FF250 gets donated, need 1/2 ton replacement

[Blackplague]

My research found the mpg were not that far apart. I test drove both trucks over a few days and found the f-150 got 1 mpg better.

You can look at the chevy web site and rear drums is still standard on the silverado

I put 160k plus miles on a 5.4 with no problems.

Daytime Running Lamps Standard Standard
Traction Control System Standard Standard
StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System Standard Standard
Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes Standard Standard
4- Wheel ABS Standard Standard

That only goes for 2wd std trim work trucks with a v6 with out towing package

I like ford bodys and interiors way more than gm for sure but dont care for the rest of the ford powertrain..

Just my .02 please dont take it wrong

 

[_RaT_]

Someone made the comment about interiors and now that I think about it, the 05 GMC 1500 I drove at a used lot had parts of the interior in kind of bad shape. The seats were already pretty broken down (truck had 84,000 miles) which I thought meant the previous owner was probably gravity enchanced but maybe that's just part of the deal. The other thing was the dash knobs were loosing their thin plating and whitish yellow plastic underneath was showing. The most annoying thing was the rattle coming from what I think was the front left. Sounded like the shock was not attached on one end. I suspect it was just this truck.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[om21braz]

I would look at the F-150 with a 5.4. I have owned 6 personally and my family another 8 or so with no major issues.

I agree w/ the 5.4 longevity - never a problem w/ ones I've had. If there are major problems - the Ford is far more complex to work on than Chevrolet/GMC. One look under the hood of both tells even a novice alot.

 

[jeffster]

I had a 2000 Silverado with the 4.8 before I bought my Dmax. I sold it with 95,000 miles on it. The only issue I ever had was the fuel pump (I replaced it myself so it was pretty cheap), and the 4wd switch. I towed my 19' openbow all over the place and it did great (probably 4000lbs max when loaded with camping gear, etc.). It had the 3.73 gears. The dealership I traded it in to was one where I was friends with the sales guy, so when they resold it they asked if I would talk to the guy who wanted to buy it, which I was happy to do. I explained that the only thing replaced was the fuel pump and the switch, other than that it was a great reliable truck. He bought it and I still see him driving around in it every now and again. I bought my Dmax in March of 2006, so 4.5 years later I can only imagine he has quite a few miles on it now. I keep meaning to flag him down when I see him (but I work from home so I don't get out a lot these days).

 

[Diamondpilot]

According to all epa mpgs. The chevy beat the f150 5.4 and 4.6 by at least 2-3 mpg.. The f150s ive had got 14-16.5. Again 4.6 got worse than 5.4 but the 5.4 blew spark plugs out of the head for fun..
( ford has problem with this in the 5.4 and 6.8 engines due to only 4 threads in the hole.)
Btw, All 1998.5 up gm trucks have rear disk brakes...

I have had many F-150's, 6 actually, since 1998. All had the 5.4 and 5 were 4x4 with the non 4x4 one being a Lightning. Man, that thing was fun until it rained or snowed. Anyway they all averaged 15.5 mpg. Like you said the GM trucks with the 5.3 so slightly better.

The spitting spark plug thing is blow way out of proportion. I must now of 100 or more of these trucks that my friends and customers owned and only one early V-10 in a F-250 blew 2 plugs. Not a big deal. Its a $150 fix per plug but like I said of all the trucks and maybe 1000 total spark plugs I only know of 2 single plugs blowing out. No truck is without fault by any brand. I would put the F-150 at the top of the reliability list. And no, I do not own one now. I have a 08 Nissan Titan. It sucks the gas but is a beast.

As for GM trucks brakes you are not correct. Many of the lower end models and 2 wheel drive models still have drum brakes on the rear as of 2010. Not sure about the 2011 models. Weak brakes have always been a complaint I have heard on GM trucks but like I said before I have not owned one in a long time, 2005. Mine had rear disc brakes and I had no issues but only had it 9 months and traded it.

Chris

 

[Blackplague]

Qoute,

The spitting spark plug thing is blow way out of proportion. I must now of 100 or more of these trucks that my friends and customers owned and only one early V-10 in a F-250 blew 2 plugs. Not a big deal. Its a $150 fix per plug but like I said of all the trucks and maybe 1000 total spark plugs I only know of 2 single plugs blowing out. No truck is without fault by any brand. I would put the F-150 at the top of the reliability list.
.....................................................................










