I'm just starting my research into my next vehicle and won't be making a purchase until after basic training (starts early Feb.), but I've decided diesel pickup thus far. Now it's time to start narrowing it down. As far as I've read so far, Ford has its upsides as much as the other 2 companies. While I am really leaning towards an F-250 for my future DD, I need more information.

I'm looking for economy, dependability, fuel versatility, and a little bit of power.. generally in that order as well. I'm a big fan of Cummins engines, but the package their wrapped in is less than appealing. I'm also tired of dealing with my rust-covered bronco, so newer condition vehicles will be more appealing.

I've read various things about the different PSD's over the years like some engines aren't as "good" as others, some years need the cab removed to do work on them. I'm looking for clear information so that comparing the different makes is as easy as possible.

So, why should I buy a Ford, and which one?

 

The most dependable FORD DIESEL engine is the 7.3, try getting a 1999 or 2000 the have the strongest connecting rods out of the 7.3 & the cab doesn't have to be removed to work on the engine, you can use tranny fluids, 2-stoke oil, used motor oil, used vegteable oil, & bio-diesel in the fuel

 

Thank you. That's the sort of thing I'm looking for. used motor oil? really.... the only issue i have with that, is that it's a 10 year old truck already and the chances that it's been abused grow exponentially each year..

 

You take that chance with any used truck newer or older.

 

I sold my 1999 FORD F-250 7.3 SUPER-CAB, LONG-BED with 141,000 miles to buy a N E W 2008 6.4 F-250 & I drive in fear of breaking-down on the N E W truck, cause it's to fuel sensetive

 

There's trade offs to whatever you choose. Every brand has a basic underlying truth: Comfort, chevy, reliable power from motor, dodge (yeah the trannys are ****, sorry dodge guys, but they SUCK), Truck, ford. Your in ford country here so lets be honest, the ford isn't the cushiest, and the motors haven't always been the best available, but if you want a TRUCK, then a Ford is your choice. Like a Timex they take a lickin and keep kickin, when you compare 3/4 to 3/4 or 1 ton to 1 ton, you quickly see the Ford is the utilitarian choice.

Like was offered the late 99 and 00 have stronger rods, but unless you plan to ramp the power right up over 450 to 500+ hp then a 01-03 7.3l is a good choice. The 6.0 may require some extra work at some point, and being proactive and doing headstuds upfront is a good idea, EGR delete is also a good idea.

Decide on a body style, reg, super, crew and think of what your plans are. I wouldn't buy a reg cab unless I was getting a plow truck, the extra room of a super or crew is always good when you need to give more than your buddy a ride home, plus noone likes a shifter or a transfer handle in their butt when the need for room presents itself.

True you can run anything oily thru a diesel motor (it was designed to burn veggie based oil, big oil perverted it to todays diesel) but to run anything that originally ran thru the motor on the other side of the piston is just asking for issues.

 

I know the standard cab is out. I'm leaning towards a supercab as I really would have no need for the extra full sized doors.

From the get go, i'm not looking for monster power. I wouldn't mind adding a few horses immediately, but i'm not going to be looking for drag power. Whatever can be safely added while keeping fuel economy.

 

F250's in supercab 4 doors shouldn't be too hard to find. You'd be amazed how nice the crew cab full size doors make things, plus the extra leg room for passengers is classy, specially when the bros get put back there to make room for the ho's

Seriously though, a couple quick power adders for little dough would be to do a tymar intake and a nice TS chip with the option for reprogramming later if you add something more. For around 450 for the pair it will make a nice addition without suffering any in fuel economy. A nice 4" or 5" turbo back exhaust would uncork a little more power and let people know get too close and I'll soot ya, expect around 300+ for a aluminized system, 500+ for a SS system (skip 409SS and look into a 304SS system for longevity)

 

Thanks for the information. I've still got quite a bit of time for mind-changing. I just know I don't usually cart people around, so the extra large doors are kind of redundant.. I will definitely look into those though if it becomes a matter of price/quality of available trucks. Thanks also for the performance suggestions.

What kind of mileage can I be expecting out of one of the 7.3's?

 

To be safe, lets say 17MPG is pretty good, 14-15 is a reported norm. The TS chip programs usually add some mileage and a lot of power you can feel.

No matter what you get, you'll be part of the big boy club. Remember Gasers are for Girls