TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

If the Ford diesel owners could just make a quick introduction of themselves when they join up, that would be great. What's your name, what do you drive and what are you haulin? :D

I'm Evan, I have the truck in my sig currently on order, it is intended to haul the other truck in my sig.waytogo I'm new to Fords and diesel pickups, I've had a mini-diesel for a few years now, an '03 Jetta TDI that I bought new in Dec '03 and currently have 61k miles on (200 mile daily commute).

Also, if you don't mind my asking, how did you find www.towrig.com (http://www.towrig.com)?

Hey, my name is Anthony. I currently on the market for a a Ford Powerstroke 4x4 Crew Cab SRW Lariat. I'm debating of waiting a few months and ordering the 06 model year.

Shaggy, what is the 6 speed configured like on the Fords? Is it a long stick coming up from the floorboards, or is there a console?

Thanks

The 6 speed comes out of the floor on a big long stick. A short shift kit is available though, which I plan on getting since it supposedly makes the throw significantly easier to manage.

Thanks Evan. OK, I've decided I'm going to order an F250 4x4 CC SRW PSD Lariat for the 2006 model year. They open up the orders in a few weeks. waytogo

A little more about me. My family has had several diesel cars, European, but this is my first diesel truck. I'll initially tow a 96 Impala SS and trailer that I show and race, and, eventually future project cars. Perhaps a boat too in the future. Other uses will be taking my family camping and travel throughout the western US with off-road.

This new diesel technology is really facinating. Engine technology and building is a serious hobby of mine I and I look forward to building some more power into the PSD.
I saw a 2000 PSD yesterday with the regular stick. It was nice. Impossible to find on the dealer lots around here however.

Evan, where did you learn of the short-throw shifting linkage? Any pictures on the Internet? Vendor? Why did you choose the stick?

Anthony

Here's the manufacturer's page for the short shifter, it's made by BD Power - http://www.dieselperformance.com/ford/product.php?pn=BD%20Short%20Shift&tt=ford

I chose the 6 speed because I have no plans to drag race the thing, and that's pretty much all the auto does better; the auto is merely more convenient other than that. I prefer the long term reliablity of the manual, and I prefer to choose my own gear when I'm towing. I figure that my arms and legs all work so I might as well use them.:D I also got the manual transfer case for the same reason, I prefer the long term reliability and can live without the "conveneince" of not having to lock hubs. At least I know that the 4wd will be there when I need it.

hi i have a ford X with the 7.3 and love it i have dun a few things ( see sig)

Another 6spd user here. Every Ford my family owns in a manual trans, and we have never had any problems. My old man just ordered an 05 F250 V10 with a 6spd to add to the collection. My truck is in the sig.

Why did you order a gas motor?:popcorn:

I have a 97 7.3 auto ad love it got 153,000 on it and haul various trailers with it

Well, I finally ventrued over from CK5, Most of you know me as Okiemuddog.

I am running a '00 F-250 7.3 and a 6-speed, I am hauling my K5 and a 20' low-boy gooseneck if I ever get it finished:doah: .

Why did you order a gas motor?:popcorn:

For two reasons. The truck in my sig should be able to tow more than enough, especially once the Twin turbo'd Cummins is in. Second, my old man's big hobby is british sports cars and motorcycles. Nothing heavy duty about those loads. So why didnt he get an F150? Cause they dont offer stick anymore in them. He is a diehard manual transmission fan, so he went with an F250, which is actually cheaper than a comparably equipped F150 anyway. And besides 370hp and 460lb ft of tq should do the job plenty fine. Hell thats way more HP and torque then all the diesels were puttin out 7 or 8 years ago. Oh, and it saved 5k off the price of the sticker. All in all, the main reason is that I already have a truck that is made for towing, DRW turbo diesel. Thats why.

I guess. Regardless of power numbers and the sticker price you are giving up the driveabilty of the diesel, mileage.....half the fun of an HD pickup is the diesel powerplant. waytogo

Driveability of the diesel? Explain please.:popcorn:

I guess. Regardless of power numbers and the sticker price you are giving up the driveabilty of the diesel, mileage.....half the fun of an HD pickup is the diesel powerplant. waytogo

Fun? A towrig is supposed to get you to the fun.:D

Please, don't hijack this thread, create a new one...

