Any Ford guys (gals) out there?

JDGREEN4ME · Oct 12, 2003

Need an upgrade from my current Ranger set-up. Looking at the '04 F-150 but for about the same money you can get a F-250 Super Duty. Need more towing capacity and storage space in the truck bed. I know there are other brands but as a 4th generation Ford man old habits die hard. Any input on gas mileage, etc. from current owners? leaning towards the 5.4L gas due to the cost of the diesel (4-6K more).

40Kchicks · Oct 12, 2003

I bought a used ‘97 F150 in ’99 and drove it from 20K to 70K with not one problem. We usually got 15-17mpg with the smaller 4.8liter. I really liked it but it after moving to the farm it just wouldn’t pull around the tractors and big trailers I needed to use. In ‘01 we traded it on a slightly used ‘01 powerstroke F350 crew cab. It had 14K on it and now has 40K. No problems. I like everything about it except for the throttle response so I put a high flow intake, 4’ exhaust system, and a BD chip in it ($1200). Problem solved it drives like a different truck. Much better. I get about 17-20mpg so far after the upgrade. Stock it was about 15-18mpg. So I can’t tell you much about the 5.4liter but I do like the new Fords. Although my brother has an ’02 dodge diesel that I really like and my good friend has a new Chevy that I also think is great. Unlike those diehards out there I don’t just tune into one brand with truck or tractors. I think its hard to go wrong with any of these new rigs.

Eric

jpr62902 · Oct 12, 2003

I've got a '00 F150 with the 5.4L. My MPG varies from 15 -- 17, but can go as high as 19 if all highway and no towing. Great truck -- only 2 problems so far -- bad injector and broken hood latch spring. If I were you, and you're set on a gas engine, get the 5.4. The mileage is the same as the smaller V8 and you've got more torque.

Inspector507 · Oct 12, 2003

For the same money, go with the Super Duty. The one I had was equiped with the V10. It got 10.8 MPG empty, loaded, towing.......didn't matter /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But, Oh Man.........the torque /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Never even felt the 5000 lb. camper I towed with it

thcri · Oct 12, 2003

Just moved up from a 2001 F150 Crew to the new 2004 F150 Crew. Really love it for the ride and is much more stabile then the old one. With only 1200 miles so far I am getting about 15 miles in mostly town. You won't find a quieter truck.

See my pics in the photos forum under F150 Commercials got me.

murph

thcri · Oct 12, 2003

Interior

JayC · Oct 12, 2003

Sorry, I can't help much. I drive an Expedition with the 4.6 in it. If you are looking for a new truck, you should check out Ford Truck World. There are over 80,000 members. I am sure someone would be able to help! Here is the link: http://ftw.truckmoxie.com

Gomez · Oct 13, 2003

Hi Bill,

I'm in the same boat as you. My 88 F150 has served me well, but it's nickel and diming me a bit.

I lost a brake line (rusted through) on my way home on Friday. Just another straw, so I'm really going to start looking seriously for something.

I too noticed the price between the two models was not much. From everything I read, most suggested I go for the SD. But now that the new F150s are out, I'm wondering more than ever. I want an 8ft. bed, and leather seats (easier dog hair removal). In the F150, you can't get those two things together /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I guess this is part of the fun.

In addition to JayC's suggestion, you may want to check out Ford Truck Enthusiast

BradK · Oct 13, 2003

Bill, I just went from a 1500 Ram 4X4 to a F350 4X4 with the 5.4 liter engine(found a good deal on a used truck loaded with custom paint). Was a little woried about the engine but appears to be fine with the 4.10 gears gets 13 to 13.5 average. Tows my 6 X 16 enclosed trailer like it isn't there about 60 miles a weekend. Had the 7 X 20 equipment trailer on it this weekend with 112 1 X 6 X 16 coral boards on it pulled that with no trouble either.

BradK

TheKid · Oct 13, 2003

I've got a 2002 F250 superduty with the 7.3 diesel and I love it. It's a 4X4 supercab W/ 8 ft bed. I'm averaging 18.8 MPG over 27K miles. <font color="blue"> Here </font> are some pictures of it and my tractor.