I have a '97 F-250HD crew cab with the turbo 7.3, 5-speed manual trans, factory towing package and 4.11 rear end. I get 16-18 mpg on the road without a tow. I tow a 29' Alpenlite 5th. Wheel with it. It pulls like a dream with close to 20,000 lbs. total weight (truck + trailer). While towing the Alpenlite I get 10-12 mpg.
The coolant-cavitation issue is really no big deal. You test-strip the coolant annually to check the chemical level and add if necessary. I have not had to add any in the 4 years I have owned the truck. Having owned a 1/2 ton Suburban, I would rule out a 1/2 ton for anything but very light duty. Between that and the F250 I had an '85 F350 crew cab with the NA 6.9 diesel. Both the 250 and 350 handle very well towing, but the engines really call for a turbo. One issue I discovered with the manual trans is that the under-dash part of the clutch linkage is prone to excessive wear. This causes the clutch safety switch not to allow the engine to start and rough shifting. Local trans shop told me I needed a new clutch (about $2K), but my indy mechanic got me back to normal for about $100 replacing the worn linkage part. Greg -----Original Message----- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Fmiser Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 9:13 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] Ford diesels I'm dreaming of replacing my farm truck. Of course, I want a diesel. I'd prefer a Cummins, but I'm not fond of the Dodge body or transmission. So I'm looking further - but I don't know much about the Fords. A '92 will be a non-turbo, right? I have heard the 7.3 turbo is a pretty good engine. What about the normally aspirated? What's to watch out for? I'm after a sturdy work truck, not a high speed machine. I will expect it to pull 7000 lbs of trailer - but I don't need it to outrun my tired 240 when loaded. :) So what's the word on these old engines? Trouble - or a good deal? -- Philip _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