My name is Mark & I'm an alco.....ooops, wrong forum:D

Anyway, I just bought a 96 F350 4x4 XLT on 22 Mar 05. Pretty excited. Has every option from that year except the CD player. No biggie. I put in a CD Player/CD Changer Controller & a CD Changer today. The way the pictures are is the way I got it. 183K, witha rebuilt tranny at 179K. I figure it'll last me a whilewaytogo

Now, for me. Currenlty going through a D-I-V-O-R-C-E. My wife & I are still GREAT friends, just, due to circumstances, can't live together. Maybe someday things will work out. I pick up a 8' slide in camper this Sat & plan to do a lot of camping this summer. If I can get a decent trailer, I can even tow my K5 into the woods.

I saw pics on the other site, looks like your truck was babied by the first owner.waytogo

I saw pics on the other site, looks like your truck was babied by the first owner.waytogo\

Yeah, the guy took great care. Regular oil changes, servicing, the works. I think I got pretty lucky with it. Figuring I'll put less tha 5K on it a year and the fact it has a new rebuilt tranny, I figure it'll last me a long time:)

Agine sweet looking truck Mark.
So whats the nick name of the F350 going to be Candy Cane? rotfl

I've got a 7.5 L '93 F-350 4x4, 8.1L Suburban 2500 4x4, F-250 6.0 L 4X4.
Tow 7000lb 3-6 times/yr 800 mi interstate
deployed 4-6 mos/yr, so when I come home expect reliability
Expect to own all my veh at least 6 yrs
have owned Dodges before, never will again, no matter how good the engine!

I just picked up a 2000 F350 4x4 PSD auto to tow my K5 last week. I'm new to diesels, but love the power! I'll be posting plenty of questions to make sure I treat it right!

I have a 2001 F250 short bed with a 7.3 PSD. I tow a 28.5 Coachman 5th wheel. I bought the truck used with 58,000 miles and the only problem that I have had was the head gaskets were changed under warranty. So far it has exceeded all of my expectations. I bought it in Florida when my Cheverolet 6.5 broke the crank on the way to Florida. All this happened in Mobile Alabama on a Friday afternoon. We had the chevy towed and got a rent car and drove on to our Florida destination and I began looking as soon as we got settled in. Found this truck at a Chevy dealer and it was parked next to a Chevy duramax, same year and almost identical mileage. The Chevy dealer did not want to come down on price of the Chevy by he wanted to on the Ford so I bought it and went back to Mobile and towed my Chevy home behind the Ford to Texas. My in-laws told me I should inquire about making a commercial for Fords. :stir:

You will love that you got a 7.3L and not the 6.0L. I have a 2000 F250 supercab long box 4x4 it had 36,000 miles when I got it I have 44,000 on it now no problems. I pull a 04 29foot Sprinter LA. It pulls this so easy.

Just got me a 2000 F-250 super duty with the 7.3l powerstroke. Its also a super cab and has a long bed. Less than 65,000 miles and is dark teal and silver. Manual hubs and a block heater. Now to see if i can change my user name.

Hello,
I just bought an '01 F250 CrewCab XLT Lariat short box. I really like the way it rides and feels. Very impressed with the performance of the motor. The truck has 143,000 miles on it. Any information on performance upgrades is what I need. I want to put some electronic gadget on my new toy.

00F250, Congrats on your new truck, it looks good. Nice color choice waytogo

Hello,
I just bought an '01 F250 CrewCab XLT Lariat short box. I really like the way it rides and feels. Very impressed with the performance of the motor. The truck has 143,000 miles on it. Any information on performance upgrades is what I need. I want to put some electronic gadget on my new toy.

Congrats to ypu also on your new truck. 143k miles.....just breaking it in. The best performance upgrade chip wise would be to have Jody from http://www.dp-tuner.com to burn you a custom 6 position chip. It will have your truck singing to the tune of 21-25 mpg hwy cruising at 70mph! in the 80hp mode. It will also tighten up the tranny a little so it will shift more smoothly as well as firmer. If to can take the noise straight pipe it, it will lower egt considerably. If you dont want the noise get a Walket BTM "big truck muffler", it is a more free flowing muffler that has a straight thru design, but quieter than the strait pipe.

