For those that have Ford F-350 trucks at home

[N5IBM]

Hello Gang,

I need some real good input, and appreciate anyone's help.

I am about to purchase a Ford F-350 Diesel 6.0 with an automatic transmission and Tow Boss and my rear gear ratio options are 4.10 OR 4.30 ( Tow Boss Ford Option ).

I will pull 5th wheel's of about 15,000 pounds for a transportation company. My top speed will be 65 MPH and go about 125,000 miles a year, and be flat land or mountains.

FYI - 1 mile per gallon difference equals $ 3,700 savings or loss in fuel costs, however power and control is important on the hills.

My mechanic says the higher the gear ratio, the less stress on the power train.

My questions :

1 > What is the rear end ratio of your diesel truck

2 > What fuel MPG do you are unloaded.

3 > What is your weight of your load and what is you MPG with the load.

4 > Any other suggestions

Thanks much again,

 

[davekc]

will pull 5th wheel's of about 15,000 pounds for a transportation company. My top speed will be 65 MPH and go about 125,000 miles a year, and be flat land or mountains.

FYI - 1 mile per gallon difference equals $ 3,700 savings or loss in fuel costs, however power and control is important on the hills.

My mechanic says the higher the gear ratio, the less stress on the power train


I would agree with the mechanic in your situation. You of course are sacrificing fuel economy for moving to that higher ratio.

Keep in mind that your listed truck is not designed to pull 15,000 lbs on a consistent basis, especially over mountainous terrain.
The higher rear end would be a must.

I would look at a 450 or 650 or something that is better suited.
The other option is to find a small class 7 or 8 tractor.
They will be much more durable for your application.

Just my opinion.


Davekc

 

[tazman]

The other thing to consider is that the the Powerstroke 6.0 is a unit that will be phased out next year....Ford had so many problems with this engine that they were forced to re-design the unit for 2007 and also to meet the new standards....

I sell both Ford and GM and Dodge units...for 2006 ther Duramax diesel and the new Allison transmission (6 speed) is my personal choice......

You would also do well to consider a Lo-Pro F-650 cab/chassis (19.5 wheels)...you can add a Cat or Cummins (cheaper) with a 5-speed Allison 2500 series transmission....

I have sold over 100 6.0 units in the last 2 years..I've also learned how to hide under my desk at work

"The Beast in the East"

 

[tiredofsittn]

go with a dodge ang get a real motor , that cummins. i wish they could put it in a van, and not went with that sprinter.

 

[greg334]

>go with a dodge ang get a real motor , that cummins. i wish
>they could put it in a van, and not went with that sprinter.

yea, you can get one of those Dodge megacab monsters with a Cummins/allison and pay a little over 50K for it.

 

[tiredofsittn]

he is only pulling campers, i was talking about a regular ton truck, he could find one for under 15. 50, about the only thing that price i would buy would be a house.

 

[N5IBM]

You are right.

It will be about $ 44,000, more than my first house of 1500 square feet.

It is just a tool for business, I will net twice that much a year

 

[greg334]

>You are right.
>
>It will be about $ 44,000, more than my first house of 1500
>square feet.
>
>It is just a tool for business, I will net twice that much a
>year

I think that Tazman suggestion may be the way to go. Even though the F350 SD can be rated up to 18K towing, the 6.0 is the weak link. Tazman's suggestion "Lo-Pro F-650 cab/chassis (19.5 wheels)...you can add a Cat or Cummins (cheaper) with a 5-speed Allison 2500 series transmission" makes more sense. As a Cummins owner, I would recommend that over the cat. but thats me.

it just floored me to look at that megacab dodge, you could lose you kids in that cab.