Pulled The Trigger

We have a 2008 F250 6.4 CC KR Job build 2 and we have been very happy. With a 3.73 rear end we see 16.5 mpg average (city / hwy) and 19-20 on long highway trips, all averaging 70 mph (empty). When we towed an 8K boat, we got around 12-14 towing at 60mph. I drive conservatively, so if you put your foot in it, you will feel it in your wallet.

Our truck is at 60K and we haven’t had any major issues, a few small problems. DPF sensor wires laying in a manifold, fuel water separator housing leak, rear camera replaced, trim pieces (double sided tape failing), and seat memory system that doesn’t want to hold the settings. I just put 4 new Michelins ($1650) and we are ready for another 60K.

I would highly, highly suggest you get oil and transmission fluid samples analyzed (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/) . The analysis would be a great indicator of the engine and transmission health. Get them done early so if there are any metallic particles or other indicators that might suggest coolant leaks, trans clutch damage, fuel dilution, or other potential problems you can get them taken care or at least noted by the dealer or walk away from the deal if needed. I would do this if buying ANY USED DIESEL TRUCK, REGARDLESS OF BRAND. Diesel engines are great, but the maintenance is expensive ($250 oil changes) and thus people tend to skip maintenance. Additionally they are easy to modify for large power numbers and that can lead to future problems. Diesel engine repairs can be very expensive and quickly rise to tens of thousands of dollars. I am not trying to scare you, but take an opportunity to give yourself some insurance. I would also continue the practice during your ownership. The oil analysis will allow you to identify potential problems early, before they get expensive.

Good luck and congratulations on the purchase.

OJ

Rick MC wrote:
.... As for fuel mileage how many people are getting better than 11 mpg doing the speed limit pulling a 40 foot 5th wheel!...... Good Luck!

I for one get 11.9 mpg consistently. My fiver is 14,100 lbs And I towed from the west coast to the east coast and back. still on originaal brakes.

I got it this afternoon and have driven it about 50 miles. So far, according to the display in the dash, I'm averaging 22mpg. I can live with that. I own a 2005 Expedition that gets 15mpg around town.
I've been buying cars for 23 years from this dealer and I'm not too worried about being gouged for work. They already threw in two years of oil changes in the deal and a free wash a month.
I'm happy.

I love my 6.4 F350 PSD! As for fuel mileage how many people are getting better than 11 mpg doing the speed limit pulling a 40 foot 5th wheel! I have been up and down the east coast and the fuel mileage is always the same 11mpg! Now I haven't towed out west in the big mountains. For every truck manufacturer there can potentially be problems! No manufacturer has 100% satisfaction. Do your homework definitely get an oasis report and keep up with oil and fuel filter changes regularly! Good Luck!

You are following the same path we took. We had a plan, found our truck in Wisconsin, 2 years ago. BTW it is also a 2008 Ford F350 6.4L TD, and we love it. Then we got the camper 1 year ago. We know just how excited you are feeling right now. Good luck and happy adventures to you.

bhartzman,

Of course the previous owner was able to keep the 6.4 well maintained because he is the service mechanic at the dealership and his labor is and was free and he was also able to get any parts needed at actual bare cost. The truck/drivetrain just might be in excellent condition when you become it's "new" owner. However, you will have to pay the way over a hundred dollars an hour labor costs and also pay the high marked up costs for any and all parts needed going forward. It'll sober you up in a hurry with the first incidence of service/repair you encounter. The truck's well known and well established very poor fuel economy may also cause your Columbus 325RL purchase funds availablilty to drag out a few years longer. I'd do some serious thinking before I signed on the dotted line for that engined truck!

My Ford dealer GM is a truck guy and was the first to talk me out of the 6.0L Navistar diesel that had so many problems. He also spoke of the problems with early '08 F350s and has been looking for six weeks for one he trusted. This one was in Orlando. Seems to be tough to find a crew cab long bed (98") in the eastern U.S. This truck was owned by a mechanic at the dealership who just traded to a 2013 and also owns a 5ver. It's had meticulous maintenance so we've done all the homework possible and now just hope for the best.
The 5ver we like most is the Columbus 325RL. We'll see if it's a affordable when the time comes. Hopefully there will be a few slightly used models by then.

Get an OASIS report from Ford on it. If it is an early '08, they were prone to radiator leaks which have been recalled. Change the oil every 5k miles and the fuel filters every 10k miles and follow the rest of the "severe duty" maintenance guide. Don't shut it down during a regen. Don't run Bio fuel. If possible, delete the diesel particulate filter and you will be good to go. These trucks make crazy power, but are particular in how they are handled. They are not for some people that is for sure, but others LOVE them. It's your call and I wish you the best.

Jim and Barb wrote:
I also have a F-3500 2007 I have replaced the Turbo , 6 injectors ,and a vacuum module for the Cal. emissions and the front and rear brakes at least twice. all within 175000 Mi. I will not get another ford when it dies that`s it.

That would be a 6.0!

I also have a F-3500 2007 I have replaced the Turbo , 6 injectors ,and a vacuum module for the Cal. emissions and the front and rear brakes at least twice. all within 175000 Mi. I will not get another ford when it dies that`s it.