so and I would surely hit if the sunroof were open at an angle.

Currently, I'm getting about 12.6 mpg around town which is about the same as my F150 with the 4.6L...I have no idea why.

tleach17

Pre 94 1/2' 7.3 diesels were still direct injected, thats the only way diesels run. They were mechanical. After 94 1/2 the were electronic HUI injected systems. The 7.3 ran until 2003. They were the most reliable but had less power than the cummins. They switched to the 6.0 which still was a good engine. I know multiple people with 6.0 that run fine and have more power than 7.3's. They start having problems when you put on power adders. All the 6.0 problems can be fixed with EGR delete kit and ARB Head stud kit. But if you dont need a diesel the trucks are geared to still have power with the gas engine. The new 6.4 Diesels are only getting around 14mpg because of all the emissions crap.

Hiddenmickey

How about a nice, very low mile, F-250 4X4 crew cab Lariat? I know one for sale!

Bluesman

In my opinion, if you are going to get a diesel 250/350, I would get an early 2003 or older with the 7.3l engine. I wouldn't buy a 6.4 because I have some friends with the newer diesels, and the fuel economy just isn't that good due to the DPF and regeneration cycles that are required to pass EPA emissions. And the 6.0 is the worst engine that I have ever owned. Some people may have one with no trouble, but the majority of the engines have Major Problems before 100k miles. I have been a diesel man for years, but the 6.0l powerstroke (2003.5-2007)finally broke me figuratively and literally.

I am loving the 2010 f150 I now own. Fuel economy and ride comfort are sweet compared to the SD's

Bluesman

kccisco

since i use a 1ton diesel and v10 at wer i work, i can tell u diesel is always the way to go. the v10 gets 10-11mpgs and wen u put a trailer behind the truk it will haul it but u can just watch the gas gauge move as u go down the road. now if u go diesel id say any turbo diesel except the 6.0s since my father has a 05 f250 with a 6.0 and had the tranny replaced at 30,000 since the overdrive went out. a simple chip in a diesel does night and day difference but the 1ton diesels at my work will easily haul a backhoe up and down hills without a chip. For winter if u plug in ur diesel and put #1 diesel the thing will start in -45 degree wether (trust me i know).

10dawgs

I have a 2001 f150 and wondering what the differences are between the f350 with the 5.4. I have seen them around and would like to make mods to be able to keep my truck.

kmac1036

there have been issues with all of the powerstrokes. the 2nd Gen 7.3s in the Super duities are the best to have, IMO. it's getting hard to find one that's not a high miler or beat to hell. seems to be more maint on them too unless they are on the road doing something 5-6 days a week. short or in town back & forth, they are no good for that. hour commute or pulling / hauling something then they are good for that.

we've pulled a lot of trailers over the years. the 250s do fine for us, some swear by the duallies for not having as much sway with a large trailer.

I used to drive an F450 crew, v10, fwd at work. was kinda doggy but we had a flat bed with a spray tank, tool boxes, & ladder rack loaded with rebar, tools, forms, lumber, etc. & would sink like a rock once off the road. we also plowed with it too, held up pretty good.

kmac1036

what is it you want to do with your truck? there isn't a lot you can do besides maybe some mods for more power or stiffer springs. the frames & such aren't as heavy as the SDs, so you are still are going to be limited on payload / tow.