Here's the manufacturer's page for the short shifter, it's made by BD Power - http://www.dieselperformance.com/ford/product.php?pn=BD%20Short%20Shift&tt=ford

I chose the 6 speed because I have no plans to drag race the thing, and that's pretty much all the auto does better; the auto is merely more convenient other than that. I prefer the long term reliablity of the manual, and I prefer to choose my own gear when I'm towing. I figure that my arms and legs all work so I might as well use them.:D I also got the manual transfer case for the same reason, I prefer the long term reliability and can live without the "conveneince" of not having to lock hubs. At least I know that the 4wd will be there when I need it.

Shaggy, I agree with you on the transfercase deal. The '01 F350 PSD I used to have was an automatic but I ordered it with the floor shift transfercase. The next truck I get after I move out of this state will be set up the exact same way.

I'm just picking up my '99 F250, auto, lariat, etc. etc. etc. PDQ today. Kinda psyched. Moving from a '89 Sub V2500 (that's for sale if you happen to know anyone (located in Utah) looking for a decent older SUV cheap-$2500)

Congrats on the truck and welcome to the World of the PSD!:bling:waytogo :cool:

Congrats on the truck and welcome to the World of the PSD!:bling:waytogo :cool:


Thanks. Since we're posting pics.........

Looking good!waytogo

I'm Kevin... 'u2slow' on several other boards.

I got my '95 F350 in March. Its a CC 4x4 w/PSD and ZF trans... good ol' XL trim :D

I have a small 8' camperette that I put on it.... hardly anything you can call 'hauling'. I will likely upgrade to a larger camper as funding permits. Couldn't ask for more in a family vehicle... my wife likes driving it, and the kiddie seats fit with room to spare.

I found this board via ck5.com.

http://www3.telus.net/u2slow/95f350/DSC00401.JPG

Hello, My name is Jeff. I own a 2005 King Ranch F-350 Dually Crew Cab Long Bed with the 6.0L Diesel and 5spd tranny. I haul a 30' Cardinal Fifth Wheel and also pull either 2 PWC's or 2 Atv's for Play. I love my truck!! Wouldn't want any other brand!!! I previously owned an 03' F-350 SRW Crew Cab and only got rid of it to get the new front suspension and Dual rear wheels and what the heck the King Ranch edition. FORD IS #1 in my Book but that's my opinion!!!

Hi Jeff and Kevin, welcome aboard. You guys will enjoy it here. Lets get some pics of that 2005 King Ranch! Sounds like an awsome rig. Do you like that new front suspension? The dually is almost a must for towing.waytogo

I will try to get some pictures posted in the future. I am a bit challenged on how to get pictures from my digital camera to the computer.

I will try to get some pictures posted in the future. I am a bit challenged on how to get pictures from my digital camera to the computer.
If you can get your pics from the camera to your hard drive your in, just upload them into the photo gallery here: http://towrig.com/photos/
It will even auto size it for you if they are to big. waytogo

My name is Steven. I just bought a 01 F250 with a 7.3L ofcourse. I am a HUGH ford fan and have owned a 6.9L since I was 16. Good truck to this day. Live in CO and pull a Lifted Grand Cherokee with the old and new(more so the new now).

LokiWolf on other forums, just got my 06 250 6.0 Auto 4x4 CC, 4800 miles ago, before that had a 150 SuperCrew. I tow whatever toy applys. Boat's, Jet Ski's, SCCA Race Cars, and Horses. Just like having the space and ability when I need it.:cool:

Hi, my name is Joe. Signed up on this site awhile back thru ck5. At that time, my intentions were to get a tow rig. Well, that time has come. My boss told me to buy any truck I wanted ($15000 range (merry xmas:D ). I looked at all three major brands and decided on a '99 PSD supercab dually 2wd with 81000mi. The truck was owned by 1 person and he took very good care of it. I picked it up fri. and left it at the shop untill I get it registered. Can't wait to bring it home with me. It is an automatic as it will be my DD. I will be towing a k5 blazer.
This is my first diesel and hopefully will learn how to treat them thru this site, oh and how to modify them.waytogo
Joe

