drivadesl
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2007
- Messages
- 288
- Location
- Hudson Valley, NY
- Tractor
- New Holland TN-70A, Kubota U-35 Mini-Ex,SCAG Wild Cat, Cub Cadet 109
You may have bought my dream truck! Haven't seen pictures yet!!!
After comparing, bought an F-550
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- Views: 17016
Bird
Rest in Peace
Steve, I'd be afraid to try to describe his problems because I don't remember enough details. He's complained about it spending so much time at the dealer in the past. Then I had sent him an e-mail about a problem I hope we finally got fixed with the adjustable pedals on our old Crown Vic. And this morning he sent that list of dealers who have worked on his truck, and mentioned that one dealer worked on it 3 times this summer, and had it for 6 weeks and 2 days one of those times, and then when he got it back it didn't even get back home (37 miles) without a problem.
I think a lot of his problems have been related to computer and emission problems, but I know he's also had electrical problems. And I know he's had a problem with the diesel fuel overfilling the crankcase and has been told that's emission related. I know he got a 5 year warranty on it that's paid for some, but not all the problems, and he's said he definitely needs to get rid of the truck before it's 5 years old.
JESSE1
Veteran Member
Builder, if it's any consolation, International still uses the basic 6.4 engine in their new Terrstar. It's rated at 300 hp/660 torque. These trucks are pretty much like the GM 4500/5500 were, also has the same Allison trans.
I have an '08 F-450 pickup with the 6.4 engine. So far, so good with 48,000 miles. Service manager at dealership I use says lots of problems result from extended idling and going too long between oil changes. I wouldn't go longer than 5000 miles between oil changes. Having a DPF and the extra fuel injected to burn the soot out of it during regeneration dilutes the oil. Keep the oil changed and work it hard.
I have an '08 F-450 pickup with the 6.4 engine. So far, so good with 48,000 miles. Service manager at dealership I use says lots of problems result from extended idling and going too long between oil changes. I wouldn't go longer than 5000 miles between oil changes. Having a DPF and the extra fuel injected to burn the soot out of it during regeneration dilutes the oil. Keep the oil changed and work it hard.
Jess,
great info. I appreciate that. Todays diesels crave clean oil and of course fresh filters, which I am happy to give to it.
This truck will probably be traded in on a Terrastar when the 4WD models come out and money becomes available to buy one. This 550 is a decent truck, but really misses out on not having the allison trans. It would make the truck so much tougher and allow more driver input.
After driving this truck a while now I have made some observations. I am unhappy with how loud the engine is under acceleration. I thought it would be quieter. I am very happy with the door map pockets and storage! Really like the 2 layers of storage in each door! I dislike the whimpy gear selector stalk. So skinny, it looks like a turn signal stalk!
REALLY wish the Ford back seat folded flat to make a deck for tool storage like my GMC.
JESSE1
Veteran Member
The only time I've noticed the engine being loud on acceleration is if it's hot and the fan is engaged. I know that the 6.4 has pretty bad turbo lag if you try to stomp on it too hard from a stop, with the emissions controls you have to take it easy for a few seconds and then you can get on it hard. Other than that I think it's an outstanding engine for pulling a load.
I started to seriously look at a Terrastar but my truck is also my daily driver and the F-450 pickup is equipped as nice as any pickup. It handles what I need to pull very well.
I started to seriously look at a Terrastar but my truck is also my daily driver and the F-450 pickup is equipped as nice as any pickup. It handles what I need to pull very well.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
Builder,
While the engines have had some issues the 5speed transmissions have been very good imo. Are you having tranny issues?
While the engines have had some issues the 5speed transmissions have been very good imo. Are you having tranny issues?
No, not at all, but the trans is just very dumbed-down compared to the Allison 1000 in my '07 GMC. No 6th gear, no manual shift feature. No lock-up in middle gears. Even the shifter stalk is whimpy. Looks more like a turn signal stalk.
The engine has me worried. I don't trust it.
Dmace
Elite Member
Since you don't want a pickup bed, sell it to a Ford Fan and buy a RAM 5500 chassis cab with a Cummins/Aisin combo and never worry again.
Since you don't want a pickup bed, sell it to a Ford Fan and buy a RAM 5500 chassis cab with a Cummins/Aisin combo and never worry again.
Dmace pimping Dodge trucks (again). I guess some things never change
I do agree with you that the Dodge version has advantages. Couldn't find one in my price range (under 30K) and I don't know if Dodge rates them at 33,000 GCWR, either.
If this one even begins to nickle/dime me, I might go to a Terrastar (if they make a 4WD) or one of the new 550's or 5500's next year if business improves.
JESSE1
Veteran Member
I just brought home a new '12 F-450 pickup. Only way I can afford a new truck is trade every 4 years. Really didn't want to get rid of my '08 F-450 but the 6.4 powered trucks are taking a hit since the introduction of the 6.7. It ran perfect but I still wasn't going to keep it past the 5 yr powertrain warranty. Even with only 50 miles on it, I can really tell a difference in power from the 6.4. No turbo lag at all. The 6 speed auto makes a difference, too.
