OT: Ford Superduty
 

Might be getting ready to pull the trigger on an 03 F250 Crew Cab XLT Lariat 6.0 FX4. Have some questions for people in the know about the package I have been quoted.

There was some mention of a certain suspension package to look for on these trucks. Here is the truck I am looking at.

8800# GVWR Package
Camper Package
Rear Stabilizer Bar
3:73 rear end w/ limited slip

Is this what I need to look for? Or is there something else in the front/rear end that I am missing?

The sticker is $44,985

After incentives, rebates, and everything else I have been quoted 33k and change. What do ya think?

Buck

Troutly,

Here's my problem....current truck is being turned in this week due to end of lease. I can make it for a short time without one, but I do need something to tow the boat to LOTO for the Shootout. Could borrow if I wanted to but would rather not. The 04s are on the lot right now. But the price would go up at least 3k if not more. I need to buy before the end of the year for tax purposes. I don't think we'll see incentives like we're seeing right now until at least next spring. Obviously due to the new models now arriving.

I have owned GMs my entire life. This will by my first Ford. Funny thing is, I work on trucks for a living. Just don't know what to look out for on this truck.

Something else...I do work for all three of the local dealers and have a very good working relationship with all of them. I can buy any of the big 3 at invoice less incentives and rebates any time. The GM is just priced quite a bit higher. I feel like the Ford has the most bang for the buck. Don't bother with the "D" word here guys, not an option for me.

Please feel free to comment on package and price anyone and all.

Buck

I have a loaded 02 with the 7.3 diesel xcab 4x4 xlt... For a little extra, I went with the f350, it was only a few hundred bucks more. Also went with the posi rear. The back up sensors are great, really like them. My brother just bought the new 6.0 and so far no problems and loves it. What are you planning on hauling with it? Do you really need the extra suspension? Then there is always the dually...

Buck, The only thing I would find out is the difference between the camper package and the trailer towing package. I always get the trailer towing package but I don't know what the difference is, that may be the suspension package difference you mention. Like 105 said you could go with the cummins, it's a good motor I'll give them that but the drivetrain won't handle much higher horsepower that's why it's rated at 255 vs. ford's 350. You would't buy a new '04, 38 top gun with twin 330's would you? :)

You know, I've been wondering if Ford ever considered making a marine version of the PSD. It wouldn't weigh that much more than a big block Merc. It has a mountain of torque., and can be tuned for more. It would outlive most gas 500-600 ft/lb torque engines. It's actual size isn't that much bigger than a comparable gas engine.

Why wouldn't it work?

105mph...sorry, just can't bring myself to do it. The difference in creature comforts between the two trucks are too much IMO. The GM is twice as plush as the Ford as it is. And the difference between the Ford and Dodge, well, I'll stick with the Ford.

East Coast B....I will be towing a 26' Scarab. Boat full of fuel with trailer weighs in at just a little over 6800 lbs. Won't be interested in the dually due to parking and wife driving it. I would probably take a single wheel 3500 before I'd take a dually. Good points though.

ofshore...I'll find out the difference between the two packages. Good question. I'm not a fan of the Dodge drivetrain either. Been around them enough to know that.

Someone had said there's a certain letter or number for a suspension package to look for at one time. Just can't remember what it was.

Buck

When you buy the Diesel you get all the heavy duty towing and cooling that is available. Ge the posi, get the sway bar, get the rear back up....it is a life saver. As noted the 350 is a few hundo more and worth it. Get cab lights also. I have an 03 PSD X with the 7.3 and I had to add the cab lights and the sway bar. Get the back up sensor, really.

I tow a 26' also with my F350. There is no issue towing... PERIOD!!! Around here, if aren't going up a hill, your going down a hill. A standard 250 single rear wheel would tow your boat anywhere.... you don't need anything extra unless your planning on going bigger. If you do have some plans, go up to the 350 just for the extra rear suspension. I believe the camper suspension adds to the front axle for carrying those bed type over the cab campers. For what we're doing, you don't need that. oh oh oh .... one last thing..... see if you can get it without a hitch and put you own on... they give you a dammed class 3 hitch on a diesel truck..... get your own class 5!!!! That pissed me off!!!! Cab steps are nice as well, keeps the dirt under the truck. My sweetie likes the adjustable pedals since she is on the shorter side.... We love our Ford, it's the first ford I ever owned, always had Chevy's.... I really love the cab room, very room for the taller person.... Good luck and get the options you want, you won't regret it.. We got one of those norcold frigs that open on the top and put that in the xcab area.... works great for long trips to keep drinks and food in!!! One last tip, have them show you where the plug is to plug it in... bastard to find...... then put it out and wrap the cap that is on it around the front tow hook so it's easy to get to in the future.... then again, your in Arizona.... forget it..... we're not so fortunate.... YET!!!!