Sadly the plug is a very big issue, i wasnt going to get deep in it but ill go ashead and jump in...

Per tsb FROM ford, they only suggest changing spark plugs AS THEY FAIL in the 5.4 and 6.8 engines.. 1 out of 3 trucks that dont spit the plug out, when you change the plug it takes the 4 useless theads with it.

You figure of 150 to fix, must be in mexican money, you cant call a helicoil a true fix.... Dealer charges 1500.00 per head for r and r... Youve got to pull the head to fix it correctly..

Heres a little info, ( according to ford this never happens also)

The Ford Motor Co. has turned an automotive backside to almost every customer complaining of a spit spark plug, leaving them the option or repairing the truck and keeping it or dumping the vehicle on the used-truck market.

ConsumerAffairs.com recommends that you avoid the 1998 through 2003 Ford Expedition, F150, F250, F350 with 5.4 and 6.8 no matter the guarantee or promise that accompanies the truck. Thousands of first and second owners have suffered a spit spark plug and paid Ford thousands of dollars to repair the defect.

Fixing the damage does not guarantee it won't happen again. Many consumers have told us they have fixed a blown plug only to have the engine spit a second or third plug.

More and more Ford mechanics and technicians are siding with consumers, charging that the troubled automaker is fully aware of a major flaw in Ford engines that causes the power plant to spit out spark plugs at random and without warning.

The mechanics complain that Ford is covering up the defect while squeezing and short-changing technicians and mechanics tasked with repairing the problem for Ford consumers.

The trouble is, no one is listening to the warning and Ford continues to stonewall and cover up the spit spark plug hazard, according to one Ford technician.

A Master Ford Technician told ConsumerAffairs.com that the “situation regarding these engines and the spark plugs blowing out is not unknown to Ford.”

“Quite the contrary, they are well aware of it and have been since the 5.4 liter Triton engine was released,” this Ford mechanic said. “This same concern also affects other engines in Ford's modular engine family, such as the 4.6 liter single overhead cam V-8s and the 6.8 liter single overhead cam V-10,” he warned.

Ford dealerships routinely insist to consumers complaining about a spit spark plug that they have never heard of such a thing happening and never had any issues.




Aka the NOTORIOUS cam phaser. Its that nice tapping noise thats like a ticking bomb.. Heres a lil insight,
Triton engines are chain driven cams, the chain tensioner is ran via oil pressure... And what is the the tritons know for, anyone??? Yes sludge, there a sludge factory no matter 3000 mile oil changes or not.. The port for the tensioner gets plugged and theres a ton of slack in the chain just waiting to skip a gear and take out some valves.

Dont forget about all the flex fuel 5.4 motors that have non stop problems with miss fires..

Crank walking issues on early 3 valves, not sure of cause myself.

V10s have all the same problems because its the same motor as 5.4 but 2 more holes..

I know of a few more huge flaws to this series but im in a phone and my fingers all ready hurt..

Now, im not totaly bashing triton 5.4, 6.8 engines becase ford got them to run... Now the 4.6 is a good motor but underpowered for a 4x4 truck.
I know everything has its problems, wile chevy may have the powertrain they dont got the interior yet.. I wont even start about dodge.. ( yes cummins and thats where it ends)


Sent via my iphone4

 

[56FordGuy]

I am donating my F250 not so much because I'm a good hearted person but rather I think it would be a disaster for anyone who bought it to try and get the thing in shape,
1. steering wheel bearings out
2. glow plug module out
3. front end springs totally shot
4. Horn/cruise control a mess
5. glow plug wire harness shot
6. interior door panels to dash falling apart
7. etc.

I don't know what the etc is, but the stuff you've listed really isn't that bad. If the truck doesn't fit your needs or you just want something else then disregard this, but if you need a similarly capable vehicle I'd keep the truck and fix it. Assuming it's a 4x4, the most expensive thing will probably be the wheel bearings, they're a sealed assembly and run about $300.00 a side, but are a fairly simple job to replace.

 

[Blackplague]

I don't know what the etc is, but the stuff you've listed really isn't that bad. If the truck doesn't fit your needs or you just want something else then disregard this, but if you need a similarly capable vehicle I'd keep the truck and fix it. Assuming it's a 4x4, the most expensive thing will probably be the wheel bearings, they're a sealed assembly and run about $300.00 a side, but are a fairly simple job to replace.

