For those of you that have done some hauling/pulling, I got some questions. I'm thinking about buying a 250 with the 5.4L, maybe year 99-01 range. I'm going to be pulling a Jeep Cherokee (on a trailer) about 1-2/month if that. Some trips might require going up and down mountains/big hills. What do you all think of the 5.4? More than enough or not enough power? Is it enough truck for what I want to do? Thanks ahead of time!

 

I think you would be kidding yourself with the 5.4 in a superduty i dont even know why they put the engine in the superdutys.

If thats all the towing you do stick with the F150 with the 5.4 or if you want the superduty go with the diesel

 

No problem, man.............The 5.4 is an great and reliable engine.........it will tow the Jeep with ease.........

The new 3v would be even better, but not needed...........I used to tow my toyhauler with my 01 F-250 w/5.4 and it towed it decent.......and that weighed in at 12500.............You should be at 6-7k at most.......

Shrek

 

I really don't see myself hauling more than twice a month, probaly only once really. 6-7k sounds about right too. Would the F150 be okay hauling that much, even through mountians? Another little tid bit to throw in the mix. The truck will only be driven for hunting and hauling purposes only. I have a honda civic for a DD. The 3V would be nice, but I'm not looking to spend that kind $ for one. If I could afford it I'd buy one . Thanks for the replies!

 

Well thats a similar load to what I pull (18' 10k trailer with an 86 Ranger on it). I used to pull it with my 97 F150 with a 4.6L. The problem I had with it wasn't necessarily the power, but that was lacking with a 3" lift and 33s with stock gears. The biggest problem is that the trailer tended to want to push the truck around quite a bit. With the F250 its not NEAR that bad. Alot of times you can't really feel it back there due to the extra 2000lb. The 5.4L will work if thats all you can get but it needs to be configured right. If you get the 5.4L make sure the one you get has 4.10 gears. Anything less and you'll really be hurting for pulling power. If you can find one with a 5 or 6 speed. When you get this don't lift it at all and keep the stock tires. Just remember that you're at a deficit already for power and you want to do everything to squeeze every drop out of it. You might try looking at a V10 as it will hold its resale value better aside from pulling your trailer better. Mileage between the V10 and 5.4L is only going to be 1-2mpg different on average.

 

The 5.4 will be fine for what you mentioned. I used a 2001 in construction and it was more than enough. WHY everybody on this board feels you need a powerstroke to pull anything more than a lawnmower is beyond me.

 

V10 will be about a 3-4mpg difference and will not help resale value. Due to rising fuel costs only diesel will hold its value.

 

thanks again everybody. already found a good deal on one. hopefully will be making the purchase sooner than later.

 

Got another question for everybody. I'm looking at an 03, ex. cab, 5.4L, 2wd, XLT, with 81k miles. Before I buy I'm going to do a 180 pt inspection on the truck . Is there any flaws with this year that I should be aware of? Anything that I should keep an eye open for?

 

Amen brother.
I have an 02 with the 5.4.
I plow snow with it and haul sleds and quads to the U.P. with no problem.

 

Okay, I passed on the 03. Now I'm going to get a 99 here in the next couple of days. It has 103K on it, 5.4L, Auto, XLT, Ex. Cab, and 2WD. Should I have any concerns? Guy said it's basically been babied it's whole life. Other than the obvious look over, anything else I should worry about?

 

99 may have the spark plug issue. Just askl if the plugs were ever changed. Make sure they are torqued to the rights specs. If so - good to go. Great trucks. Bro in law has a 97 with 200K+ and it runs great

 

I have a 99 super cab 2x4 with a 5.4, and it no speed demon by a long shot, but it tows pretty well. I have a 6000 pound trailer and the only difference I see is that the transmission hunts going up anything other than level at highway speeds. So, I turn the OD off, slow down and try to keep the revs under 2750 to save gas.

Just be sure that you know, you will be one of the slower vehicles on the road!

Reliability? Rock solid except for one coil at $300 at the dealer and a re-check of the spark plug torque every so often.

Price? Gas 10mpg city, 10 mpg highway (seems low, may be o2 sensor)
10 K purchase, only 50,000 mi

 

Man, I forgot all about the spark plug issues I read about a while ago. I bought the truck (private seller) with out checking them out. The thing is in great shape though, and I'm very happy with the buy. I will have to check those spark plugs out just to make sure. The guy said that there was nothing wrong with it at all, and has never had any problems with it. I trusted the older gentleman, who appeared to be a good ol boy. He kept his word about a lot of things while we prepared the transaction. Anyway, I will check those out. Otherwise I have no worrys about the truck! Hell, even the engine bay and motor looked brand new. I'll have to get some pics up sometime soon. Thanks again for the help and suggestions everybody!!

 

Congratulations! Sounds like a great deal for you!