new truck questions

[apgarconstruction]

hey guys, I'm currently throwing around the idea of possibly replacing my 1997 psd, with a new 2005 F350 SD SRW CC setup with a new utility body, sometime this fall if everything goes well this spring/summer. I plan on putting an 810, or possibly the 8611 lopro on it if I do get the truck. I know with all the problems some guys have had with the trannies this year, you are wondering why I want to go with this truck. Quite simply, I like ford trucks the best, and I believe they are doing what needs to be done to fix this problem. I know a lot of you guys like the CTD dodges, but I just like the PSD and the ford look and durability better. not saying the dodge is bad, just my preference.

I'm going over all the options on the commercial truck site,
first thing I don't understand is why I can't pick the 4.10 limiited slip diff, with the PSD option selected. it only allows me to choose the 3.73 limited slip diff. or I can pick the 4.10 standard diff.

secondly.
as far as the suspension upgrades go. should I go with the HEAVY DUTY suspension package, or the EXTRA heavy duty suspension package?
this is how they explain it:

Heavy Service Suspension Package
Includes: Heavy Service Front Springs, 1 Up upgrade above the spring computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not included if maximum springs have been computer selected as standard equipment. Includes steering damper. Recommended only on vehicles which will permanently utilize aftermarket equipment such as heavy duty winches, brush guards or other apparatus which loads the front axle to the specific gross axle weight rating (GAWR). NOTE 1: May result in a deterioration of ride quality. NOTE 2: Vehicle ride height will increase with the addition of this package. OPT

Extra Heavy Service Suspension Package
Includes: Includes extra heavy service front springs (2 up spring). 2 up upgrade above the spring computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not included if maximum springs have been computer selected as standard equipment. Includes steering damper. Recommended only on vehicles which will permanently utilize aftermarket equipment such as heavy duty winches, brush guards or other apparatus which loads the front axle to the specific gross axle weight rating (GAWR). NOTE 1: May result in a deterioration of ride quality. NOTE 2: Vehicle ride height will increase with the addition of this package.

I don't want it to ride horribly all spring/summer if I chose the EXTRA heavy duty package. so my question is what have you guys chosen for your trucks that have plows on them. My first choice was to pick the Heavy Duty one, not the EXTRA heavy duty.
but i'm open to all opinions you guys might have in this department.

http://www.commtruck.ford.com/

and if there is anything specific I may be over looking, let me know what that might be. The other options I have picked are Duel Alt., 4 upfitter switches, 5speed auto tranny, tow command system, dual tanks, capt. chairs w/ console, no carpet on floor, block heater, sliding rear window, privacy glass, skid plates, that's about it. I priced it both ways, one with regular cab, one with super cab. I'd love the extra room inside, so I don't have to throw everything in the passenger side, like I do now, but I also think it might make for a long plow truck with an extended cab.

sorry for the long post. I want to take my time and research this as much as possible. I am not even sure I will purchase this truck, depends what kind of a deal they can give me, and what they offer me for my 97 psd with utility body, i'll probably try and sell my 2004 boss 8.2 V privately.

I'm open to all comments, both positive and negative. just don't say, buy a CTD 3500. lol.

[wyldman]

Originally posted by dapgar
buy a CTD 3500.

You said it ! ;)

[apgarconstruction]

lmao, I knew someone would quote that! lol

i'm just not sure if I should run my truck now, into the ground, then buy a new one, or buy a new one now, while I can still get a good trade in value for this truck. the truck is 8 years old, still on it's original tranny, but I know that is the next thing to go on this truck. everything else has already gone for the most part(the important things have been replaced in the last year or two)

[wyldman]

I'd keep the old truck,and put some $$$ into it to do up the trans,add some power,and general maintenance.

I'm not real fond of the new Ford 6.0's with the Torqshift.If it's your main truck,I would want something more reliable over the long haul.From what I have seen so far,they are a very expensive combination to keep running long term.

[apgarconstruction]

ok, thanks for your advice. that is one of my options and probably the one I will take for the near future. maybe in 2-3 years I will purchase a new one. for the heck of it though, i'm going to see what they will offer me. most likely it's going to be more then I can handle for this coming season.