Hi, my name is Joe. Signed up on this site awhile back thru ck5. At that time, my intentions were to get a tow rig. Well, that time has come. My boss told me to buy any truck I wanted ($15000 range (merry xmas:D ). I looked at all three major brands and decided on a '99 PSD supercab dually 2wd with 81000mi. The truck was owned by 1 person and he took very good care of it. I picked it up fri. and left it at the shop untill I get it registered. Can't wait to bring it home with me. It is an automatic as it will be my DD. I will be towing a k5 blazer.
This is my first diesel and hopefully will learn how to treat them thru this site, oh and how to modify them.waytogo
Joe

Congrats on the new truck. You wont be disappointed with the 7.3 Did you get the early 99 or the 99 1/2. The early 99's have a powerstroke v8 sticker on the front fender near the headlights and the 99 1/2's have the plate enblem on the doors. The reason I ask is that are some signuificant changes between the two.

Changes for the 1999.5:

Fender badge for the PSD removed, door badge added.
Lumbar seat deleted
New front-intake "cool-box" air filter box (Older models retrofitted to this style)
New down pipe (bigger for better flow)
Bed body side molding removed.
Passenger side airbag standard across the line
Passenger lumbar removed
"Superduty" added to the rear tailgate badge for 350
Larger turbo
Catalytic converter removal
New injectors (more power and quieter)
Lower restriction intercooler While most of the engine and power train specific items happened around 12/1/98 - 12/8/98, many of the "little things" such as the lumbar and badging happened at different times. If your truck was made after 12/8/98, You definitely have a "1999.5."
Most of the powertrain components were changed due to emissions. Other changes were to cut costs, for better or worse.

Changes for the 1999.5:

Fender badge for the PSD removed, door badge added.
Lumbar seat deleted
New front-intake "cool-box" air filter box (Older models retrofitted to this style)
New down pipe (bigger for better flow)
Bed body side molding removed.
Passenger side airbag standard across the line
Passenger lumbar removed
"Superduty" added to the rear tailgate badge for 350
Larger turbo
Catalytic converter removal
New injectors (more power and quieter)
Lower restriction intercooler While most of the engine and power train specific items happened around 12/1/98 - 12/8/98, many of the "little things" such as the lumbar and badging happened at different times. If your truck was made after 12/8/98, You definitely have a "1999.5."
Most of the powertrain components were changed due to emissions. Other changes were to cut costs, for better or worse.

Thanks for the info on the years. It seems mine is the 99.5, I hope so anyway. PSD badge on the dood, super duty on the tailgate, no moldings on the bed body. Here are some pics.
Thanks again and when I'm ready to do some mods, I'll definately ask here.
Joe

Looking Goodwaytogo My truck Bone Stock, as a matter of fact, the '95 was too, 298,000 miles on it and as strong as a new one, all i changed on it was the alt, batteries, brakes, and a few other regular things, nothing major. I plan on keeping the '02 that way too. It will last much longer stock than modded. I may do an exhaust, only when its time to replace my stock one.

Nothings wrong with mods, but they arent for me. I like longevity:D

Besides, I dont raceburnout



BTW, all 99.5 trucks are actually 2000 model year trucks. I dont know why ford didnt just call them 2000 in the beginning!

I finally took some pics of my mule

Here's a couple of my toys.

Hi- I drive a '97 F350 Crewcab dually. 7.3 w/ auto. trans. 105k miles. I haul a 31' toyhauler travel trailer, about 9000 lb. loaded. I saw an ad for towrigs.com in Diesel Power magazine. This truck is stock and pulls good at 70 mph, but I need a litttle more power for passing and hill climbing. I'm thinking about getting a Superchips tuner. Anyone tried this?

I cant say that I have heard anything bad about the superchips, in fact it doubles up as a code if your check engine light comes on. Most tuners wont read codes but some will. I cant think of any off hand. Also dp-tuner.com does a heck of a job on custom chips. Jody Tipton is his name, give him a call and tell him what you what (power wise) and he will hook you up. He does everything in house.btw, welcome to the site

Drive a 96 f-350 auto with 180000 miles and love it nothing ever went wrong with it

I own a 2002 F350 XLT DRW 4X4 with a 7.3 and auto trans. It is mostly stock. Has running boards and a goose neck. Live on a farm and raise beef cattle. Haul cattle and tractors. May purchase a camper in the near future. Also raise boxer and yorkies. Saw the towrig.com ad in Deisel Power Magazine (www.deiselpowermag.com).burnout

Hi- I drive a '97 F350 Crewcab dually. 7.3 w/ auto. trans. 105k miles. I haul a 31' toyhauler travel trailer, about 9000 lb. loaded. I saw an ad for towrigs.com in Diesel Power magazine. This truck is stock and pulls good at 70 mph, but I need a litttle more power for passing and hill climbing. I'm thinking about getting a Superchips tuner. Anyone tried this?

