Need opinions- please!

[NoMo]

In light of my ongoing problems, I'm trying to get out of my current truck and into a new '01. Everyone at the dealership seems fine with the idea, but they imply that I should pick something off the lot.

They have a few trucks that are VERY similar to my current one except 4.30 gears. Most are "early" '01s with the '00 style seats. So far, there's not been anything that I really liked except an '01 F250 4x2 SC LWB. It has a V10 w/3.73LS gears and the new seats & center console. Color is True-Blue with grey interior.

Question-
If they'll do it, should I trade my current problem-truck for the above truck? Will I miss the 4x4 &/or 4.30 gears when towing my 7800# GVWR 5'er? I'm not sure the current truck can be tolerated until an "order" is placed & delivered. Tell me what y'all think. [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]

[V10 man]

If the dealer is working with you to get you into a new truck I'd get exactly what you want. Although you are within specs, the 3.73s give up 3000 pounds towing capacity over the 4.30s.

[UTAH]

NoMo - Just my .02

Towing with 7800 lbs with the 3.73 should be no problem. You'll miss the 4.30's if you approach the max tow capacity.

On the bright side, you'll be turning less RPM's at highway speeds and should obtain better MPG - especially when empty.

Keep us posted - it'll be interesting to see which way you go and how a new truck performs for you. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[NoMo]

I doubt that I'll ever (frequently) push the max limits of the truck. The 3.73s will work for towing my trailer and the prospects of improved mileage are nice. Even if I were to order a new truck, it'd probably be with 3.73s. The only reason my '00 has them is because that was the only way to get LS. Most of the time, the truck is empty. Does anyone know if the 4.30s come with a stronger driveline?

What about 4x4? I went over 8 years without it until I bought this truck last Sept. This past winter was one of the snowiest (is that a word?) we've had and the 4x4 got used a lot. But, that wasn't a typical OK winter. Camping is going to be all park w/electricity as the wife has severe allergies and can't tolerate the OK heat, weeds, trees, etc. Boondocking is not an option. I know that 4-LO can be used to back up steep inclines, but given the constraints of electrical hook-ups, will I ever NEED 4x4?

Thanks for the input guys. I like this "new" truck as much as I dislike my current one. I really like the new interior. Seats are much more comfortable for my big butt. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[robsd]

The one time you need 4x4 and you don't have it, you'll regret it forever. Plus the truck just plain loks better (IMO). Forget the gostly resale value, forget you may get an extra mile or 2 mpg without it(lighter truck), and just do it. When I got my first truck in 96 it was a 2wd model. After only 2 weeks I realized the mistake I made. I almost got stuck in a dry, plowed field, about 6 miles from town. I was simply turning around when the tire slipped over a row. I had to dig it out with my bare hands. Then about a month later a buddy and I slipped off in a rut, again dry east Texas loam, the left rear wheel was about 1" off the ground, sorry LS no good and not enough weight to get the wheel down, we had to flag down a girl with no front teeth to pull us out with her beater. I will say in this case a $10 come-a-long would have got us out.

Rob

[Ziess]

I agree with Rob, the one time you need it and don't have it is a bad situation. Also don't let the dealer come out on top-You paid extra for that 4x4 so you want some sort of compromise for it. IMHO They really do look better w/ 4x4.
Ziess [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[dan4x4]

NoMo,

Things to consider:

1. The 4x4 issue...the above posts are dead on when they say the one time you need it and do not have it you will be sorry. Been there-done that...it stunk! Get the 4x4!

2. Consider the LWB SC for the extended range the larger fuel tank allows. In addition, the SC is around $1000.00 less than the CC. The overall length of the CC SWB and the SC LWB is very close so the trucks will have the same "driveability" feel.

3. The 3.73 would probably work fine for you unless you tow a lot in the mountains. Plus you may get a little more fuel mileage.

Good luck.
Dan

[NoMo]

Thanks for the opinions... but it looks like I'm going to keep the rattle-trap. The dealership offered me less than $24k for my truck (see sig) that has 5045 miles. Ford rep offered to chip in $2k, but that still left me owing them $2k for the '01 4x2 vs my '00 4x4. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Anyway, I pulled my truck back into the shop & told them to fix it. The funny (sad) part is that they'll spend more than $2k trying to fix my truck AND keep me in a rental unit at $28/day. Oh well, if they'd rather spend over $5k doing repairs, then I'll let them. [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img] I get to keep my 4x4 & 4.30 gears.

[Runk]

NoMo:
Howdy!
I have been driving my 4x4 X with V10 and 4:30s w/ LS for the past 14 months.
I do alot of p'ing and moaning about Ford and the "details".
BUT, I think the 4x4 drivetrain is excellent.
I have had Dodge, Ford and Chevys over time and I have to say the Super Duty trucks have a great 4x4 chassis. (I have also driven a friends crewcab PSD).
I am a FIRM BELIEVER in getting the truck you want. Do not compromise.
This is important to me due to the costs involved which go way beyond the purchase price in terms of the energy required to go thru the shopping/purchase PROCESS.
I have had 2WD trucks too and have always gone back to the 4X4.
I don't have experience with towing with the higher dif gears. Where I live is hilly and I like the 4:30s. Don't know OK. You are probably fine if its fairly level driving.
Good luck!
Runk.

[Glenn Maddock]

NoMo I have been reading your story and re-living my experience with the 88 F250 I had that was a lemon. I want to say to you I know the frustration your going through and I truly feel for you. I battled Ford for 3-1/2 years on that truck and had over $8000.00 in receipts on warrenty work. I finally sent a copy of all receipts and a letter to the CEO of Ford and they got me out of the truck. Like you, the deal was pretty good but not great. They did give me the new truck I ordered at dead cost. Invoice less dealer holdback. I'm still driving the 93 today I ordered and its been a good truck. Two things I want to say to you. First, get the truck you really want, even if you have to order it and second, I know the $2000 sounds like alot of money, but is it worth your piece of mind? The had my truck in the shop one time for 8 weeks and had a tech. from Detroit and one from Cincinatti working on it and I was still having problems. Sometimes you just get a bad one they can't fix and in my opinion the best thing you can do for your sanity and your piece of mind is make the best deal you can and move on. Believe me when I tell you, you won't be sorry. Good luck.

93 F250 SC 4x4 auto. 4:10 7.3 non-turbo 128,000 happy miles