F250/F350 in a 4.10/3.73 ratio 7.3L?

[Grangerg]

I am in the market for a "new" used truck. I want to stay under $25k & I have done a little research & "THINK" I want a 2003 7.3L for it will fit for what I am looking for (please speak up if you think differently). I am looking for something that will occasionally haul an enclosed snowmobile trailer, stock trailer as well as a load of hay. The most I would need to ever haul is 12,000 pounds. I want it to get decent fuel milage not only hauling, but empty. I need help deciding on a 250 or 350 (sw) & what rear end would be better for me?? Any suggestions & comments are appreciated!!

[tubular031]

If you want to mod the crap out of it (big turbo, big injectors and then some..), get a 99 or 2000 because of the forged rods. late 2000 and up will have PMRs and limit you to high 300s on the HP level (SAFE limit) Also plan on adding a 6.0 tranny cooler (50 to 300 bucks) or at least a trucool (120 ish)

I pull a 5er (12k ish) and my truck does pretty well now with a DIY intake, BTM and my 2 tow tunes (70 most of the time but 50 if pulling a hill or fighting a head wind)

I dont think you can get a 4.10 in a srw (not for sure...) if you only plan on 10 to 12 k 3.73 will do fine.

I get 16 to 18 empty and about 9 to 11 pulling my 5er. best mpg was when totally stock I got 18.5 pulling my little baby trailer with my r1 on it (maybe 700 pounds)

[JJR]

In 99 you could get a srw with 3.73's or 4.10's. Pretty sure 2000 and newer you could only get 4.10's with drw.

[Jarrod B]

well even tho that my truc is a 97, it does have the 4.10 in the rear. it does somewhat better than 3.55 in pullin.