Never owned a Ford

[Doc Pete]

Hey Guy's,
I'm picking up my new Ford F250 Superduty work truck. I went for the V8 with 4 speed auto, 4X4, with posi rear and tow package. My question is, since I've never had a Ford is there anything special I need to know or do (special to Ford) to keep it in top shape. Also, I bought a brand new drawtite brake controller, and I'm assuming the hookup (with the factory tow package) should be straight forward.
Any help would be appreciated,
Pete

[wriken]

Is this a gasser? Reguardless get ready for new found power.:)

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by wriken
Is this a gasser? Reguardless get ready for new found power.:)
Yes, it's gas.... couldn't stand the "Rap, rap, rap" :p

[rodfather]

Pete

Hook up with the drawtite is pretty simple. Good luck with your new rig. BTW, how come no PSD???

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by rodfather
Pete

Hook up with the drawtite is pretty simple. Good luck with your new rig. BTW, how come no PSD???

I took the new 6.0D for a ride..... Sorry, couldn't stand the noise. No wonder you guy's never listen to me... You can't hear:D
Also, for that matter, I'm only 1/2 mile to work and come home for lunch, and do a ton of stop and starts on my small lawns. I didn't want to spend much time warming it up. And, after 9 years, I've still only got 58,000 on my old truck, and that was a lot of driving:p Now get out there and sell my old truck... Someone will get a nice backup truck........
Pete

[wriken]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
Yes, it's gas.... couldn't stand the "Rap, rap, rap" :p

My brother's wife has a 99 and its alot loader then his and mines 2002, I heard the new 6.0 was supposed to be quieter than our 7.3's

[Turf Technologies]

If you dont wear your seatbelt from lawn to lawn the dinging can be annoying. Otherwise its a great truck, our next one will be a flatbed.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by wriken
My brother's wife has a 99 and its alot loader then his and mines 2002, I heard the new 6.0 was supposed to be quieter than our 7.3's

I'm sure it's just me. Coming from the old school, it sounds like a mean con rod knock. AND.... it's just annoying:p Oh, and did I say the "wife" didn't like it??? Need I say more??:D

[paponte]

LOL, c'mon now we know the truth. You wanted it but the wife said NO! ...Yep, the truth comes out. :p

[Keith]

Enjoy your new truck :) I have been debating the gasser-oil squisher thing for 2 years and still haven't bought either one :o I could go get into a new Supercab 4wd F250 or 350 XL with the V8 or V10 for about $24k, but I have held out for the diesel and everytime I calculate it, it's going to be $6-7000 more :( And then I decide if I'm going to spend that much, I might as well get a Crewcab XLT.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Keith
Enjoy your new truck :) I have been debating the gasser-oil squisher thing for 2 years and still haven't bought either one :o I could go get into a new Supercab 4wd F250 or 350 XL with the V8 or V10 for about $24k, but I have held out for the diesel and everytime I calculate it, it's going to be $6-7000 more :( And then I decide if I'm going to spend that much, I might as well get a Crewcab XLT.
Hey, tell me where you can get the f250 with supercab for $24K. I was about to pay $23,000/tax for the F250, standard 8' bed with the V8 gas, auto 4X4, tow package and A/C.
Pete

[Keith]

What is MSRP on the truck? XL or XLT? Keep in mind I can get X Plan, which is near invoice, sometimes a little below, sometimes a little above. Here's an example of a truck here in town:



2003 F-250 SD SuperCab 4X4 8' - XL

Total Base MSRP: $26,590.00

Special Packages:
- XL Decor Group
Engine:
- 5.4L EFI V8 Engine
Transmission:
- Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Rear Axle Ratios:
- 3.73 Axle Ratio, Limited Slip Rear
Payload Packages:
- Payload Package
Wheels:
- 16" Steel Wheels with Full Wheel Cover
Tires:
- LT235/85Rx16E BSW All-Season Tires
Seats:
- Heavy-Duty Cloth/Vinyl Weave Full Bench Seat
Radio:
- Electronic AM/FM Stereo with Clock
Options/Upgrades:
- Air Conditioning
- Chrome Rear Step Bumper
- Manual Telescoping Trailer Tow Mirrors with Manual Glass
- Built Ford Tough Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Carpet Delete



Total Base MSRP
and Options: $29,240.00
Destination Charge: $740.00



Total MSRP: $29,980.00


X Plan: $26,577.44
You save: $3,402.56

Then the current rebate is $2500, total $24,077.44 before tax.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Keith
What is MSRP on the truck? XL or XLT?