WRONG!

40k right now with 350hp (rw/hp) towing the same boat as Buck in the summer and sleds in the winter. And that's with an 01. The new drivetrain is WAY better.

That's a great price.

Thanks for the input all....

Troutly...I test drove one yesterday and hammered the hell out of it. I did notice the lag until around 2000 rpm like you mentioned. But, this is not the truck I will be buying. The truck I am looking at will be dealer traded. I did like the way the truck pulled once it got into it's power though. I look forward to throwing the Scarab around with it. Should be a breeze for this truck. Those are some good tips that I will be sure and look for.

MitchStellin...The truck has the backup warning feature on it. I wanted ALL available options on her. Not crazy about cab lights though. Gonna X them.

East Coast B...I wasn't sure what the Camper package was. Thanks for the info there. The truck does have the factory hitch on it. I do know to look out for the Class III on the Superduty. It also comes with the factory Ford nerf bars. This will all be pulled the first day. I just so happen to own a truck accessory store. :D The Class 5 hitch will be on before the ink is dry, and there will be some full length nerf bars on it too. I love hobbies, I mean my business. :D

Cuda..I thought so. The dealer is a customer of mine. I know I can get a sweet deal on any make. Just thinking about going this route right now.

Thanks all! Throw out some more if ya want.

Buck

Buck, heed Troutlys advice. If the truck has any lag, stay away from it. The new ICPs and controls will not be out until September. Even if the truck is an 04, it will have the same motor and controls as the 03. Sure Ford will remedy these problems, but why not give yourself the upper hand and get a winner from the get go. The trucks really are awesome when working properly. Good Luck.

Buck,

Good choice on the FORD.

We just traded our Chevy 2500HD off for an '01 F350 PSD Dually Crew. The Missus got tired of filling up every 5 days with the gas motor.

My FORD guy has one 6.0 buyback on the lot now. He said that the early 6.0's in the F350s have had most of the problems. And it sounds like the other guys are giving some "in-the-know" advice too.

Buck, Im more of a GM guy and have had 2 GMC Duramax/Allison, awsome vehicles. Tomorrow I pick up my first Ford since 1990, a 2004 F350 Dually, I am still reluctant, certain things are better, but GM's interiors are far superior, but ride quality is better on the Ford, only when loaded up and or towing, and about 4K cheaper. I will post a pic tomorrow. BTW that is one hell of a price, I pd invioce, friend of the GM. Good Luck, I hope we have the ones with the good injectors.:D

Hey Buck, I had two Dodge 3500's both had Cummins and automatic, 4x4. I now have a ford xlt lariat dually crew cab. 6.0 PS 5 speed automatic, its by far the best driving and pulling truck Ive owned. Good luck and Go fo it! Mark B.

Wow! You all have made me feel very good about my choice. It's been tough for me mentally since I've owned GM my entire life.

Jassman... I couldn't agree more. The plushness of a GM is tough to beat. I've said this from the word go when comparing them to the other two. The ride and comfort cannot be beat in a truck today. Like you, I just feel like the Ford has the most bang for the buck. (no pun intended :D ) I've got some goodies that I've been putting on some customers trucks already that will make a HUGE difference in performance. ;)

I only put around 10-12k a year on my trucks. The chance of me having any major trouble on the road is slim to none. I live about 2 miles from my shop and I'm there 6 days a week. The only real mileage I will put on her will be back and forth from the lake. It's a tax write off for me, so I may as well get something worth writing off. :D

Buck

Buck, same thing for me, a 30K tax right off per year. If I dont like it, next year Ill go back to GMC. Im going to put a Western Diesel or Edge box in, a ram air intake and a cool air box, I probably will leave the exhaust. I will post some pics this weekend, I ordered it with a sunroof, back up detector, its the Ford Built Tough version with white grill, and bumpers and black leather with carbon fiber accents. Good luck with yours, what kind of goodies are you putting on. Jeff:D

Jeff,

I spray bedliners, so that will be one of the first things I'll do. Advertising. ;) I'll do some sort of Grill Guard with Warn lights in it. Probably a Westin CPS or similar style. Husky liner floor mats.....a MUST on any new vehicle. An Extang RT bed cover...same as the Access style bed cover. Remote Start. Probably a mobile entertainment system for the girls. Tint the two front windows. All that and the full length nerf bars I mentioned will probably be it other than some minor performance mods.

You gotta love advertising write offs.

Buck