I have already replaced a bunch of parts on this 97, over the past year or so, ball joints, tie rod assembly, CPS, all new glow plugs, master cyl., rear brake cyl. rear axle seals, new u joints in the front, new u joints in the rear driveshaft, new calipers/pads, all new shocks.

My next plans if I do keep the truck, are to take off the utility body and buy a new one. this one has major rust underneath. the boxes are in ok shape, but not perfect. new ladder racks to go with the new stahl body. on a performance standpoint, i'd like to put a chip in it, or tune it, replace the downtube and exhaust system, add a better airbox intake. this should give the truck some added power. it does ok now, but could always use a boost in it's older state.

It's nice to sometimes check out new trucks and see what is available. even if I can't get one now.

in a year or two they can sort out the bugs in the new 6.0s and torqueshifts.

I'll let you guys know what the dealer has to say on monday.

buying this truck would also give me a reason to buy a new 810! and get rid of this V. :D

[apgarconstruction]

also, I would still like to know the best option to pick on the suspension. it's just something that's is good to know for the future purchases I might be making.

[wyldman]

I always go with the best suspension package available.The heavier springs will actually ride nicer with a diesel,as it will carry the weight better,and not wallow all over the road.

[apgarconstruction]

yeah. i wasn't sure. i didnt' want to go way too stiff. and was hoping someone out there had ordered a ford recently and could have helped me out with how it rode, and what they chose with the diesel. i know with my current setup, it's fine without a super heavy duty spring pack. they told me if i added a leaf to the front it would ride way to rough when the plow wasn't on it.
and these new SD trucks have coil fronts, so that is a different setup.

if anyone out there has purchased a ford truck recently, let me know what you picked in the front end suspension package. and how it rides. thanks.

[Pickering Snow]

Dan

I have a few Sds lol and i order the max package the 04 i bought in april last year has the 9900lb package the wrecker is a 450 and doesnt count my two F250s both have x springs and the 03 service truck has a xspring has well .

Has far has your wanting a Super duty i know fords having there problems i have had my share but overall considering i worked for a cpd/gm dealer for 14 yrs i know gm and dodge doesnt handle warr situations any better has far has the 6.0s go the three i have have give me 0 problems and i love them keep in mind i had a early 03 blow apart but still stuck with them and iam glad i have had one 5speed fail out of three and it was on the wrecker not one of the plow trucks i belive they will make it right. keep in mind gm has had there fair share of problems with the allys and Chrys hasnt even tryed to build a modern electronic trans comparable to the ally or torque shift just my two pennys

[apgarconstruction]

so by picking the EXTRA heavy duty susp. package, it then comes with X springs? or is that a special request?

[sno-mover]

When I got my truck I picked it off the lot, and it had 4800lb front springs, but it had the fx4 package so before i instaled the plow i through on a set of x's and it brought the front end up 1 1/2" to level. It doesent ride to bad, it would be better with better grade shocks im sure. By the way I havent had any issues with the motor or trans I have an Aug 03 build:D let us know.

[Honest Mike]

I think the "X" spring upgrade only refers to trucks with leaf springs. The coil spring trucks started in 2005, please correct me if Im wrong though. But do they still call it "X" spring if its a coil spring setup now?? Im thinking it will have a different code letter now. What do the rest of you guys think? Mike

[apgarconstruction]

yeah mike, you are right, coils did start in 05. I'm not sure what they are calling the extra heavy coils now. I'm going to the dealer in a little while, so I will ask them about the two different setups and what the coils are for each one.

[CPSS]

Get the "snow plow prep package" and you get everything that Ford says you need to put a plow on the vehicle. No warranty issues later if you don't have the prep package. Some of the included items are heaviest front springs, 140 amp alternator, steering damper, just to name a few.

