Who has a Ford Super Duty?
- Thread starter Big Bob
- Start date
I don't have one but here are a couple of sites that I check out if I'm interested in a vehicle. I do see people complaining how much it costs to fill up the big pickups now.
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx
http://www.carcomplaints.com/
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx
http://www.carcomplaints.com/
Jackpine Savage
Veteran Member
I have a 2002 F-350 super cab long box with the 7.3 diesel, 140,000 miles. It has had it's share of problems, the rear u-joint goes out about every 40,000 miles, the rest of the problems revolve around having the big diesel, front wheel bearings, starters, alternaters, etc. But all in all I love the truck, it is the most comfortable and powerful truck I've owned in 30 years of driving trucks.
For me the 5.4 wouldn't be enough engine for this truck. If it's a grocery getter it would probably be OK, but if you are working it there won't be much power and the gas mileage will suck. My BIL runs a Plumbing and Heating business. He has a 2002 with the 5.4 that is just his backup truck now. Loaded down and pulling a trailer he would get 6-7 mpg. He was putting up with that but then it spit out two spark plugs within a few month and they weren't cheap fixes.
YMMV
For me the 5.4 wouldn't be enough engine for this truck. If it's a grocery getter it would probably be OK, but if you are working it there won't be much power and the gas mileage will suck. My BIL runs a Plumbing and Heating business. He has a 2002 with the 5.4 that is just his backup truck now. Loaded down and pulling a trailer he would get 6-7 mpg. He was putting up with that but then it spit out two spark plugs within a few month and they weren't cheap fixes.
YMMV
Should be an Ok truck, I have an older model 1996 F350 4X4 Crew Cab long bed with the 351W and so far I only had to replace a few things on it with only a 138,000. Miles. If it has an Auto-trans it will eat some gas and the manual 5 speed will best the auto-trans by 3 miles per-gallon and the manual is burnout proof and ready for towing as is. Manual locking hubs will give you the lest amount of trouble and easy to fix, so far I have not broken a hub fuse yet, but everyone I know that went with the electric locking hubs has spent a fortune repairing them.
Thanks for the input. I have decided to pass on this one. I really like the truck but it would just use to much fuel for me. My old truck is still doing ok and I don't really need the new one right now. I have wanted a super duty for a while but I think this is not the right time for me. I like the crew cab but I don't think we would use it enough to justify the cost. Now it's back to hunting for a family ride.
Good Luck
Bob
Good Luck
Bob
Lurker
14
I have an 04 F250 SD Crew Cab with the 6.0 diesel with 188K on the clock (bought it new). I was very lucky to receive a solid truck - I've made it earn its keep very much. If it's well taken care of and you continue that it'll be a good truck. Oh - check the ball joints; they have a bad habit of going bad early and if it's a 4WD the price to change them out is PRICEY (unless you know how to do that sort of stuff and are ready to undertake the work).
mechanic 217
I was told there would be cookies!
A good freind of mine has that same truck ,engine combo the mileage is around 8-10 towing a loaded three horse trailer , the deisels do better mileage wise , plenty of power but filling both tanks hurts in the wallet.
Remser
Inactive
The 5.4 likes to pull the spark plug threads out of the heads. It also is prone to eating coil packs. Gas motor in that chassis is not going to be very efficient. The 6.0 is the best bang for buck. If you can get one of those, do a couple modifications to it, I've seen them go down the road at 24mpg.
Second what Ambros said. I have 306,000 on a 98 with no engine work needed. The 7.3 is a great engine, especially if you do a few key mods, that could start a long thread. Also as Jackpine said there are things that seem to wear out premature, but there are aftermarket parts that will make ball joints, bearings, alternators, etc. more reliable.
oleglass
Contributing Member
Second this ^^^^only no problems with mine. My son works at a Ford dealership and he checked everything out for me. He installed new ball joints, wheel bearings, ujoints,changed all fluids and serviced the transmission before delivering to me. I purchased this truck to pull my new 5th wheel trailer, and it handles it great!!!!