Initial Impressions - Diesel Forum

Pilot · 09-17-2009, 07:08 PM

For those of you that are considering a new truck I wanted to share my initial impressions of my new truck. I bought a 99.5 7.3 F250 4x4 SC new in 99 mostly to pull my 5th wheel trailer. The truck was very good to me for just shy of 200,000 miles. The usual problems took place ie CPS, ball joints, etc. but I considered this the cost of driving a HD truck. The 7.3 gave me an honest 17-18 MPG unloaded and 12 -13 pulling a 10K fifth wheel. Three days ago I took delivery on a 2010 F450 CC. Granted the truck has only 150 miles on it but I did say these are my initial impressions. The engine is much quieter than my 99 ever was as can be expected. Ride is also better (smoother) and quieter but you still can tell it's a truck not a Cadillac. I like the interior a lot better than my old truck. I did not buy a black truck this time and can find no fault in the paint as others have been talking about. Unloaded, the 6.4 is no match for my old chipped 7.3 but consider the new truck weights more. I'll be interested to see how the two trucks performance compares after the first trailer pull. MPG is yet to be determined but after the trucks proves itself I plan on mods to improve it. I wanted to get one of the last 6.4's before the new 6.7 comes out. Perhaps I'm being consertive but Ford is not paying me to be their test pilot. Hope this helps anyone on the fence.

NEVERSWEAT7 · 10-10-2009, 07:45 PM

Pilot
Good honest first response. You wrote you have a manual 4x4. You mean the stick on the floor for transfer case as opposed to the electronic shifter? I had the electric in my 02 F350 with not one problem. I knew the process and followed it when in use so I don't haver a dog in that hunt. I have read that the manual shifter is bullet proof on these trucks. Pretty worry free.

I have one on my 1977 F-250 and it still is awesome.. but then again I could just about put that truck in the back of the new truck. Weight is not even comparable and then again i do not know if there is any relevence.

I am looking forward to mine and even hearing more about yours. You know typical stuff, times between regens, MPG, stereo, etc etc.

congrats to you

Pilot · 10-10-2009, 08:53 PM

The longer I have the truck the more I like it. Just turned over 1k. I've installed a Reese 24k 5th wheel hitch and in bed electrical conection. I just fill up the second time since picking up the truck with a full tank. Hand calc MPG is 13 mixed city and country driving. I haven't had it on any long trips yet nor have I had trailer out. We are camping over Halloween weekend and I'm looking forward to see how it does when towing. I'm having a Line-X bed liner installed in two weeks.

NEVERSWEAT7 · 10-10-2009, 09:02 PM

Pilot that is so cool. A brand spankie and your already getting 13! I would not think it will reverse itself.. but what about the re-gen? Has your truck gone through that process yet? If so, what was it like?

I too will put the Reese 24K retro head in mine. I had it in the 7.3 for 4 years and loved it. It sold with the old truck. That hitch was so easy to connect up and a weight I handle readily. I will also get the in bed plug as I was dealing with the receiver hitch and an extension which I was tired of a long time ago. The four puck system will help as I will order the Reese Signature 30K gooseneck adapter as I pull a 28 ft. low boy trailer for personal use.

Sounds good so far.

Pilot · 10-10-2009, 09:05 PM

NEVERSWEAT7
I forgot you asked about the manual 4x4 transfer case. I ordered the manual 4x4 for two reasons. First, I had a few problems with ESOF on my old truck. Ended up having to replace both front auto hubs while owning the truck at over $200 each. I also had to replace all the rubber lines running to the front wheels due to deterioration. Second, by shifting the transfer case into 4x4 low and leaving the front hubs unlocked you get sort of a two speed rear axle. I use this option primarally for backing the trailer up steep inclines on hard surfaces. The reverse gear ratio on the auto trans. is not near as low as first gear forward.

NEVERSWEAT7 · 10-10-2009, 11:45 PM

That makes total sense. I used to do the same thing coming off the hill with a few chords of wood on my back. Leave the hubs unlocked and cruise down the hill in 4 low. I never used the brakes. I lived in Kernville ca and then up on Alta Sierra..state route 155 right around the corner. Steepest grade for shortest distance on a hill here in ca. maybe the US.. not sure.

geze.. I should have remembered that.. it might have not made me look like such a newby as much if I woulld have thought about that before I inferred.

Still have that 1977 in my shop.