Opinions on new DD/tow rig, please - '94 f-250

[Bill@setel.com]

Hey all,
I have not been in the market for a new DD, but an opportunity as risen and I would really like to see what you guys think.

A friend of my girlfriend's family (Samantha for those of you who have met her) owns a car lot and has a one owner 1994 diesel f-250. It is 2wd and in excellent condition.

The truck was owned by an older couple who used the truck to tow their travel trailer. The truck has 113,084 miles and looks pretty good. It does not have a "real" tailgate and the passenger door is going to need some repair from the tow mirror.

I would like to know what kind of MPG can I expect. How would this be as a DD compared to my Full Size Bronco w/302 at 11-13mpg, now? How will it tow? And lastly, I am looking for something so I can learn about diesels - this would be my first - what can you guys recommend?

He is asking $6,000 for it.

Thanks so much!
Bill

[wheelerfreak]

I think 94 was the transition year to the PSD, late in MY94 they went to the PSD. SO that would play a part in what kinda mileage etc to expect outta the truck.

[Bill@setel.com]

That is correct. '94 was the transition year. This one is an early 94 and is an IDI not PSD. That's why all the questions.

Thanks!

[RE:Todd]

My 97 PSD gets around 12 to 12.5 in town, no load. Towing 13,500 lb trailer, I get about 8.5.

[demonranger]

If it's an auto it's an IDI engine.

As was mentioned 94 is the crossover year. Ford offered 3 different diesel engines: IDI 7.3 N/A, IDI 7.3 turbo, DI(Powerstroke) 7.3 turbo. The powerstrokes only came in a stick shift option.

Mileage is greatly dependant upon how you drive and what gears are in the truck and cab size. The IDI is going to be able to tow easily but it's not going to win any land speed races. Given a moderate foot you should be able to get the same mileage as you are getting with your bronco but you'll have more power than your 302 puts out now.

www.oilburners.com
www.thedieselstop.com

are both very good resources for information for the IDI trucks if its' a PSD you can add
www.thedieselgarage.com
www.superdutydiesel.com

[adrianspeeder]

I don't believe that the PSD in 94 only came with a stick.

Just checked my 94 order guide and it said you could.

Adrianspeeder

[demonranger]

Bill I missed your post in the middle stating that it was and IDI.

Like I said earlier you will get aprox the same mileage as you're getting now just get something that will tow a bit better. You're going to have tons of low end torque but not a whole lot of power on the top end for running fast.

[jnutter]

I used to own a '94 F250 ext cab 4x4, IDI turbo diesel, automatic and 4.10s. I typically got about 16 mpg in the city when it was empty (after turbo mods mentiond below). With a slide in camper and towing a Jeep on a trailer it dropped to around 12. I ran it hard and fast, so these are probably realistic numbers for anyone who sets up their 7.3 IDI TD the same way.

If the truck you are looking at has the factory turbo, drop a K&N filter in it right away and cut the muffler off. You won't see much of an exhaust noise increase, but you will be able to hear the turbo whistle. The power increase from just these two things is noticable in the seat of the pants.

After you've driven it that way for about a week and are ready for some more power, call up ATS. Get their exhaust side turbine housing, outlet and exhaust system. Turn up the fuel 25% and turn the boost to 10 psi (it's about 5 psi stock). These mods will help mileage and power both.

I really liked that motor, I just wish it would have been intercooled. Hot weather and humidity took some power out of it. On the good side, parts are cheap for that motor and it is really easy to work on. I had a lift pump go bad while Randii was driving around Moab in it (I'm just happy that it happened when Randii was driving it and not my wife). Napa in Moab had the lift pump in stock for under $40 and I had it changed in less than an hour. A year later I needed a water pump. The part store closest to my house had one, also less than $40. Injectors and glow plugs for this motor are also cheap compared to newer diesels.

[Bill@setel.com]

I used to own a '94 F250 ext cab 4x4, IDI turbo diesel, automatic and 4.10s. I typically got about 16 mpg in the city when it was empty (after turbo mods mentiond below). With a slide in camper and towing a Jeep on a trailer it dropped to around 12. I ran it hard and fast, so these are probably realistic numbers for anyone who sets up their 7.3 IDI TD the same way.

If the truck you are looking at has the factory turbo, drop a K&N filter in it right away and cut the muffler off. You won't see much of an exhaust noise increase, but you will be able to hear the turbo whistle. The power increase from just these two things is noticable in the seat of the pants.

After you've driven it that way for about a week and are ready for some more power, call up ATS. Get their exhaust side turbine housing, outlet and exhaust system. Turn up the fuel 25% and turn the boost to 10 psi (it's about 5 psi stock). These mods will help mileage and power both.

I really liked that motor, I just wish it would have been intercooled. Hot weather and humidity took some power out of it. On the good side, parts are cheap for that motor and it is really easy to work on. I had a lift pump go bad while Randii was driving around Moab in it (I'm just happy that it happened when Randii was driving it and not my wife). Napa in Moab had the lift pump in stock for under $40 and I had it changed in less than an hour. A year later I needed a water pump. The part store closest to my house had one, also less than $40. Injectors and glow plugs for this motor are also cheap compared to newer diesels.
WOW
That's EXACTLY the kind of info I am looking for!!


Thanks a ton!
Bill