Finding the right power stroke for the job

[Correct_craft]

Hi. I recently got into the landscaping business. I pull (for now) 1 zero turn on a 14 foot trailer. I also pull a 19 ft ski boat. Pulling mower is a 250 mile trip all hwy. Been using a 5.3 extended cab 4x4. Getting 12 mpg and using oil (only when towing). Want a power stroke For durability and better pulling mpg. I test drive an extended cab 2001 7.3 6 speed 2 wd that claimed 18 in town. I also was told to stay away from 2wd 6 speed because they get stuck really easy. Really open to suggestions right now. Does 4wd or an automatic change mileage that much? Looking for max hwy mpg pulling light load. Would sacrifice power to save mpg too. Thanks

[Correct_craft]

Also, it has 109k on it and has an extremely good body. Wanting $9500. Xl package.

[97powerstroker]

Well the 2wheel drive will get better mpg and get stuck easier.i think you will like either one.

[hammerstroker]

the 2wd and the 4wd wont be much diff in fuel only if u have the 4x4 on it will use alot more. yes a 2wd will get stuck in almost anything. 7.3 are the way to go if ur looking at fords. seems like all the newer trucks are having tons of problems or you have to drop 10 grand to make it run right. aslo adding a chip will increase mpg. do not get a superchips or edge or banks crap on a 7.3 get a chip with custom tunes thats were your mpg and power will be great. for 100,000 miles thats a good price if its a 4x4

[ToMang07]

I would say ANY powerstroke will work.... But the 7.3 is the mileage king.

I'm averaging 17.X on mine now, my last fill up was 18.17mpg.... So mileage is pretty dern good!

[JEL]

I love my 4x4, even though I don't use it too often it's very nice knowing I have it and won't get stuck in a tiny bit of mud. I also have a 6-speed and IMO it's the way to go, I usually get around 20 on the highway when empty, not bad for a big 4x4 truck if you ask me.

[Dietoremain]

i've got over 21mpg on the highway with my auto b4.. i was weighing about 8k too(loaded bed). Hand calculated. And yes if you need to take it off road, then get a 4wd, simple..

[Sullie250]

i would go with a 4x4. i use mine quite a bit and could not see how anyone could not have a 4x4. if you are doing strictly highway driving and never gettin off pavement get a 2 wheel drive. and for the tranny look for a 6spd. and for engine wise cant go wrong with a 7.3. a buddy of mine had a 99 7.3 and now he has a 06 or 07 6.0L and he misses his 7.3. he does like the tranny in the auto tranny in his 6.0 better then the auto tranny in his 7.3. but he his 7.3 got better fuel economy then his 6.0 does. both trucks are chipped too.

[Correct_craft]

Thanks for all the great info. I found a 97 extended cab xlt 4x4. 240k with 60k on new transmission. Looks very clean. Have not driven yet. Says if I don't like it I can bring it back he is so confident in it. Says he changed oil every 3500 miles and has owned it for 10 years. body looks really straight. wants $6800. This seem like a good idea? Would you be scared to put 300 hwy miles a week on it? First diesel so I am nervous. Are these motors as good as the 99 models?

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by Correct_craft

Thanks for all the great info. I found a 97 extended cab xlt 4x4. 240k with 60k on new transmission. Looks very clean. Have not driven yet. Says if I don't like it I can bring it back he is so confident in it. Says he changed oil every 3500 miles and has owned it for 10 years. body looks really straight. wants $6800. This seem like a good idea? Would you be scared to put 300 hwy miles a week on it? First diesel so I am nervous. Are these motors as good as the 99 models?

7.3 is 7.3.... the later ones just have the power bumped up with some updated parts. Still the 7.3 tho, they'll go forever is taken care of.