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F250 Ideas
- Thread starter AngliaGT
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Doug, just based on the experiences of two of my friends, stay away from the V-10. They seem to have a penchant for blowing spark plugs out of the heads, threads and all, as well as popping exhaust manifold studs. One of my buds has replaced both rear springs twice (broken leaves), and he's never towed anything other than the lightweight trailer carrying his Sprite. I'm not sure of the year of these vehicles, but I can find out.
Jeff
Jeff
Tim Hollister
Jedi Trainee
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Doug,
I may be one of the two friends Jeff refers to above. Let me add the V-10 is NOT the only Ford Triton series engine with the spitting spark plug deficiency. All Triton engine have been affected including the 5.4L in trucks, the 4.6L in Mustangs, etc.
While Ford disclaims all responsibility for a poor design resulting in a manufacturer's defect (all MY opinion and you'll see why in a moment), even certain government agencies supported by taxpayer dollars seem to have sided with Ford regarding this issue.
In my case and after being quoted in excess of $3,000.00 to repair (head replacement still leaving five plugs on the other head that could blow out), I opted for a repair kit from Time-Sert (you can Google them) and repaired the blown threads myself. I do keep this kit in the truck in case another plug blows out. The repair is actually easy to perform but of course it is one hole at a time.
My truck is a 1999 F-350, Triton V-10, 5 speed manual, FWD and 4.33 differentials. I bought it with 60,000 miles on it and it now has 135,000 miles on the odometer. I've since replaced both rear springs once each, paid to replace a flywheel, clutch and transmission, and more. The flywheel, clutch, transmission incident was due to broken flywheel bolts.
Built Ford Tough? I think not. It is doubly hard for me to swallow Ford's propensity for NOT standing behind their products (I said above you'll find out why...) because I work for Ford! I am involved with manufacturing (stamping). Luckily I am NOT part of Ford's Power Train operations!
With all the above said, I still like the truck and it does perform as expected. However, I am constantly leery of "What is gonna break next and how much is that gonna cost me?!?!"
BTW, I don't think I mentioned it but Ford redesigned the spark plug holes in Triton heads approx late 2002 or early 2003. If you purchase something built after late 2003 or newer, you should be getting a vehicle with redesigned heads.
On a more pleasant note, I've recently picked up a new 2007 Focus ST and so far, I'm highly pleased with it. Not tow vehicle though obviously so I won't go on about it. <grin>
Tim
I may be one of the two friends Jeff refers to above. Let me add the V-10 is NOT the only Ford Triton series engine with the spitting spark plug deficiency. All Triton engine have been affected including the 5.4L in trucks, the 4.6L in Mustangs, etc.
While Ford disclaims all responsibility for a poor design resulting in a manufacturer's defect (all MY opinion and you'll see why in a moment), even certain government agencies supported by taxpayer dollars seem to have sided with Ford regarding this issue.
In my case and after being quoted in excess of $3,000.00 to repair (head replacement still leaving five plugs on the other head that could blow out), I opted for a repair kit from Time-Sert (you can Google them) and repaired the blown threads myself. I do keep this kit in the truck in case another plug blows out. The repair is actually easy to perform but of course it is one hole at a time.
My truck is a 1999 F-350, Triton V-10, 5 speed manual, FWD and 4.33 differentials. I bought it with 60,000 miles on it and it now has 135,000 miles on the odometer. I've since replaced both rear springs once each, paid to replace a flywheel, clutch and transmission, and more. The flywheel, clutch, transmission incident was due to broken flywheel bolts.
Built Ford Tough? I think not. It is doubly hard for me to swallow Ford's propensity for NOT standing behind their products (I said above you'll find out why...) because I work for Ford! I am involved with manufacturing (stamping). Luckily I am NOT part of Ford's Power Train operations!
With all the above said, I still like the truck and it does perform as expected. However, I am constantly leery of "What is gonna break next and how much is that gonna cost me?!?!"
BTW, I don't think I mentioned it but Ford redesigned the spark plug holes in Triton heads approx late 2002 or early 2003. If you purchase something built after late 2003 or newer, you should be getting a vehicle with redesigned heads.
On a more pleasant note, I've recently picked up a new 2007 Focus ST and so far, I'm highly pleased with it. Not tow vehicle though obviously so I won't go on about it. <grin>
Tim
AweMan
Jedi Knight
Offline
I have a few comments about the ford 460 Cu.In. Engine, pre 87`s were carborated engines post 86`s are injected. I have no experiance with the injected 460. However I do own an 86 460 carb engine. At best {Stock as it comes from ford} you`ll be looking at 8 to maybe {if you drive it real conservativly} 12 M.P.G. . It doesnt make any difference if it is empty, loaded to the max, towing, tailgate up or down. The 460 Cu.In. engine is strong and a workhorse. There are a few things you can do at a reasonable cost to make them even stronger. Pre 71 dove c heads {if you can find a good pair} kicks you up about 100 H.P just bolting them on. Pre 71 timing gear and chain adds another 25 or so H.P. headers, of course adds to the mix.
For a few more $ instaling flat top pistons will "make er run" pretty dang strong. Aluminum high rise manifold and an 850 Holly double pumper then you have about around a 400 H.P. engine verses just over 200 with a bone stock engine. Your mileage will stay in the same range 8 to 12 M.P.G. But hauling or towing you will have a great advantage.
The reason I mention this is about 50% of the pre 90`s F250`s have this engine in them.
For a few more $ instaling flat top pistons will "make er run" pretty dang strong. Aluminum high rise manifold and an 850 Holly double pumper then you have about around a 400 H.P. engine verses just over 200 with a bone stock engine. Your mileage will stay in the same range 8 to 12 M.P.G. But hauling or towing you will have a great advantage.
The reason I mention this is about 50% of the pre 90`s F250`s have this engine in them.