Community Forums

DoubleK · 09-06-2012, 06:51 PM

What about a 2010 or newer F-250 6.2 gas. I would tow a 10k trailer (everything needed for the campsite). It would also be used to commuting to work and toting the kids around town. Are the ford gas engines reliable?

oldbeek · 09-07-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpringerPop

It lies in aftermarket parts.

This link covers it pretty well:
6.0L Power Stroke Fixes

After you get done with all that you should have a relatively trouble-free engine that can "do the job" very nicely.

If you skimp on the above, you can have a money-pit on your hands.

Better to do it right the first time.

Yes, the transmissions (and the rest of the truck) are worth having!

Pop

6.0 Power Stroke Fix about covers it all except that you should run semi- or synthetic motor oil. The HPOP oil pump pressurizes the oil to 4000 psi. That is just to high for standard motor oil, hence the need for all the extra oil cooling. Ford failed to tell you this. That said, I saw an immaculant low milage 2004 ,350 Ford sold for $12,000 recently. The old owner had $7,000 in standard Ford repairs and had enough. For that price, you could pay for the after market fixes and buy a lot of synthetic motor oil. Go to Dieselgarage.com to see in depth the problems with the stock 6.0

rollondown · 09-08-2012, 10:24 AM

Here's 2 more cents,
If you go for an automatic transmission, the 3:73 or higher 4:10 rear end is best. If you want a manual tranny, you can go for a lower rear end ratio.
Most all the 3/4 ton trucks will pull a 12k 5th wheel. Pin weights will be maxed in some, but fine in others. Dodge MegaCab will probably have the lowest payload, but has the bigger cab. Fuel economy is better than a gas engine, but all, Dodge, Ford, Chevy will get between 9-12 towing at 65 or so.

fvstringpicker · 09-11-2012, 03:44 PM

I'd have little trouble towing 12k with my 2500 hd duramax/allison. My concern is the ones earlier than 2006 have injector problems. That's a very expensive fix. If you go the GMC route, see if the injectors have been replaced with the "re-engineered" version. Have the tranny checked out. The duramax, like most diesels are equipped for towing so there's usually little to add in the way of coolers. And most have transmission temp guages. When I'm towing the exhaust gas temp is a more important stat than the transmission temp. I never had a problem with either pulling some fairly steep grades.

elkhornsun · 09-18-2012, 02:06 PM

Within your budget it does not make sense to pay the $3,000 premium for a diesel engine and have a truck with more than 150K on the odometer and years more wear on every component (AC, alternator, fuel pump, water pump, etc.). For towing a large block V8 gas engine combined with a 4.10 rear end will work nearly as well and you will have a more reliable tow vehicle. What is important is the rear end and if I found a low mileage truck but with the 3.43 or 3.73 rear end then I would pay the $500 to have the rear gears swapped out for 4.10 gears which provide at least 25% more tow capacity and a lot less wear and tear on the engine bearings and transmission.

It is not at all unusual with older trucks to have to have the injectors replaced and this can be a $5k repair. Diesel is priced up with premium gas so the added MPG is negated by the higher cost of the diesel. The pre 2007 engines are more likely to have problems with the ULSD fuel at the pumps, and pre 2010 are more likely to have problems with biodiesel though I avoid the stuff altogether. The flip side is that the pre-2007 engines are going to operate better on the diesel sold south of the border in Mexico. With a gas engine this is also not a concern.

oldbeek · 09-19-2012, 06:28 PM

A gas engine does make sense if your trips are short. 50 to 100 miles to a lake to camp. BUT, if you plan a 12,000 mile trip every year, a diesel definately is the better choice. Pulling hard, Gas-6mpg Diesel-12mpg

TexasPSDX · 09-19-2012, 08:24 PM

Looked at new trucks and got sticker shock. So, I bought used 2 months ago. 2000 F250 7.3 powerstroke diesel, crew cab, long bed with 70,000 miles on it. Love the truck and the money still in my pocket.

caissiel · 09-20-2012, 06:39 PM

Just look around and observe the old Diesels that are still used as everyday work truck. Then observe how many old gas trucks are being used. Specialy around here in the north the old faitfull Diesels are strong with some with rough looking bodies.

So I would rather buy a used Diesels than a new truck anytime. And can afford to pay premium price while saving on fuel. I have had 2 gas truck and they were 1/4 tons and never better on fuel then my 3 diesels when towing is in the average fuel consuption.

timberframe · 09-27-2012, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

To the OP, Ditto on the extra cooling for the tranny. I had a F350/7.3 for years and the only problem I ever had towing was tranny heat.

I went to a couple of mechanics for tranny advise. One transmission mechanic told me that the tranny cooling capacity was very large on this truck and not to spend money on a cooler. The other mechanic told me to by a tranny gauge so that I could monitor the heat as I was driving. So far, I had the fluid changed and replaced a couple of tranny lines that looked worn.