Lol... I was thinking the same thing. Where im from that truck is just starting to get broke in.

 

[_RaT_]

I listed the first of about 57,000 issues. Lets see, steering wheel plastic smastic thing for horn, cruise control is about $175 not installed. I thought it would cost about $1.75. That's only the start. AC pump, needs replacement, new tailgate, ABS brakes useless, battery cables corroding, new glow plug harness, front differential leaks badly, seats worn out, dash looks like a kid used it for a wipe out course, HVAC knobs all need replacing, it goes on and on.PS, what year of truck do you have? This one replaced a 1963 GMC which I rebuilt twice. You have to know when you are being nickeled and dimed to death.

Oh yeah, did I mention the turning radius exceeds that of the Titanic? In my case I would not have scraped the iceberg, I would have T boned it given the same degree of warning.

That fact may also be influencing my decision. :laughing:

I don't know what the etc is, but the stuff you've listed really isn't that bad. If the truck doesn't fit your needs or you just want something else then disregard this, but if you need a similarly capable vehicle I'd keep the truck and fix it. Assuming it's a 4x4, the most expensive thing will probably be the wheel bearings, they're a sealed assembly and run about $300.00 a side, but are a fairly simple job to replace.

 

[_RaT_]

Sold, you can have this brand new (where your from) Ford F250 extended cab for $3000. :thumbsup: Oh yeah, its "as is". I have never loaded beyond 11,650 lbs gross weight.

Lol... I was thinking the same thing. Where im from that truck is just starting to get broke in.

 

[56FordGuy]

I listed the first of about 57,000 issues. Lets see, steering wheel plastic smastic thing for horn, cruise control is about $175 not installed. I thought it would cost about $1.75. That's only the start. AC pump, needs replacement, new tailgate, ABS brakes useless, battery cables corroding, new glow plug harness, front differential leaks badly, seats worn out, dash looks like a kid used it for a wipe out course, HVAC knobs all need replacing, it goes on and on.PS, what year of truck do you have? This one replaced a 1963 GMC which I rebuilt twice. You have to know when you are being nickeled and dimed to death.

Oh yeah, did I mention the turning radius exceeds that of the Titanic? In my case I would not have scraped the iceberg, I would have T boned it given the same degree of warning.

That fact may also be influencing my decision. :laughing:

I actually just bought an '01 F-350 with 192,000 miles. My previous daily driver for the last two years has been a 1956 F-350. The '01 is my 3rd 7.3 diesel, the first was a '94 that had 300,000 miles on it when I gave it to my sister who is still driving it. :thumbsup:

If you want a new truck, there's nothing wrong with that. Obviously I can't specifically nail down what's wrong with your truck without seeing it, but I'd guess wheel bearings, and a clock spring for the steering wheel (for the horn and cruise). If your truck has a glow plug module (big silver box looking thing) instead of a glow plug relay that may be expensive, but I believe only the Excursions and California equipped trucks came with modules. A relay is only about $30.00. The other stuff sounds cosmetic, I'd keep an eye out for a wrecked truck and try to buy the interior parts from it if they were in decent shape.

Then again, I really like the 7.3 PowerStroke trucks and my tolerance for repairs is pretty high. Since I bought my truck in August, I've replaced the drag link, ball joints, all the front axle seals, both batteries, a door lock actuator, and a few other things. I bought the truck knowing about most of the issues though, because I wanted a truck set up specifically like this one is. If you want a new truck, then find one you want and enjoy it.

 

[_RaT_]

Mine is a 7.3 IDI non turbo, the later 93's had a turbo. It is weak and anemic and smokes pretty bad starting at 4000 feet and can just barely make Mt Rose summit at just under 9000 feet. I rarely take it over that pass anymore. Glow plug module is $300, new wiring harness, never priced it. Its not wheel bearings, its the steering wheel assembly, the part you hold in your hands to drive. Rebuild seats would easily be a $500 charge. The front end needs a complete overhaul, springs and differential. I don't want a new truck, I just want a truck that won't be nickel & diming me every week. Of course, I would also like one that is much more agile. The 3/4 ton 4 WD Fords were horrible up to I think its 95. I'd sell this one to you cheap if you want. I'll drop it to $2500. I did put in a rebuilt transmission about 20,000 miles ago, both door lock actuators and both window motors, epoxied the clutch release mechanism on both as they like to eat those things up. Oh yeah, it has a CD player thats not stock, but the speakers are. Its best to rotate the tires every 2500 miles because the front sags so bad due to the worn out leaf springs.

