99-ish Super Duties, what's the word?

AJMBLAZER · #1 09-24-2006, 08:45 PM

Local dealer has one and is offering $4000 for any trade in. That's more than the Ranger is worth and I've been thinking about going bigger for a while. Meanwhile they've got this 99 F250 4x4 with the 7.3L diesel...hehehehehe...

So what's the word on early (say the 7.3L era) Super Duties?
Any issues?
What to look out for?
What do they see for gas mileage?

I'm also not going to be specifically looking for a diesel, if I see a good 5.4L V8 or 6.8L(?) V10 I wouldn't pass them up as it wouldn't be my daily driver. How about them, issues, mpg, etc?

#2 09-25-2006, 12:56 AM

If it's a super duty you're looking for I'd stick to a PSD powered one WITH a 6-speed. The autos are boat anchors. The irrigation company I worked for had a few of them. The auto trucks were on at least they're second if not third tranny at around 100k miles. The 6-speed trucks (F-450/550) were welding trucks and they were loaded down. They went through those POS dual mass flywheels and clutches like nobodys business. That'd be a first on the list of upgrades IMHO. My dad's old work truck was a 2000 superduty with 5.4L...gutless wonder. Got 9mpg and liked to downshift and run up to 4k rpm on the tiniest of hills. I did drive an F350 w/ V10 & 6-speed for a day, was utterly disgusted with it by the end of the day. I have not gotten to drive one of the newer ford gassers with the 3 valves per cylinder stuff. They're supposed to be a night and day difference. I DO know from working at Schuck's the spark plugs for thosse trucks are expensive. I think like $13 each, I don't remember the exact price.

AJMBLAZER · #3 09-25-2006, 06:34 AM

Let's put it this way...the chances of me finding a modern 4x4 truck with a stick is...well...remote to put it nicely...snow balls's chance in...

People in Michigan seem to have forgotten how to drive a stick...even vehicles that commonly have them are usually autos up here. Damn annoying.

#4 09-25-2006, 02:18 PM

Wow, that sucks man. I dunno, eBay? Find a southern or western truck w/stick that hasn't been exposed to salt.

AJMBLAZER · #5 09-25-2006, 06:15 PM

Eh, I'm kinda limited and the Ranger's getting on my last nerves so I don't think the salt-free option is an option. It's definately something I'll be looking for though.

Hey, do you guys still have the SD's?
If so, and they're stockish, could you measure how tall they are to the top of the cab? Trying to figure out if a SD will even fit in my garage... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

#6 09-26-2006, 02:34 AM

No, but our neighbor has a stock one. It's about an 01, F-250 PSD 6-speed extended cab long bed. I'll try to get an idea next time I see it. Edmunds used to have some vehicle dimensions on there, even used ones.

EDIT: HERE'S THE SPECS for a 2001 F250 Lariat like our neighbor has. It says 6'8.5" sounds right. I'm 6'4" and the truck is taller than me. I think the ones with the diesel might sit a tad lower, I don't recall it being a full 4.5" taller than me is why I say that.

AJMBLAZER · #7 09-26-2006, 11:36 AM

Yeah, thanks...won't fit. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Oh well...now dad's got me half talked into using my Uncle's GM discount...

#8 11-23-2006, 10:44 PM

I have a 2001, V10, 5 speed Manual Transmission with 4:88 gears. 12MPG on the highway empty and not towing. If you're looking for a good deal the V10 is much less expensive than a Diesel. Compare fuel costs with the purchase price. You might find the V10 is wildly less expensive. With the right gears, it can be a winner. As for a manual transmission, The 6 speed wasn't available for the V10 until 2002.