Hi recently joined this forum and I am in the market to purchase an F250, my budget allows for 1999-2003 range. I have searched this forum as well as others for info on these years. I wanted to know opinions on these trucks within those years (1999-2003). The older the year the more money I will have to lift and mod it. The newer means I'm going to have to wait longer. I just didn't know if gas engine wise they are all pretty much the same. Any help will be much appreciated. I really don't want to make a mistake buying this truck.

Thanks,

Lloyd

 

The gas Super Dutys are all pretty much the same. If you are gonna lift and mod it, you should probably look for a V-10, when you get done with big tires and a lift on a 5.4 it's gonna be kinda down on power. The V-10 gets awful gas mileage though. The only real issue with either engine is spark plug blowout, proper installation will help avoid that.

 

I'm not planning on raising it to much, just like 6" and maybe 36" tires. V-10 is way to much gas guzzler for me. I can deal with a V-8. I live in the mountains so the torque is enough for me I don't pull anything. That's why I figured a diesel is not worth it. I just wanted to find out if the V-8 are reliable and is there anything I should look for. I read about the plug issues, but it seems to be a simple fix.

 

The 5.4 is a good engine but is a pretty weak offering in a Super Duty especially if you are going to lift it and put bigger tires on it. Follow glc's advice and find a V10 if can because no matter what you do you are going to get crappy milage so you might as well as have some power to have fun with unless you get a diesel and they are expensive to maintain and repair.

 

You live in the mountains? V-10 or a diesel. A 5.4 2 valve is not enough engine for a Super Duty.

 

The 5.4 is a turd in the Super Duty in stock form, nevermind lifted and in the mountains. And with a 6" lift, you're going to need to run 37" tires, unless you like having a truck that looks like it has weenie sized tires on it. You can run 35s with a leveling kit.

 

I got 2 5.4 F250s. One is leveled with 35s. Certainly no powerhouse. It's got 4.10 gears and does ok around town, but once it hits highway speeds you gotta make sure the coast is clear when you are passing someone. It will get there but not fast. I can't see a v10 burning much more fuel when lifted than a 5.4 huffing and puffing for all it's worth.