I've been going by "invoice". Some guy's will sell it at invoice, others want $100/$200 over that. The good news is the F250's (superduty) have a $2,500 rebate.....

[Keith]

Let me know what dealership has it, I will check to see if I can come up with X Plan on it (if its on the ford direct site) and that would be near invoice. Let me know all key info on it and it will make the search easier.

BTW, here is a XL Regular cab:

2003 F-250 SD Regular Cab 4X4 8' - XL



Total Base MSRP: $24,355.00

Engine:
- 5.4L EFI V8 Engine
Transmission:
- Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Rear Axle Ratios:
- 3.73 Axle Ratio, Limited Slip Rear
Payload Packages:
- Payload Package
Wheels:
- 16" Argent Painted Wheels
Tires:
- LT235/85Rx16E BSW All-Season Tires
Seats:
- Heavy-Duty Cloth/Vinyl Weave Full Bench Seat
Radio:
- Electronic AM/FM Stereo with Clock
Options/Upgrades:
- Air Conditioning
- Built Ford Tough Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Carpet Delete



Total Base MSRP
and Options: $26,730.00
Destination Charge: $740.00



Total MSRP: $27,470.00


X Plan $24,413.20
you save: $3,056.80

- $2500 rebate = $21,913.20

[Doc Pete]

The dealer I'm dealing with is basically selling at invoice, plus the rebate. I guess that's like the X plan. I'll stay in touch. My biggest problem is finding what I want. I want green, with the big mirrors, tow package, cab steps, auto, v8 gas, A|C and FWD. I either can't find the color, or it doesn't have the big mirrors, or no cab steps.........:mad:

[HarryD]

Switchless

If you have the air on full blast and the radio you can hardly hear the 7.3 :) and the diesel is alot better on fuel

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by HarryD
Switchless

If you have the air on full blast and the radio you can hardly hear the 7.3 :) and the diesel is alot better on fuel

Radio.... it has a radio, too:p Seriously, I don't even go 7,000 miles a year, so the fuel won't kill me.......

[Bill Renda]

As far as the seatbelt chime is concerned when you start the truck press the seatbelt release button and the chime will stop.:angel:

[mowerconsultant]

Pete,
You did not mention if you are getting manual shift 4wd or ESOF (electronic shift on the fly), I will never own a ESOF again, many many problems !!!
The brake controller wires into a harness you plug in under the dash, the harness is provided by Ford and should be in the glove box when you get the truck. There will also be a couple of relays to put in the fuse box.
Other than that great ride I have a 2000 F250 PSD Super Cab with 126K on her now.
If you can not find a truck with the trailer mirrors you can buy a set off Ebay or from many sources for around 200.00 or less

Later
Pj

[johnhenry]

Pete congrats on your new truck.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by mowerconsultant
Pete,
You did not mention if you are getting manual shift 4wd or ESOF (electronic shift on the fly), I will never own a ESOF again, many many problems !!!
The brake controller wires into a harness you plug in under the dash, the harness is provided by Ford and should be in the glove box when you get the truck. There will also be a couple of relays to put in the fuse box.
Other than that great ride I have a 2000 F250 PSD Super Cab with 126K on her now.
If you can not find a truck with the trailer mirrors you can buy a set off Ebay or from many sources for around 200.00 or less

Later
Pj
It's a manual shift, not on the fly. Also, I had a good talk with the dealer. Since I never paid for the mirrors or steps, but only assumed I was getting them the dealer worked with me. He installed factory steps at the factory "cost" and then gave me the big mirrors and installed totally free of charge for their screw up.
I'm picking it up tomorrow. After 9 years with a GMC, I hope the Ford with be as good and maybe better.
PJ, did you run the new WB yet???? And, thanks about installing the controller. Maybe I'll have you come down and demo the new mower and let you install the controller. OH, I'll pay for coffee:D
Pete... and Thanks everyone for your help..........

