New tow rig time. Help?

Sold my dodge a while back.

Looking for - F-350 Super Duty because a REAL Dana 60 in the front is a must and will have the tongue weight of a gooseneck on it (one ton K5/forklift). SRW 'cuz I don't like buying SIX tires. 8' (flat?)bed 'cuz it's a work truck. Xcab or Crewcab cuz I need someplace for my hardhat, etc. and family sometimes. All these combined with my budget mean finding a low-mileage 2002 or so.

What can I expect from the 7.3 and trans?

Thanks.

 

You will likely find the 7.3 to come up a little short compared to your 12v that you had when pulling. Otherwise, the V8 should feel nice accelerating and what not. You shouldn't have any problems with the engine and can expect the same service life from it as you could your Cummins. As far as the trans, thats the luck of the draw. The 4R100 is a fairly stout unit, but so is the 47RE in the Dodges. One will fail early every once and a while, but most don't. But, if you hop up the 7.3, you know what will happen.

besides lock out hubs, the Fords have the same Dana 60. Infact, unit bearings seem to fail more often in the Fords. It also uses ball joints.

 

My 12V couldn't get out of it's own way going up a pass unloaded. CA smog equipped=dog. I blew the trans twice. Big right foot, pulling motorhomes at Pismo dunes, etc. :doah:

I poofed an axleshaft and diff in the "60". I hate unit bearings, but there's no choice anymore. Went thru numerous front end/steering parts. I think Ford balljoints are slightly larger. I know later trucks have huge ones. Least it has leaf springs and not that joke of a track bar Dodge had.

I think the F350 60 will have 60 size shafts, better than the Dodge 60 and F250 50. What's this I've heard about Ford vacuum hubs?

Does dynatrac make a spindle/hub/brg kit for the ford 60? nevermind I'll go look myself.

 

Then you will likely enjoy the power of the PSD in the 2002 range, mainly due to it being 4 years newer than what you are used to and will have more power.

I've seen many of the Ford D60's.... and many of the Dodge D60's... I don't see any difference between them besides the rougher leaf springs compared to the nice coiled 4 link setup on the Dodges.

Now that I remember, you did indeed have a LOT of problems with that '98 Ram. But, I don't think it was the truck's design at fault 100% either. I honestly think driver input had a thing or two compounding the problems, no offence. Plus, these diesels and 1 ton chassis trucks are HEAVY! I'd like to see how well an old GM 60 that is supposed to be a "real" 60 would hold up under the same paces that '98 saw.

There really isn't that much difference between the Dodge D60's and the D60's under a late 7.3 PSD and unfortunately, you may be dissapointed in the Ford version as well.

If I were you, and are wanting basically a D60 from an older GM or early Ford truck, go with a 95-97 Ford PSD F350 only. I *think* those D60's still have king pins, regular style hubs, and good 'ol lockout hubs.

 

Ford d60's have locking hubs. BIG plus IMO. Only wasted 1 set of ball joints in 200k I think that's tolerable.:stir:
95-97 Fords are Balljoint.

 

Exactly, most people get plenty of mileage out of the ball joints. I've got 142K on mine.

So 95-97's have balljoints huh...dang..:doah:

 

I did beat on that dodge. It was ugly when I sold it. 5k. Diesel engine weight is a major player in steering/susp life. Obviously. Ford seems to have the simplest, beefiest.

How about this? http://www.truckandcargovan.com/138038.html


The white 2004 250 CC LB with the rack and black wheels.

Trying to decide between that and some '02s with more options but more miles and years.

I think the value is in the '04, no?

 

Well, the picture sucks unfortunately. If it's not a base model truck, it would be a pretty good truck. Unfortunately, I think I see a black grille so that would be a base model truck.

I think I'd hunt for a 2002 or 2003 F250/350 with the 7.3 PSD. Those were great years, better than a 2003.5-'04 with a 6.0 IMHO.

 

Base model is fine. Less widgets to break.

We have an '04 cab chassis flatbed at the shop I like. I haven't spent time in the older '02s though and dunno which drivetrain is better. The 6.0 sure has power. Pulled my '80 CrewCab DRW 4x4 454 K30 like nuthin'.

 

This one? Kinda old but goodies and low miles.

 

Got it. Like it. It's a work truck, no amenities, which is fine, but anyone know if we can add cruise for long trips?

 

Holy cow it doesn't have cruise?

 

It's got nada. It's a work truck, not a luxury vehicle

 

i would go talk to a local car audio shop, i dont think they will do it for liability reasons, or talk to the dealership, could be very easy to add