for all the guys that switched from a gas engine to a diesel, was it worth it? with gas prices on the rise i would appreciate any input

 

it depends on what u want to use the truck for before u should make a decision let us know whatcha need

 

well, i would probaly do the occasional offroading and hauling but other than that just a regular old truck

 

if you are thinking new-the extra money for a diesel will buy alot of gas

 

no, im looking at 1999-2000 250 ext. cab shortbeds so would you take one over an f150?

 

IMHO just get what you need and want. If you don't need or want a big truck why get one? Fuel, maintenance, cost, why?

 

How long do you want to keep the truck?
Will you be doing a lot of towing?
Are you in love with one body style or another?
What is your primary purpose for purchasing a truck?
Did you know only real men drive diesels? :-P


Remember the diesels routinely make it to 300k+ miles.

If you plan to replace it in five years, stick with gas, if you are going to keep her forever, go with diesel.

 

I average about 50,000+ a year, and drive diesels exclusively. I log every fill on a spreadsheet. I have yet to find any cost savings worth noting driving a diesel over a gasser. Mind you, that is an F-150 (5.4L) Supercrew over an F-250 diesel. The cost difference is usually a few hundred dollars favoring the gasser (cheaper) over a year and about 50k. That also includes the average $0.40 to $0.50 jump diesel has taken in the winter over gasoline the past few years.

If you haul alot or plan to keep it for years, get the diesel.

 

if your off-roading consists of mud and steep grades... no diesel isnt the way to go. it weighs to much. Towing - Yes

 

I really don't care about diesel prices....bought the rig to pull my 5th wheel.


It takes the right tools to get the job done....

I get WAY better MPG in my PSD than I did with my F150.

To the poster that posted about the mud...that is true, I have seen many PSD's stuck, however with the right tires....it helps.

 

Going with the V-10 was a no brainer for me. The 6.8L has more horsepower and enough torque for all of my towning needs, the gas is cheaper, and they get just a little less mpg compared to the diesels according to several threads I have seen on the subject. Makes the cost of the truck about 7K less off the lot.

I currently have a 2000 V-10 F250 and have owned a '99 F350 dually with the V-10 as well. This will be my third V-10 and I've never had any issues with these engines.

 

great post and yes it makes much sense.

However, I got my PSD for under the cost of a V10, King Ranch too. So it makes it that much sweeter. Some guys have all the luck eh?

 

The weight of the Diesel may cause probs in mud, sand and steep inclines as posted earlier as posted...

As RR posted tires would help some, but put those tires on the V10 and the balance goes back to the V10's favor - stock for stock. Once again it depends on how you tune up the diesel. I've seen some remarkable diesels out in the dunes and mud making incredible horsepower and having great fun doing their thing.

For what you described a gasser might be a better choice for you. It's hard as they both have thier merits and demerits.

A couple of years ago there was a SCORE event in which a stock Super Duty with a V10 motor (better tires and shocks of course) and good driver won it's class in the desert. Pretty good testimony I guess.

 

yeah the mud i was considering is just some nice mud puddles, a little clay and a couple small hills, i dont really care if i get stuck b/c i always offroad with a couple buddies anyways

 

If you go to the diesel you will have no problem at all with what you mentioned above! If you just tow here and there and nothing really too heavy (12.5k +) and are just using the truck as a daily driver why would you need a diesel - except for the powerhouse engine . Anyway, if you go diesel - best of luck and have fun!!