[Brickman]

Originally posted by mowerconsultant
Pete,
You did not mention if you are getting manual shift 4wd or ESOF (electronic shift on the fly), I will never own a ESOF again, many many problems !!!
The brake controller wires into a harness you plug in under the dash, the harness is provided by Ford and should be in the glove box when you get the truck. There will also be a couple of relays to put in the fuse box.
Other than that great ride I have a 2000 F250 PSD Super Cab with 126K on her now.
If you can not find a truck with the trailer mirrors you can buy a set off Ebay or from many sources for around 200.00 or less

Later
Pj


I had heard a lot of stories like this before I bought my truck. But the truck I wanted had the elctronic shift so I took it, 149,000 miles later I have not had a single problem at all. Maybe I just got lucky.

[Bill Renda]

Gotta post pics, we just love pictures. :blob3:

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Bill Renda
Gotta post pics, we just love pictures. :blob3:
You mean like my mascot Spencer and Joe.:D

[GraZZmaZter]

Well, its a ford so you need to...

F flip
O over
R read
D directions

....when it breaks down on ya. lol

Had to throw that in. At least its not a DODGE!

[Barkleymut]

I just about bought a new ford but ended up with a Chevy. One thing I noticed about the ford is the engine oil requirements on the 5.4. They specified 5w-20 I think. Check your owners manual. Just seemed odd to me.

[wriken]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
I'm sure it's just me. Coming from the old school, it sounds like a mean con rod knock. AND.... it's just annoying:p Oh, and did I say the "wife" didn't like it??? Need I say more??:D

I just got done mowing a lawn and a very prettylady came up to my pass side window, rolled it down and first thing she said was I just love the sound of a big diesel:) , I said oh ya, and looked at my wedding ring.

[wriken]

Originally posted by Brickman
I had heard a lot of stories like this before I bought my truck. But the truck I wanted had the elctronic shift so I took it, 149,000 miles later I have not had a single problem at all. Maybe I just got lucky.

me neither, my 99 and the 2002 has it no problems.

[Brickman]

Originally posted by wriken
I just got done mowing a lawn and a very prettylady came up to my pass side window, rolled it down and first thing she said was I just love the sound of a big diesel:) , I said oh ya, and looked at my wedding ring.



In cowboy/girl country you see many many beautiful girls riding in and driving diesel pick ups. More Ford PSD than any thing else but also a fair number of Dodge trucks and a couple of Chebies.


I have had a lot of girls turn their heads and stare and wave at me as I roll by in my 2000 F Super Duty PSD. Of course I often go around the block to look at them and wave again for the second or third time. :D :D :D

[Keith]

Originally posted by Barkleymut
I just about bought a new ford but ended up with a Chevy. One thing I noticed about the ford is the engine oil requirements on the 5.4. They specified 5w-20 I think. Check your owners manual. Just seemed odd to me.

That's something they started in 2001. Primary reason: To increase the **** among their whole fleet of vehicles. Even though trucks over 8500 (I think) GVW don't fall under this, they use the 5.4 in 1/2 ton trucks that do. The 4.6 is the same way as is the V10. I have a 01 Mustang that calls for 5-20 as well, but have been running it with 5-30 synthetic since about 5,000 miles. 5-30 was called for in these modular engines prior to 2001, so it should be just fine. They made no drastic changes to the internals in that time. Just a way to up their fuel economy across the board :)

[conepile]

The annoying seatbelt chime can be silenced in two ways: 1) Wear your seatbelt, and 2) Follow the 35-step process exactly as listed in the owner's manual. The most recent data has shown that the annoying belt reminder has increased seat belt use.