Welcome aboard!waytogo Now you gotta post a pic of your truck.

Hello all,

I have a '04 F350 XLT Crewcab, longbox, 4x4

Bare bones stock except for a front leveling kit.

I pull daily a 15' enclosed tandem trailer loaded with my tools.

I also pull a 1958 Deville travel tailer. (a work in progress..)

This is my first diesel and I'm learning...and learning...and learning.

I drive my signature truck. I pull livestock trailers, flatbeds, and pipe trailers.
Also have company truck. it is a 1995 single cab dually 5speed 4x4 powerstroke with a smeal pulling unit on it and a modified utility bed. last time we weighed it was 14,677#s full of fuel and all of the tools. it has 200,000 miles on it. that is not counting the millions of hours it sits and idles while pulling a well. And it has been over some of the roughest god forsaken country in new mexico.

Hello from central Va. I own a 06' F250 SD with a 6.0. It is a short bed , ex-cab ,srw. It has a 6 Speed manual trans and it is stock.:D

Hello Evan, I'm Mike and I took delivery last Aug. on my 06 F-250 XLT. We tow a 34 ft. travel trailer for camping. I have the fx4 crew cab, 6.0 and love it so far. This is my first diesel truck. Previously I always had gassers and always Fords since about 1992. I found out about this web site in the magazine "diesel power" from the same people that put out "Four Wheeler" and other mags. Check out www.dieselpowermag.com (http://www.dieselpowermag.com) .

I have actually been a member of this site for a few months. I got my 99 CC LB in September, and began looking for forums on the PSD. I registered for this site, and it came back that I was already registered (apparently, I registered while I had my 96). My truck is an F350. My 96 was an F250. It had a stick, and it made me realize that that is the best way to tow, so when I went looking for a crew cab, I had 3 absolute criteria: Crew Cab, Diesel, and Manual Transmission. I had no need for 4x4, and I didn't care brand or color or much else. Dodge didn't make a real crew cab in the years that I could afford, and Chevy didn't put the Duramax in the years I could afford. Left me only one choice really. I am good with that.

Hello, everybody......

I have a 2006 F350 dually 6.0 liter. I'm not towing anything right now. I am selling my 1989 Airstream motorcoach and will buy a 5th wheel toy hauler. As this is my first diesel that I'll tow with, I hope I can learn some things.

Thanks.................

Just joined

Hello. My name is Snowman and I'm a Ford owner/driver.
I have been driving a Ford for 15 years.
I'm on my second truck now. First was a 97 F250 7.3 man. Bought that truck w/ 78,000 miles and drove it until 253,000. Sold it, not because it was done, but I wanted to move on. I am currently in a 00 F350 Lar Auto. Both trucks have been regular cab 8ft bed trucks. The only mods on this one (purchased last year w/ 73K on her) have been cosmetic. Clear roof lights, 06' headlights, steps. tenue cvr, Motorcraft HD air filter system. My next purchase will bee MBR turbo back exst and performance module. Still deciding on mod, but wont do anything until April/May since it snows and gets well... crappy up here so.... I have a boat and lug around construction equip. nothing big skidsteer, mini excavator etc. Thats about all for me. Love this site, so much info!!!!

hey guys----new to the site! I have a 2006 F250 Diesel Crewcab FX4 with 15k miles with a leveling kit. As you'll see from my pictures I have had a few other lifted Powerstrokes in the past. I love these trucks! This truck is the product of alot of hard work to finally get what I wanted! I will be buying a 5th wheel VERY soon and thought I would suck up some knowledge before I did so on that topic and others!!! Not sure exactly which 5th wheel, but pretty certain it will be at least 30' and at least 12,000lbs. So, it will be quite the load! Anyway---just wanted to stop in and say hey to my fellow Ford owners.....drop a note sometime. Chad
(saw this site in Diesel Power mag)

Im Travis, I drive a 1997 F-250. I haul a car audio van tipping the scales at around 8,500... I figure about 10K when its finished

