I know this question's been asked before, and I gotta clue as to your responses, but here goes. I already got a new '01 550 7.3 Stroker almost set-up for this winter season. 1.) I want a new truck for myself. 2.) I've ALWAYS plowed in low-range. 3.) This would be my plow personal truck: '01 F350 SuperCab 142" WB Gas or diesel? Okay, why diesel? I won't be able to plow in low, Will I? Will that trans hold together with my driving habits and that things' torque? [Edited by Lazer on 09-27-2000 at 01:32 AM]
I like diesel becuse of all the torque and the ability to let them idel for long periods of time.I think that you would be fine I was driving a v10 the other day and it feels strong and i pulled a 5 ton trailer with a full load and did'nt even feel it but gas tank went way down compared to the diesel.
Ok, well with a pick up, its a harder call to make. With the 550 its really a no brainer. I am going all diesel, on my dump trucks, and other heavy duty trucks. However on pickups its a different decision, i base my decisions on truck terriotories. If the the pick up is going to be all over the state, or just about. I would go with the diesel, however if you do not drive many miles a year a gas would be a better choice. The millage increases on a diesel, when plowing, towing, ect. Only if this truck is going to take you to the shop everyday, to the pizza store, to bid on a few jobs, the gas is the way to go. The F 350 supercab, with diesel is able to plow, with out any warranty worries. I haven't had any trans problems on my 99s yet. I know the old f series diesels and plows just didn't mix. I can't think of any reason why you can't plow in low range, only with the diesel you will rarely need it. My truck is a diesel, only i log about 30,000 miles a year. In 5 years i have about 150,000 miles on my truck. I used to feed a F 350 with the 5.8, the 7.3 uses a lot less fuel hands down. There is some info, i hope it helps, the end decision ya kinda have to make yourself. Ya have to weigh the pros and cons, and then decide if you want to spend the 4K for the diesel option, spend the extra for the dual alternators. Geoff
Plowing in low range eases the load on the transmission. Theoretically it will increse torque loading on the driveshafts and axles. I say theoretically because the torque load is limited by available traction. As a rule you can generate more than enough torque in high range to break the tires loose. I'm curious, why do you plow in low range? I know it will be easier on the transmission but it makes reverse SO slow.
I plow residential largely in short areas. The "dynamic braking" that low-range offers increases my vehicle control and improves route time. The F350 SuperCab 7.3 actually doesn't have Snow-Prep option available, I has a camper/trailer tow package which my dealer says is all I need.
The last i checked you could get the plow prep package ( i know ya can on the website, go check it out). I am not too familiar with the super cab options. I have mostly regular cabs, and a few crew cabs for long hauls. The extra money between the super and crew is well spent, to have 5 guys ride for a long period of time. I would buy diesel, if you were planning on turing this into a work truck, in X amount of years. Geoff [Edited by GeoffDiamond on 09-27-2000 at 01:34 AM]
