Thinking about getting a 3/4 ton want input.

[Craig0320]

They are out there with decent miles. I was looking at a 02 in florida with 126k for 5000 but it was a 2wd. I really don't want to get away from 4wd just in case I need it. Maybe I could just get a 2wd and put a really big winch on it . Stock these engines are 330hp and 450tq and with a tune they push 500tq. Everything I read said they will pull a house down. Gas mileage is decent but I will only use it around 3500 miles a year maybe so I don't care.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

They are out there with decent miles. I was looking at a 02 in florida with 126k for 5000 but it was a 2wd. I really don't want to get away from 4wd just in case I need it. Maybe I could just get a 2wd and put a really big winch on it . Stock these engines are 330hp and 450tq and with a tune they push 500tq. Everything I read said they will pull a house down. Gas mileage is decent but I will only use it around 3500 miles a year maybe so I don't care.

Yeah, he pulls about whatever he wants to with his. Probably more than he really should with a pickup.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The only issue ive read about with the 8.1 is excissive oil consumption. That being said if i ever part with my 97 460 ill be on the hunt for one.

But they are scarce. Id kill for an 8.1 surburban.

 

[ryan]

I had a 06 5.4 F250, which was fine for what I pulled (~7500 lbs jeep and trailer). I like my 5.7 Dodge much more for comfort. I really wanted to go GMC/Chevy, but they were just so much more expensive in the used market. I'm only pulling a trailer once a month or so, and so the daily driving experience of it matters more to me than pure towing performance.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I wouldn't get a Ford V10. I had an Excursion with a V10. It shot one of the spark plugs out of the head, and I replaced 3 or 4 ignition coils before trading it for a 2010 F350 with a 6.4 diesel. The V10 was a gas hog, and only got 7 MPG when towing my camper.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I wouldn't get a Ford V10. I had an Excursion with a V10. It shot one of the spark plugs out of the head, and I replaced 3 or 4 ignition coils before trading it for a 2010 F350 with a 6.4 diesel. The V10 was a gas hog, and only got 7 MPG when towing my camper.

3v's don't eject plugs.

 

[Craig0320]

Trust me it took me a month to finally decided to go with the 8.1. I heard the newer v10 engine was really good but didn't feel as peppy towing like the 8.1.

 

[Shran]

3v's don't eject plugs.

FWIW Excursions all had 2v V10s... NONE came with 3v engines. And the later 2v engines were better about not spitting plugs. But plugs snap off in the 3v engines if you're careless... and in any case, ALL of the older modular engines were known for plug blowouts. Compared with the 3v cam phaser and timing chain issues, and the diesel problems starting in '03, their whole lineup of trucks up to just a few years ago looks awful.

Nothing wrong with the 8.1, I just don't like the truck it's in - IMO the super duty platform is more durable (hence why GM guys are putting super duty D60's and Sterlings in their trucks...)

I like my 3v V10. Gas mileage should not be a factor for the vast majority of us who use it as a tow rig. 8-10mpg is a drag but that's why I don't drive it every day! The fact that they are still produced says a lot about their longevity as well.

 

[Craig0320]

I wish the 8.1 was in a ford but I plan on keeping the truck stock other than getting it tuned and maybe a modular intake tube like my 1500. I don't think I will have any major issues with it. The 8.1 uses the same allison as the duramax and not the 4l80e like the 6.0s. The ally is a good transmission. My uncle hasn't had any troubles out of the ones he has owned and he tows 20k with it.

 

[Craig0320]

The only issue ive read about with the 8.1 is excissive oil consumption. That being said if i ever part with my 97 460 ill be on the hunt for one.

But they are scarce. Id kill for an 8.1 surburban.

Hey rusters look what I found

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-gmcyukon-4x4/6654461536.html

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hey rusters look what I found

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-gmcyukon-4x4/6654461536.html

Dude if that had a few less miles and wasnt 14 hrs away....

 

[Craig0320]

What about this one in grand rapids.
https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-yukon-xl/6687370055.html
119k

 

[pjtoledo]

What about this one in grand rapids.
https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-yukon-xl/6687370055.html
119k

that part of Michigan tops the list for snowfall, road salt, and rust. not the best place to buy a used vehicle.

 

[Craig0320]

I remember seeing snow that one time down here.

 

[Shran]

No way would I buy a truck that lived in the rust belt.

Finding a 4x4 might be tough down south but they exist. If you're willing to travel to Michigan for a truck, try searching the Washington/Oregon/Idaho/Montana area - lots of clean trucks out there. Colorado and Wyoming trucks usually aren't too bad either. It gets worse the further east you go.