5.4, V10, 460, which one to buy used? - Diesel Forum

rmr · 09-24-2009, 12:54 PM

OK I'm looking at 3 trucks,
1999 F250 5.4, 175,000 miles
2000 F250 V10, 201,000 miles
1992 F250 460, 140,000 miles
all are automatics, 4X4
all drive and seem to run fine, good shape cosmetically,
Any thoughts on which one would give me the least amount of trouble.
It won't be a daily driver,maybe 5-6,000 miles a year at most.
I don't really need big power, but it is fun!

It's a tough decision, I like all 3 trucks, hoping for some info to help me pick one. How many miles are a well maintained Triton good for?
Thanks

carringb · 09-24-2009, 03:48 PM

A well maintained Triton will last a million miles.
Home

The V10 should in theory last longer than a v8 since it won't be working as hard, given the same load.

I have almost 260,000 miles on my V10 and it still is like new. I also run up to 25,000 GCW and I have the Banks Powerpack and Diablo Predator on my V10.

Benefit of the 5.4L V8 would be more aftermarket engine parts like turbos and superchargers because of the Mustang.

The 460 is a much less reliable engine package compared to the newer tritons.

Charlie98 · 09-24-2009, 11:49 PM

I'd probably go with the V-10. My '99 had 185K/mi on it when I traded it for my new '09, never had any problems with it.

I would stay away from the V-8 unless it's a regular cab and you won't be hauling much or pulling anything. I couldn't imagine a V-8 in a crew cab trying to haul something....

Good Luck!

chuckster57 · 09-25-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie98

I would stay away from the V-8 unless it's a regular cab and you won't be hauling much or pulling anything. I couldn't imagine a V-8 in a crew cab trying to haul something....

Good Luck!

IIRC the 460 I had in my '86 F250 ext cab LB was a V8. And it pulled the house on wheels across the country with no problems other than it's nasty addiction to gasoline....

mwe-maxxowner · 10-20-2009, 09:51 PM

I too have a 460 gas hog. Been a great truck, hauled some very heavy loads, 235,000 miles and still runs good. Just gets very poor gas mileage. I can't speak for a v10 never had any experience with them, but in my opinion the 5.4 just doesn't have the muscle needed for a 3/4-1 ton truck.

akrewat · 10-21-2009, 10:46 AM

If you're towing, stay away from the 5.4. In my opinion. If you're a flat-lander like me, well, it would be OK, but anything more than that, it'll struggle with a heavy trailer.

The V10, is a PI-head engine, and would do the job more easily, and use LESS gas when hauling heavy than the 5.4.

The 460, well, I dunno. Never owned one, but I can relay what I've heard. They suck more gas, doing the same job as the V10, and generally don't last as long. But that's anecdotal.

It really depends on the PRICE of all those trucks. I can't imagine the 460 being very expensive compared to the other two

framerboy · 10-24-2009, 11:22 PM

I have owned 3 f250's powered by the 460. My current one is fuel injected and has been a great truck. That said I would get the V-10 if it was my decision. I have driven a few of those and they are smooth and powerful. Great for towing. The gas mileage is a little better with the V-10, I usually get around 10 mpg while the two guys I know that drive V-10's say they average around 14 to 15 mpg.

Pappy19 · 10-25-2009, 10:57 AM

Ask any Ford mechanic about changing out the starter on a 460, and you'll just buy a V-10; not to mention all the other reasons.

mwe-maxxowner · 10-25-2009, 04:04 PM

On my '87 f-250 w/460 the starter is a piece of cake to change

I guess that's the way things are gettin' with all the new stuff on vehicles these days.

Which brings me to another question, why is this forum listed only for '99 and up gas engines? What about the many of us with older than '99 trucks with a 351 or 460 etc. in them?

Pappy19 · 10-25-2009, 10:37 PM

Not sure what your complaint is....this thread just says "Gas Engines" with no year attached, so ANY gas engine can be discussed. Even your 1987 is ok. Just ask away Dude, and I'm sure someone will get back to you.

mwe-maxxowner · 10-28-2009, 10:58 AM

Yeah, but the description of this gas engine forum is '99 to 2007 gas engines. That's what it says from the main page with all the sections on this website listed. Once I get in then it just reads gas engines at the top as you stated. I figured it would be ok, but I've been a member of some sites before that would shut a thread down if it was off topic at all.