Buying a F250???

[FWA]

I'm looking at possibly buying a used first gen F250 with a v10. I've never owned a diesel truck before, so I'm not sure the right questions to ask about it. Anything in particular I should look at or for? Do diesel trucks require more maintenance? The truck I'm looking at has about 75k miles, so it it gonna need a rebuild or major service (engine, tranny, timing belt, etc...) at 90k like most regular cars?

TIA

[highlife4me]

The V10 is a gas engine NOT a diesel. I think you need to find out which motor it actually has the V10 or the 7.3 diesel.

[Scott K]

And if you would be more specific on the year, also 6.8=v10, 7.3=diesel

[FWA]

Sorry. It IS the V10, so you're right. It's not the diesel...

Is that better or not??

It's a 2004.

[Scott K]

04 is beyond the spark plug problems. But you will notice that it doesnt get very good millage. But if your buying a v10, I am sure millage isnt what the truck will be used for. If you can get an 02-03 7.3L diesel, that would be my suggestion.

[flyfisher03]

One thing I have heard about the V10 is it gets pretty much the same fuel economy loaded and unloaded (about 10 mpg).

[ihc1]

I have a 2002 with the v-10 and 10-11 mpg is right on the money. In summer you may gain a little but not much. If you pull a camper or enclosed trailer with a big front that pushes a lot of air plan on 8-9 mpg. Mine has 73,000 miles and other than ball joints and rebuilding the clutch packs in the traction loc rear axle its been a great truck. I mainly use this truck for trailer towing which is a 27' camper or flatbed with antique tractors and it works good.

[Powerstroke]

ihc is right on with the mileage numbers. It depends on what you want to use it for. If you' re looking to get a big truck as a hauler, the F250 with the v10 is a good option. Its just another gas motor so you already know what kind of maintenance it will need. The big trucks are any different than any other pickup.

[ihc1]

I did forget to mention one problem with the v-10 is the exhaust manifold studs break off but I think ford had that problem on all gas 4.6,5.4,and 6.8 engines. I have 4 broke on mine but it has not started to leak but I know it will. If anyone knows a good way to remove broken studs from an aluminum head while in the truck let me know.

[Scott K]

Ford has updated studs, that dont brake. I never had a huge problem getting them out. Either I will use a left hand drill bit, or weld a nut to the stud, and wrench it out. They normally come right out.

[ihc1]

Good to know the studs are not hardened and can be drilled. I have 2 that are broke off a little in past the edge of the head and figured they would be tough to get a nut welded on to. Thanks for the info!