[apgarconstruction]

went to the dealer today, talked to my friend who happens to be the head sales manager there. he quoted me some numbers on different trucks.
on the suspension deal. for the 05 trucks, if you pick the snow plow prep package, it'll upgrade the front coils to the heaviest duty ones they have, although, if you choose that package, they won't let you upgrade the rear suspension to HEAVY DUTY, or EXTRA HEAVY DUTY. the HD addes one extra leaf to the rear pack, and the EXTRA HD adds 2 extra leafs to the back.
The only way around this is to add what they call the "payload upgrade" option, which takes the truck from 10000gvw, to 11,400, and still allows you to choose the snow plow prep, and it'll give you the extra leaf in the rear. if i ever want another leaf, i can easily add that later on. one extra should be fine for me.
I don't need the 140 alt. because i already upgrade it to the dual alts, which i think is 240 or so amps. i should be fine with that. the 4 upfitter switches are 2-10amp, and 2-30amp. those will be really handy when hooking up lights.

they can only order 05 trucks for another several weeks, and then everything becomes an 06. so i'm going to wait a while, and probably buy this truck towards the end of the summer.

my only question now is, do i keep my Vplow and put it on the new truck, the v plow is less than two years old. in really good shape, and most of my work is residentials. I would love an 810, but that's another 5-6k for a new plow, on top of the cost of this new truck. I would just need a new frame mount. i could salvage the harness off the 97. I could probably get more, and sell the 97 faster with the V plow on it.

what are your guys opinions about swapping the V on the new truck?

[Pelican]

Price out the cost of the mount and harness, then take an allowance for your time both removing and reinstalling the plow. I think you'll find it won't be worthwhile transferring the plow. You can also deduct the cost of the new plow for tax time, you can only deduct the purchase price of the mount and harness the other way.

If you talk with your dealer, you can probably get the new plow financed too as part of the package, I did this with my 550 and the body upfit. I got Ford's great finance rate to purchase my combination body with.

One other note: Don't bother with the limited slip rear end, they aren't worth the money at all! You'd be better off putting in an aftermarket rear locker, I speak from experience. I've had 3 of them and have NEVER seen both rear wheels spinning at once!

[Pickering Snow]

Dan

To add to what Steve said i to would probley not switch plows over i know for a fact that if you plan on putting a plow on the new truck you will get 1,000 upfitters rebate plus like Steve said they can wrap the plow purchase into the cost of the truck finance threw ford motor criedt and get another 1,000 rebate i usally pay cash for my trucks but because of the added 1,000 rebate i financed 8k on the last two trucks i bought then payed them off shortly after ford motor has no penatly for doing this. We have got you at least 2k so far in rebates so that makes the blizzard right around 3k or so you will make that much up the first season plowing wide :D

[apgarconstruction]

If i go with a blizzard, i'm going out to Jerre. Does the dealer have to get an invoice from jerre? or how did you work that pelican? I want to be the one who takes the truck to have the plow put on it, not the dealer. there is a blizzard dealer about 40 minutes from the dealership. but 25 from my house. I don't want to buy from them though.
i already saw what my payment will be. about 150 more than I was paying for this 97. i didn't buy the 97 new, i bought it in 2000. so it's just being paid off now.

So if I don't go with limited slip diff, is 4.10 too low for normal use all year long? I don't want to build this truck strictly for plowing, I use it mainly for my building const. business. I believe my 97 has 3.55s in the back, and that seems to be fine for plowing, open rear too, so if I go with 3.73 not lim slip, that should be ok too. what do you guys run for gearing?

how many of you guys plow with extended cabs and 8' beds. this adds about 18" total to the truck length vs. a reg cab pickup. not sure if the ext cab will make the truck too long for plowing both lots and residentials.

i wish i had the extra cash to pay for trucks in cash, but I don't. having just got married a year and half ago, and just bought a house at the same time, and started a my own business 5 years ago, all of my money so far, has gone to all of that. now that i have all the equipment to run my building construction business, I see a lot more profit coming in for jobs because I'm not spending it on tools/equipment.

The salesman I know and was dealing with, worked the 1000 rebate into my truck. later in the year, they might be doing 0% financing, so that will save me a ton in my payment each month.
I have to wait and see how the spring/summer go first. Probably order one in the early fall. First baby on the way soon, wife cutting back hours, lol, i'm sure you guys know how that tightens things up a bit.

