2008 F-450 vs. F-350 GAS MILEAGE ETC.

[M&S Norrell]

We are looking at the F-450 for our 15,500# rig. We don't want to go to the 4.88 transmission, but I'd like to know the gas mileage everyone is getting on the 4.30 transmission F-450 CrewCab DRW (with and without hauling a rig). Also, any problems with the 2008 models (350 or 450)? And if you bought one or the other, are you satisfied or would you buy the other one now if you had to do it over again.

[Rick A]

Go to Dieselstop.com. You will find more information on Ford diesel's than you will probably ever need, and form people who are driving them every day. There have been a lot of discussions recently on the mileage of the '08's.

[xc-mark]

could have a few first year growing pains , the 6.4l diesel motor is new for 2008 models. should be fine , ford / navistar cant afford a 2nd chit motor like the 6.0L diesel.

[K-Star]

got my `08 F-450 with 4:30's the end of September. I started out at 11 MPG and am now up to about 14 MPG solo. I have a 16,500# 5er and it pulls it very nicely. I'll let ya know in a couple of weeks what the new MPG is towing.

From what I've heard and read, issues with the 6.4 are far and few between. They generally are going in for oil changes and routine maintenance.

[K-Star]

Took my truck in for a recall notice (seat weld issue). Seat was checked and said to be fine. I had them verify that I had the latest computer flash since it seemed to go into regen at odd times. They reflashed with the latest code. Time will tell/ Won't be towing until end of May so I'll let y'all know how the mileage is then.

[cb5300]

The word is that the 6.4 is a thirsty beast. I've had numerous ford dealers tell me this. I've had 2 F-350's a 2003 with the 6.0, it wa a beast and got fair mileage, and a 2006 6.0 that's a pig. The '06 has no power when compared to the '03 6.0. I ordered both trucks and they are the same except for the gear ratio. The '03 had 4.10 and the '06 has 4.30s...I really wish I had my '03 back.

[K-Star]

I agree that the 6.4 can be a thirsty beast. If I use cruise control set at 65mph I get around 15 compared to my `06 60.0 that was getting 19. Certainly not enough for me to dislike my `08. I don't think that is all that bad. I have read reports of 6.4 owners keeping their speed at 60 and get close to 20.

There are so many things about my `08 that I like better than the `06. First is the turning radius - it is SO MUCH better, my `08 is much more comfortable when driving. I've said it before, my wife had back surgery ans she is much more comfortable in the truck than her Accord. Then there is the power. I had a `99 7.3L, `02 GMC Duramax and an `06 6.0. IMOHO none of them compare to this 6.4.