Gasser dump truck / wood hauler

[BPS. LLC]

I can't find a blue book reference for a dump truck. My buddy found a 2005 F-350 with a 5.4 Triton in it with only 11,000 miles for 16,000. Its 2wd has upfitter switches and trailer brake controller and is in perfect shape with an ABC dump body in it.

I think I could get by with the 2wd, but its only a 350 and a gasser, 5 speed. I was considering offering 15k but he doesn't think he'll negotiate. A 450 diesel is 25-28k but its like comparing apples and oranges.

Decent price or not?

 

[FFemt5287]

Seems like a fair price with 11,000mi and good condition. The 5.4 should have the grunt (300hp/365lbft) to haul around some decent weight, just don't expect it to be a hotrod with a load on. The diesel would get better gas mileage, but the price is much higher initially and to maintain.

By five speed I'm assuming you mean the torqueshift automatic, as I believe the manual transmission offering was only 6-speeds in 2005. Good transmission when stock power levels of the engine are maintained (many of the failed torqueshifts I know of were on tuned up Powerstrokes) and the transmission maintained regularly.

The 4x4 vs 4x2 issue is one you alone have to make depending on whether or not you expect to drive this all winter long in Pennsylvania and in the woods when it's wet out. I'm sure 4x2 wouldn't be a detriment 90% of the time, but I know I love my 4x4 in the woods when it's wet.

Offer him 15. What's the worst he can say? No?

 

[Streblerm]

That sounds like a nice price. The 5.4 is a good engine and will haul more than the truck will. I have had four F-250s with it and my dad is running one with 180,000 miles. Personally I would take a 5.4 over a diesel. Whatever fuel savings you would see with the diesel will get eaten up with maintenance costs.

My only concern with the F350 is GVW, or what you can legally haul. You might want to look into that before you pull the trigger. Ford has heavied up the super duties. I think the current F-250 is a heavier built truck than the previous generation F-350. What a truck will haul before it breaks and what is legal are two entirely different things.

 

[atlarge54]

I'm sure a lot of improvements have been made from '99 to '05 so take this with a grain of salt. My '99 F250 2WD super duty has a 5.4 with 5sp manual and 4.10 rear end. This motor is ok for my needs but I think many would feel it's too weak. If you're regularly having to get near the wood it seems like 2WD could be a serious issue. Overall I'm not really impressed with this truck---it's ok but nothing to brag about. There are times when I wish I had my old F150 5.0 with heavy springs back.

 

[BPS. LLC]

He accepted 15k for it. I would never be towing over 10k with it. My 350 pulls 10k with no problem with 3.73 gears and 37" tires. I'm thinking I can overcome not having the diesel with stock tires and 4:10 gearing. Would have liked four wheel drive, but I will just have to watch where I go. Going to be used mostly for mulch, wood and small stone sand deliveries.

 

[atlarge54]

Look at the sticker on the drivers door. Under the section rear end, if there's a number with a letter (like 22U) I think it indicates some type of limited slip rear end, just a plain number and it's an open differential.

Sounds like a pretty fair deal for the price. Enjoy your new truck.

 

[BPS. LLC]

Look at the sticker on the drivers door. Under the section rear end, if there's a number with a letter (like 22U) I think it indicates some type of limited slip rear end, just a plain number and it's an open differential.

Sounds like a pretty fair deal for the price. Enjoy your new truck.

Limited slip sounds good as long as it doesn't cause additional wear on the rear. I'm going out on a limb on this one a little, hopefully it works out. I'm going Monday to pick it up if all goes well...