Although my V10 has been a good truck, I must admit there's a part of me that would like to have a diesel. The growl of the diesel...the whine
of the turbo. The newer Superdutys have Dana 60 front axles instead of the hybrid/orphaned Dana 50 I have. Diesels can get dual alternators.
I'd like to have a truck that will last me for 10-15 years or more, and I think a diesel would fit this bill better.
The newer trucks will be available with a power moonroof, new power/heated mirrors, 5-speed automatic, new 24-valve 6.0 liter Powerstroke.
I've been keeping an eye on the discussions of the new 6.0 Powerstroke and 5-speed automatic transmission. I'm interested to see what (if any) problems arise
from the new motor and transmission. As I analyze (and probably over analyze) my choices for options and add-ons
I'll post my comments here.
If I were to order a new truck today here's what I would get:
F350 Super Duty Crew Cab 4WD long bed
- XLT trim
- black clearcoat metallic (although a blue/silver two-tone is a consideration)
- graphite interior
- 40/20/40 bench seat
- 6.0L Powerstroke diesel
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Camper package
- Max front GAVW package - to get the steering damper
- Advanced security group
- Limited slip differential - might save my money for a good
aftermarket limited slip. I wish the
aftermarket had a better selection for our axle.
- Trailer towing mirrors (the new style)
- Dual alternators
- Roof clearance lights
- Trailer receiver hitch
- Radio downgrade
- Carpet delete
- Power moonroof
- Reverse sensor
- Auxilary Idle Control
- Deluxe alumuninum wheels - maybe, maybe not
- Cab steps - might get aftermarket oem-style steps
that have built-in courtesy lights and marker lights
- Front license plate bracket
- ESOF (Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly) - I will probably order this option, but disconnect the front vacuum like I have now.
This option would mostly be for convenience and to save floor space for other things.
There's a few options I'm still debating on:
FX4 offroad package - Would depend on reviews I hear about the package. Update - I doubt I get this as it requires limited-slip and
all terrain tires. It also the appears the 'Rancho branded' shocks are just junky Ford shocks painted like Ranchos.
Bedliner vs. Rhinoliner - I definitely need one or the other.
Upgrades
- Better air intake
- Performance chip - still debating on which one.
- DPPI turbo back exhaust
- Heavier headlight harness and brighter bulbs
- Better shocks
- Full complement of gauges - I'm thinking a 4-gauge A-pillar pod and a 3-gauge cubby hole pod.
- Pyrometer
- Boost
- Transmission temperature
- Oil pressure
- Water temperature
- Voltage
- Auxiliary gas tank level
- AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo and new front/rear speakers
- Diamond plate toolbox
- Bug shield and vent visors
- Leveling kit - Either Jack-it or
Edge
- Power sliding rear window - I'd put the
power switch in the overhead console next to the moonroof control. Sweet.
- 255/85R16 tires
- Alot of the things on my present truck would get transferred to a new truck...fire department lights, two-way radio,
radar detector, cellular kit, auxiliary gas tank.
Upgrades (that I probably wouldn't do again)
- Lift kit - In contrast to my present truck, a new truck would probably just have a leveling kit and 255/85 tires. I figure a leveling kit on an
F350 is similar to a 4" lift on an F250. I like the looks of my lift kit, but it's alot of work and alot of money. If I had to remove the
lift kit to sell my present truck I'd put in on my new truck.
- Pushbar, offroad lights - I rarely use my offroad lights, and my pushbar is just something extra to clean. I'd probably
upgrade the factory fog lights to something better.
- Stereo - no power amps, bass tubes, or CD changer. The stereo I have now will go with the truck when I sell it.
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