Trying to make a decision - need your help

[CV05350KingRanch]

I currently have an 05 F350 with a 6.0. I replaced the head gaskets at approx. 82000 and the truck is now running great. I have been considering purchasing an 08 with the 6.4 but am hesitant to jump into it like I did the last one without getting some feedback from people who own the newer truck. I am very concerned about some of the talk regarding milage on the new trucks. I currently get about 11-12 towing a 14,000 lb 5th wheel and approx. 18 on the road not towing. I have heard talk of the new trucks getting much worse. Any information you can provide me regarding the new trucks would be appreciated. I look forward to heaing from all of you.
Thanks,
Bob Ethington

[dezzrats]

Don't forget, you will be getting smog checks on the 08. More tax money.

[Tom]

Don't forget, you will be getting smog checks on the 08. More tax money.

When? Where?

Need info.

[mattymx]

Don't forget, you will be getting smog checks on the 08. More tax money.

Smog checks will be on diesels that have a lower GVW than Powerstrokes have.

[2008F450]

CV I have an 08 F-450 with 6.4. It does weigh about 1500-2000 more than a 350 so keep that in mind. I also have 4.88 gears. I get about 12-13 unloaded and 8-9 with a 14000-16000 lb trailer in tow. I had an 02 250 with 7.3. I love this new engine. Its got power right off idle, smooth, and quiet. It was worth it for me.

[dezzrats]

Don't want to hi-jack post but my smog shop, a test only place in Old Town San Diego told me he was getting the equipment and gearing up to smog the new diesel trucks just like mine for 2010?!!?
I hope he doesn't know something the general public doesn't. I will ask more questions when I visit the next time to make my Tax donation.

[CV05350KingRanch]

Thanks,
I had an 02 with the 7.3 and I loved it that's why I went with the 05 with the 6.0. I screwed up and put all the Banks stuff on it and when the head gaskets went at 83,000 I was stuck with the bill. The Banks gear voided the warrenty and of course in spite of all the advertising when the time came Banks wasn't there either. None the less the truck has been a great truck and now runs great. (I have turned off the Banks tuner).
I do have one question though. I think the truck I'm looking at has a 4:10 gear ratio (not sure). What is the relationship to power and milage with regards to gear ratio? Obviously I'm not a mechanic.
I'm leaning towards an F250 this time as I have no need to carry large loads in the bed and it easier to get things in and out of the bed from the side. (Lower stance)
Thanks again,
Bob Ethington

[K5Cruiser]

...What is the relationship to power and milage with regards to gear ratio?...

The lower the gear ratio (numerically higher, for example 4.10:1 is lower than 3.73:1), the worse your fuel mileage will be on the highway. The lower gear ratio is an advantage when it comes to towing heavy, or installing larger tires.

As for the '08s I have no experience, and all of my reading suggests that the worse thing about them is the fuel mileage. Really haven't heard of any other negatives regarding their performance or dependability in stock form.

[tbsimmons]

I just got a 08 F450 4x4.
I had a 04 F350 SRW 4x4.
The 08 seems to have more power stock towing the fiver than the 6.0 did with a tow tune. Plus it is a lot more stable.
Mileage is a little worse with the 08 than the 04, but I dont drive it everyday so that was not part of the decision.

[CV05350KingRanch]

Thanks for all the information regarding 08's. I am still in the decision making process and will let you know how it goes. A lot of my decision at this time depends on what I decide to do with the current truck. Check out the For Sale forum if your interested.
Thanks,
Bob Ethington

[smotrs]

Don't want to hi-jack post but my smog shop, a test only place in Old Town San Diego told me he was getting the equipment and gearing up to smog the new diesel trucks just like mine for 2010?!!?
I hope he doesn't know something the general public doesn't. I will ask more questions when I visit the next time to make my Tax donation.

See the following from the CA. DMV website http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/leg/leginfo_vr.htm

[G8beast]

Only the "08"s and newer?
this is the new laws for deisel?

[Samuel1941]

This same question keeps coming up!!

Everybody take a deep breath and relax!! :)

The way the new law reads, you will only have to smog check if your truck's gross weight (that's fully loaded maxed out weight rating) is less than 8501 pounds.

This smog check will apply to diesel automobiles, SUV's, and small trucks...not our Super Duty trucks.*

*Check your door frame sticker for gross vehicle weight...I'm not sure if all the older F250's are over that (but I think they are)..

This is a quote from the DMV site:

Diesel-Powered Vehicles — Operative January 1, 2010

Amend, Repeal, and Add: Health & Safety Code §§44010.5, 44011, 44012 (AB 1488 Chapter No. 739)

• Adds diesel-powered vehicles manufactured after the 1997 model-year that have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,501 pounds to be in the biennial smog check program.

[smotrs]

This same question keeps coming up!!

Everybody take a deep breath and relax!! :)

The way the new law reads, you will only have to smog check if your truck's gross weight (that's fully loaded maxed out weight rating) is less than 8501 pounds.

Exactly correct.

[DesertRider]

Bob
I had an 03 F250 4x4 with 6.0. I really loved the truck but it became unreliable, stranding me several times while pulling my trailer.

I got an 08 F450 in late January. I like this truck even more except for the mileage and it seems less powerful than my stock 6.0.

I get 7.5 MPG pulling my 17k lb 5th wheel (got 9-10 with the 6.0). I do not drive the new one much if I'm not towing, but when I have I don't get much better than 9 MPG.

I could pull the same grade at 55 with my 6.0 that I can only pull at 45 with the new one. The 6.0 had 3.73 gears and the 450 has 4.33s. I have not had the opportunity to bring the truck in for service, but when I do I will ask about the power and mileage,,I don't expect anything.

I love the truck's interior and exterior (except for the headlight configuration). It is very stable. I have a little over 3,000 miles on the new 450 now. It has only regened 3 times.

One last thing...the new truck did have a problem with a loose wiring connection on the first trip I took it on. It would not start. Not one problem after that.
Later,
Randy