I actually just bought an '01 F-350 with 192,000 miles. My previous daily driver for the last two years has been a 1956 F-350. The '01 is my 3rd 7.3 diesel, the first was a '94 that had 300,000 miles on it when I gave it to my sister who is still driving it. :thumbsup:

If you want a new truck, there's nothing wrong with that. Obviously I can't specifically nail down what's wrong with your truck without seeing it, but I'd guess wheel bearings, and a clock spring for the steering wheel (for the horn and cruise). If your truck has a glow plug module (big silver box looking thing) instead of a glow plug relay that may be expensive, but I believe only the Excursions and California equipped trucks came with modules. A relay is only about $30.00. The other stuff sounds cosmetic, I'd keep an eye out for a wrecked truck and try to buy the interior parts from it if they were in decent shape.

Then again, I really like the 7.3 PowerStroke trucks and my tolerance for repairs is pretty high. Since I bought my truck in August, I've replaced the drag link, ball joints, all the front axle seals, both batteries, a door lock actuator, and a few other things. I bought the truck knowing about most of the issues though, because I wanted a truck set up specifically like this one is. If you want a new truck, then find one you want and enjoy it.

 

[Blackplague]

Sold, you can have this brand new (where your from) Ford F250 extended cab for $3000. :thumbsup: Oh yeah, its "as is". I have never loaded beyond 11,650 lbs gross weight.

Sure dude. maybe 150.00 delivered..
That seems pretty rude really. ( where your from) Honestly im sorry i even posted up after that comment.
We were just trying to give you some thoughts but i can tell your not interested in my or anyones thoughts on the matter.


Good luck what ever you do.
This is my last reply.

 

[56FordGuy]

Mine is a 7.3 IDI non turbo, the later 93's had a turbo.

Ah, my mistake. I figured it was a PowerStroke, most likely a 99+.

I'd completely agree with selling/ donating the IDI and moving to a newer truck. Heck, a modern half ton may actually have a higher GVWR!

 

[_RaT_]

Yeah, the old IDI's are really hard to want with so many nice diesels out there. I guess BlackPlague was a little miffed at my sense of humor, no harm intended, it was really all joke. As I mentioned, I really would not want to put the issues on others so donating was my serious choice. I was really looking for info on Chevy's in particular as I am more familiar with Ford and to a lesser extent Dodge. I did get some good info from this thread. Thanks to all who helped including Mr BlackPlague.

Ah, my mistake. I figured it was a PowerStroke, most likely a 99+.

I'd completely agree with selling/ donating the IDI and moving to a newer truck. Heck, a modern half ton may actually have a higher GVWR!

 

[bdeboer]

As for GM trucks brakes you are not correct. Many of the lower end models and 2 wheel drive models still have drum brakes on the rear as of 2010. Not sure about the 2011 models. Weak brakes have always been a complaint I have heard on GM trucks but like I said before I have not owned one in a long time, 2005. Mine had rear disc brakes and I had no issues but only had it 9 months and traded it.

Chris

From what I understand GM went back to the drums on the 1/2 tons as part of a Bosch system in 2005. Part of this decision was the complaints about the mushy feel of the '99 to 2004 1/2 ton truck brakes. Having owned both I prefer the 2005 brakes. On both my '99 and the '05 the brakes lasted around 60,000 miles.

 

[dodge man]

I just bought a 2002 GMC, 1/2 ton regular cab 4x4. It has the 5.3 and 3.73 gears. My previous truck was a Quad Cab Dodge 1/2 ton with the hemi. I was expecting the 5.3 to seem like a dog, but it does O.K. I was towing my car trailer with a water tank on it last Friday. I had maybe 5000 pounds total behind it and it did pretty good. Mine has about 102,000 miles on it and it needs a couple of things like shocks and cruise control fixed, but nothing that needs fixed right away. Being a long time Dodge guy, I'm pretty happy with the GMC.