Switching to the "other" side

[90plow]

Well guys I didn't think I'd be thinking about switching from GMC to ford so soon, (couple months from now). My brother will be buying his first truck this winter and it will probably be mine, which leaves me looking for a new one. I'm thinking of getting a 97-up F-150 or LD F-250 with the 5.4 v8 4x4 ext cab and shortbed. I'll probably be holding on to this truck for a couple years out of school and might be plowing with it, which is why I'm thinking F250. So my question is how do you guys like these trucks, and motors i.e. enough power what kind of fuel mileage etc...
Thanks in advance
Eric

[Pelican]

I'm pretty sure the F-250LD was discontinued when the SuperDutys debuted in '98 as '99 models. I just went to Ford's site and it is no longer listed, I think you'll have to look at pre-'98 models to get what you're after.

Our fire department has a number of Expedition staff cars with the 5.4 Triton and they've been plagued with head gasket problems. I have a friend who was a mechanic repairing our Sheriff's Department Crown Vics with the same engine and he told me they have problems with the intake manifold gaskets as well, the intake manifold is actually plastic.

I'm a Ford man, but if you're accustomed to small block Chevies, I think you'll be disappointed with the power these engines make. I've driven both the Expedition and Police Interceptors, they go OK but won't knock your socks off.

[Waterchikn]

Yeah, I couldn't find a Crown Vic with a 5.4, but the 4.6 they do have in them is not an impressive motor. I had one in a '97 F-150 and it was far from adaquate for pulling anything, or hauling for that matter. The 5.4 seems to be much better for that. BUT, if you want to smile everytime you get in it, go for the 250 with a diesel. :) (newer powerstroke of course!)

[90plow]

Thanks for the input guys. I like the small block chevies, but I don't really want the same truck as the one I have now and if I got one it would be the same body style (looking to spend around 13k) I'd love to diesel, but can't #1 I go away to school and the truck sits in a parking lot for a week at a time, I dont think diesels really like starting that much in the cold as it is. #2 is cost I can't afford a new diesel and the old diesel (7.3) always gave my dad a hard time starting. Maybe I should stick with what I got till I'm out of school and I can afford a diesel...
Keep the input coming
Eric

[Alan]

Even an old beater GM is better than a new Ford! :)

[snowjoker]

Originally posted by Alan
Even an old beater GM is better than a new Ford! :)

:geez :geez Alan You took the words out of my mouth:D ;)

[Rooster]

Come on guys!

Heavy Chevy is the best, drive a mile and walk the rest!

:burnout Ford has a better idea.

Rick

[SIPLOWGUY]

The more I look at Chevy trucks the more I love Ford trucks. When I look at Fords I see a truck, the Chevy: A Celebrity with a lift kit! :rolleyes:

[Waterchikn]

I thought the newer style chevy's look bad. They should have stuck with the bolder look. They kinda look japenese or something now (no offensive to anyone!). The new 05 fords are lookin good. they change them enough to keep it interesting, but not too much.

[75gmck25]

I have a 2000 Expedition with the 5.4L engine (I also have my GMC K25 with 350) and its been the most reliable vehicle I've ever purchased. I bought it as a dealer demo with 5k miles on it and it currently has 73k miles. There have been a couple of warranty recalls, but the only cost I've had was normal maintenance under the severe duty schedule.

The 5.4L includes the heavy duty automatic transmission, and I added a large Tru-Cool transmission cooler right after I bought the truck. I have heard of problems with the rear coil pack on the passenger side, when heater hoses leak onto the plug/coil, but haven't had this occur with my truck. Ford had trouble with the General Grabber AW tires on these trucks, and recalled them and switched to Continental tires.

Ford increased the HP on their engines in about '99, so you might want to consider that in your search. I think '99 was also the first year that had rear suicide doors on both sides of the extended cab. Some of the earlier trucks with the trailer towing package had both trans and oil coolers. Later on they dropped the oil cooler from the package.

Bruce