Updated picture of mine

http://home.comcast.net/~marcbryson/Truck-Jeep-postPday07.jpg

Hello my name is Matt Ivy.I own a 2003 f-350 sw 4-door fx4 lariat.I also own a 1984 mercedez 300D.(5 cylinder turbo diesel).Ihaul a bass boat,toyota 4x4,small tractor,scrap iron trailer, welding trailer,a hay bail or two ,and anything else my friends need moved.:pimp:

Nice Message Board, This place is great !waytogo

Hi Everyone ! I'm new to your site. I've recently purchased a used Ford 2005 F250 Super Duty Harley Davidson Model Powerstroke. It has 26000 miles on her and I've added an AIRAID air intake and 4" Turbo back SS Summit Auto Racing S/S :rolleyes: exhaust system.
My question to everyone is ; What do you suggest for a programmer ? I'm towing a 11,000 # 5th wheeel toyhauler with two HD's in the back. I'm only intersted in towing performance and fuel milage when I'm not towing. There is so many programmers out there I'm not sure which way to turn. Looking for some practical experience and help.

hi i am new to the site and the diesel world i am 21 nad i have a 04 f250 xlt fx4 and i tow a my other truck in the sig on a 20 flat bed and a 20 tent traler

Hi, my name is Steve. I own an 03 f350 6.0 crew cab 4x4 dually lariat. It has towed about 12k, hauled 28 bails in one load and hauls just about whatever I ask it to. I can't complain, it is my first diesel and I cannot imagine going back to gas(although my wife loves her f250 gasser. The motor was replaced at 72k(warranty) and I cannot complain because ford did right by me and even gace me a loaner for the 4 weeks it took to put an 04 long block in.

I have only put in a washable filter and a stering stabilizer. 13k until the warranty is up then my wish list in order is as follows
Tuner w/guages (any suggestions), cold air intake, exhaust, tranny upgrades.

If the Ford diesel owners could just make a quick introduction of themselves when they join up, that would be great. What's your name, what do you drive and what are you haulin? :D

I'm Evan, I have the truck in my sig currently on order, it is intended to haul the other truck in my sig.waytogo I'm new to Fords and diesel pickups, I've had a mini-diesel for a few years now, an '03 Jetta TDI that I bought new in Dec '03 and currently have 61k miles on (200 mile daily commute).

Also, if you don't mind my asking, how did you find www.towrig.com? (http://www.towrig.com?)


Hey there, Glad to be aboard. This is my first time joining a messege board so bear with me. I'm Mike (Shiner) I drive a 2006 King ranch 4 door dually pulling a 36' Raptor toy hauler fully loaded and a flat towed '06 jeep wrangler behind that. My wife and I are full time RVers as our jobs take us all over. My rig is completely stock. (for now) So far after 50,000+ miles I cant ask for more. I love my PSD!

Just joined and I am oversaturated with info. Great site.

My name is Wayne and I drive a 2004 F350 and love it! I am in construction but only tow a 36 ft toy hauler.Never had any problems at all. I changed to a K&N filter but the so called box sucks, it would not allow the filter to connect right so I had to remove. I did not realize any increase in mileage with it. Also had 4" exhaust put on and again no increase in Mileage. Just got the Edge programmer and will install it this week. I switched to AMSOIL and saw an increase in pickup immediately.

What can I do that will increase the performance and mileage?
It has about 95Kon it and I bought it new.

Wayne

hello,my name is Dominic. I just joined. I recently bought an 03' F250 4 door,4 wheel drive, with the 7.3 with a few mods.

Hey, my name is Ed. I drive a Ford F 250 crew cab longbed. I just put airbags on the rearend, otherwise its all stock. I bought it used with 84,000 miles on it. I have towed two trailers ( both over 30' ) and have been very impressed with it. It will be towing a 33' toy hauler 10 or 12 times a year. I will be visiting these forums often I'm sure.

My names mike i've got an 06 F-350 Crew Cab Long Box Lariet dually. I've got the banks intake, Banks 4inch monster exhaust ( Just ordered 6inch mitres instead) and the banks 6 gun with PDA. I love the truck even with all the bad stuff i have read on here. I own a landscape company so it hauls machinery and interlock all day. Also prow snow with her here in canada. All and all im happy with it