1997 F450

[Soundguy]

Mine gets 13 or so empty.
Normal load of pea gravel and trailer with trencher and backhoe on it it gets around 9mpg around town total weight is around 28-30000 lbs which is legal and safe and reason I have a f450.
Pulling oversize 14 wide down interstate I have gotten as low as 5mpg with a headwind.
I have not ran out of power with this truck but wished for a few more gears on long up hill pulls.

almost exactly matches my #'s!


soundguy

 

[tcartwri]

would that have been the later half of 03 when they pulled the 7.3 and stuck in the 6.0 psd's?

soundguy

Unknown. But our 2003 550 with the 7.3, had the five speed. These trannies are designed to pull full weight in both OD's, unlike the earlier four speeds. They also have engine braking that is engaged by tapping the brakes on a decent. The computer is smart enough to know you are on a significant grade, and it also "learns" your driving habits. Very good system.

 

[Soundguy]

Unknown. But our 2003 550 with the 7.3, had the five speed. These trannies are designed to pull full weight in both OD's, unlike the earlier four speeds. They also have engine braking that is engaged by tapping the brakes on a decent. The computer is smart enough to know you are on a significant grade, and it also "learns" your driving habits. Very good system.

I know my 04 f250/6.0psd does the engine braking thing.. but don't think my 450 does it. also 450 just has an o/d cuto off button.. 250 has actual haul/tow mode..

soundguy

 

[tcartwri]

I know my 04 f250/6.0psd does the engine braking thing.. but don't think my 450 does it. also 450 just has an o/d cuto off button.. 250 has actual haul/tow mode..

soundguy

I'm pretty sure the tow/haul mode just enables the engine brake. Might delay the converter lock up a little.

 

[Soundguy]

yep, probably.

soundguy

 

[JJZ 109]

Mine gets 13 or so empty.
Normal load of pea gravel and trailer with trencher and backhoe on it it gets around 9mpg around town total weight is around 28-30000 lbs which is legal and safe and reason I have a f450.
Pulling oversize 14 wide down interstate I have gotten as low as 5mpg with a headwind.
I have not ran out of power with this truck but wished for a few more gears on long up hill pulls.

Got the truck home from PA on a few days ago. According to my figures it got 12 mpg traveling the interstates. Tach was around 27-2800 at 72-74 mph on flat ground.
Will be interested to see what it gets for local driving pulling the 7x14 enclosed trailer full of gutter machine, tools, gutter coil, etc. and a couple of extension ladders on top.
Hopefully the need for the extension ladders will be eliminated on some jobs where I can get in with truck and tow behind JLG as space and ground conditions permit.

 

[Soundguy]

sounds like a 4.88 rear.

at 72mph I'm taching 2750 on my 450

and it has a 4.88 rear.

soundguy

 

[JJZ 109]

sounds like a 4.88 rear.

at 72mph I'm taching 2750 on my 450

and it has a 4.88 rear.

soundguy

I was actually pleasantly surprised by the fuel mileage. Won't be racking up the miles with this truck. Probably 3-4k per year running from home to gutter jobs and material pickups.

 

[Soundguy]

they are no speed demons.. but they pull great with a 4.88 rear.

soundguy

 

[JJZ 109]

Back in the day 25+ years ago I used to drive tractor trailer and dump truck for a blacktop outfit, so I've driven the big diesels. But I never had to maintain them other than checking the oil every morning.
I've got no manuals for this 7.3 so I was wondering what the service intervals are and what I should be using for oil. I'm no diesel mechanic so I'd probably only be doing the basics like oil changes and probably fuel filters when needed.
Any sources for this info?