Part of me is still thinking, just keep the 97, run it into the ground, and part of me is saying, wow, that 05 psd SD was awesome, I really would love a new work truck. It was like night and day difference going from the 05 to my 97. The handling of these new trucks and the quiet cab and overall ride is great. The dealer said I could probably get 13-14k for my truck with the V plow installed on it. only 105k miles on a PSD. utility body is shot underneath but still a decent truck for someone just starting out.

thanks for your advice guys.

[capnkel]

I have to disagree with Steve on getting the limited slip,i have it on mine,all i can say is mine WILL spin both rears,and has so far saved me alot of shovelling,or having someone give me a pull,the limited slip has a trick to it,if only one is spinning,just a touch of brake peddle,and mine will take hold,on pavement,if i want to floor it,i will leave a pair of nice black strips,unless you are doing a bit of heavy towing,the 3.73 axle is fine ,and would be better for fuel econmy,the 6.0l have plenty of power with that axle,i haul my trailer ,loaded with about 12000lbs just fine.:D :burnout

[John DiMartino]

Sell the V plow,buy an 810 or 8611 lo pro. My v plow was 2 yrs old too. I sold it instantly,and it cost me under 2500 to upgrade to an 810.prices have went up but i stillc ant see it costing you over 3000.The new harness/mount alone will be 400-500,dropping your cost to 2500 ish. The 810 is a pleasure to plow close to houses ,and edges with,you can bring the edge in and out with a finger push as needed, the 10 ft width keeps your truck far away from the potential impact of a mirror or hitting the truck anywhere.On the LSD, if get one if theres anyway you can.If your stuck with 3.73 it isnt the end of the world, sicne the torqushift has much lower gearing than the 4r100,so you effectively have the same or better gearing than a 4r100 and 4.10s because 1st and reverse are so low.

[4evergreenlawns]

Dan,

I have a 05 F-350 PSD with the "Snow Plow Prep" and Camper Package, Rear Stabilizder, and Daul Alt. 18" Wheels. That give me the 6000LBS FT GAWR, 11,400LBS GVWR. Just to be alittle safer I added one extra leaf to the AUX in order to beef up the rear some but save the ride.

Running a 810 for a plow and a dump insert with salt spreader. This truck has really been working great for me. I have loaded the insert with wet salt and pushed wet heavy snow during a 10"-12" snowfall just fine.

I have been happy on all accounts. Hope that helps.

[apgarconstruction]

Thanks guys for all your input! I'm going to wait until the end of the summer before I make my decision on whether to order one or not.

If my truck pushes fine now with 3.55s in 4wd hi, then if i get lim slip with 3.73s, i shold be ok.

i get pretty good mileage out of the 7.3 now (16-18approx) (10mpg when plowing) with 4.10s my regular road mileage would drop a lot compared to what i have now.

Ron, do you have 4.10s in the rears?

[4evergreenlawns]

Dan,

I went with the 3:73 LS. I have not had any problem with it at all.
I have the 4:30 LS in the 03 F-450 and that too has been fine.

As for MPG that is a different story. With the winter fuel and just turned 7,000 miles since getting it in Nov. 04 I have not seen anything better that 12MPG and that is after a reflash.

However, I am running a dump insert with a cab guard not sure how much of a difference that make. I was able to get 12 MPG on the highway towing a 7X14 enclosed trailer on a 240 miles trip. That was running right at 2,000RPM/75MPH.

I have been told that around 10-15K and summer fuel I should start to see 2-4MPG increase.

Again, the 05 has performed great given the condition I run with this truck. I am sure during a snow event this truck is running in the 15,000lbs range and it has never once felt like it was working hard at all.

Good luck.

[apgarconstruction]

John D. how much did you sell your V plow for? Mine is in really good condition. I don't beat it up. the moldboard is in great shape. just wondering what i should start out asking for it.

[SIPLOWGUY]

I have Snow plow prep in the 04 and it doesn't ride too bad without the plow.