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2020 F250 Plat PS 12K Observations


CCrider

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I sold my 2019 F150 Limited to get the truck I wanted in the first place. A loader 2020 SD 6.7. So after 12K Miles here are a few thoughts on ownership. Emptying the desk drawer so random.

 

#1 I have not experienced any death wobble (knock on wood) and the truck runs straight and true. It is a wolf in sheep's clothing when it comes to performance. When you hit the turbo this will MOVE. Surprised it was so responsive.

#2 Not a day goes by that I don't LOVE the diesel. I know I don't really need it but you live once and I believe in owning toys that make me smile. This does that, every time I drive it I love it

#3 My mileage has been a surprise to me. Last Diesel I had as the 6.4 that on a good day would get 14-15MGP. I am seeing 19-20 with new truck general driving. I love that diesel is so cheap right now.

#4 I installed the Amsoil remote Oil bypass system which was quick, easy and over kill. The only downside is that you need to use their filters since they dont accept the stock filter. 

#5 I changed the oil @ 1K and change every 5K. I run 5W-40 normally Amsoil but last change was T6. 

#6 changed the fuel filters @ 10K no doubt over kill but it was only $50

#7 Came through with snow plow package and I dont ever notice the stiffer front end.

#8. Came through with the Toughbed and frankly it is weak sauce. I would not have paid for that option if I had a choice and would have gone Linex. Though I ended up installing a full Bedrug classic over it. The factory spray did not demonstrate the same level of attention to detail in prep that you see aftermarket. EX: Overspray on bedrails (poor taping job) Every bolt is coated vs Linex where the remove the hardware and spray. This means extra work removing them if needed. They dont remove the tie down plates so under them is not sprayed. The side spray thickness is paper thin but the floor and tailgate are heavy. Bottom line as an option it is same as aftermarket but frankly not close to same quality and attention to detail. 

#9 Installed the bedrug, first observation is that the classic does pile ALOT and may go with the impact which has the "less carpet like" flooring

#10 Has the Fx4 package. Pluses has the descent controls and electric locking rear end (3:55) but not worth the option costs. I am moving to Bilstein 5100's as soon as I get chance to change shocks.

#11 Package shocks are fine move to Bilstein is 100% because I have always used them and love them and I know that any OEM shock is compromised by cost vs performance. 

#12 LOVE the dark leather seats vs the Limited lighter seats. I believe (they feel) firmer than the Limited and I have zero back pain driving 1500+ miles in a day. I found the limited to soft for me.

#13 Got the Tri star white or whatever they call the optional white. LOVE it. It is easy to maintain and pops in the sun. In anything less that sun and it looks white so if your going for this option make sure you see it in sunlight.

#14. Went with ESP Premium through Lombard for 6/125K. Debated this but more concerned about the power equipment than anything else. Everything in this truck is power so I am sure repairs are expensive. In a Taurus I had a $1200 alternator replaced. A freakin joke.

#15. F250 V F350. Frankly I decided to go F250 simply because it was a hair lighter on the road in terms of firmness. It was SMALL but I dont really need either and dont see myself ever using the extra capacity of the F350.

#16. The 10 Speed is awesome at highway speeds before you hit the speedo governor you can not get the truck above 2500 while in auto shift. It hovers at 2100-2200 all day long.

#17. When you have occasion to "use" the diesel it will make you smile. I came across a guy that managed to drive his suv off the side of the road into foot deep mud and commenced to bury himself deeper trying to get out. He was tow truck deep. We threw a sling around the rear axle of his vehicle around the hitch ball in the F250. I thought I would need to gear up to haul this out. Tow mode etc. I placed the truck in drive did not yet set the mode or the 4WD. I touched or thought about touching the accelerator. That freakin BEAST popped that SUV out and up onto pavement. It was an awesome display of raw Torque. My wife even commented with a simple wow.

#18. going with the heavy duty tow package results in your getting a DANA M275 rear end. This will limit your options if you chose to go aftermarket (Banks) Transmission cover.

#19 If your thinking about a aftermarket rear axle cover check out the Banks unit before buying. It is really well designed and I look forward to their releasing a Dana version. Currently only offer the Sterling version.

 

Summary: I have been a Ford Truck "guy" since day one. I continue to believe they build the best toughest truck on the road. Period. Others may have flashier big screens or modern interiors but when you look beneath the skin I dont see where anyone else builds them as well as Ford. I am glad they moved to in house engineering for their diesel a few years ago and away from Navistar. That coupled with the in house development of the 10SP confirmed for me that Ford is committed to the diesel segment.

 

So that's it, could I drive a F150, sure have owned a number and I love them. Even considered the 3.0L. But if your a diesel lover( you know who you are, you're the one not listening to those telling you that you only need a diesel for heavy towing blah blah blah) then this truck is the one to own. I will go back to an old Harley commercial from years ago. The grandkids are sitting with their grandfather and he is talking about younger days and the experience of riding a Harley. One of his grandkids asked "did you own a Harley grandpa?" He looks off and say "no your grandmother told me we needed to buy vinyl siding for the house".  

Buy what you love and can afford, dont waste your time listening to the naysayers who spend their lives trying to bring others down (Twitter). At the end of the day if it makes you smile it was worth it, and best of all when it comes time to sell it and move on you will find a welcome field of buyers. 

 

Just my 2 cents

 

 

 

Edited by CCrider
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Thank you!  I had heard that the F350 was lowered a bit for 2020 ☹️ and I did not know if additional changes were made for 2021, which is why I was not sure what to do.  Thanks for looking into this for me.

 

According to Bilstien's website, the part numbers for the 2018-2020 trucks (for stock shocks and the steering stabilizer) are the same, so I will go ahead and order those!  Is that what you are doing?

 

Thanks again,

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Don't want to screw you up but did you  check the  Shock surplus price for the full set front and rear? They sell the set cheaper than the separates. Plus you can get n extra $10 if you email support and ask for help.

 

https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-b8-5100-monotube-gas-shocks-set-for-2017-2019-ford-f250-super-duty-4wd-w-2-2-5-lift

 

I know it says -2019 in description but if you read down to the part numbers they are the same ones you purchase for the 20-21 models

 

Edited by CCrider
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Hello.  I got the $10 off coupon after I placed my order.  I think I placed my order from separate shops just to spread the wealth (and I am not a socialist - I am just a truck guy who figured that I would put a buck or two in the pockets of the guys who are selling stuff for good prices).

 

I also wanted to see what the packaging looked like from each shop.  I am very fortunate to be able to spend a ton of money on a truck and then start spending more money on little goodies.  Hopefully my wife does not walk by our living room and notice all the truck parts piling up...

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On 2/11/2021 at 6:59 PM, STDevil said:

Hello.  I got the $10 off coupon after I placed my order.  I think I placed my order from separate shops just to spread the wealth (and I am not a socialist - I am just a truck guy who figured that I would put a buck or two in the pockets of the guys who are selling stuff for good prices).

 

I also wanted to see what the packaging looked like from each shop.  I am very fortunate to be able to spend a ton of money on a truck and then start spending more money on little goodies.  Hopefully my wife does not walk by our living room and notice all the truck parts piling up...

A prayer to wives not noticing costs to continue forever... PLEASE

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Ok so without the marketing BS here it is. No matter what it will take 10% of the oil that flows through your primary filter and refilters it down to (I believe) 2 Microns. So essentially it will over time provide you with cleaner oil which is SUPPOSED to allow you to extend your oil change intervals. BUT..... If your like me and changing your oil every 5K anyway it will never deliver the type of benefits it is designed for. On the other hand you will know that during that 5K miles your oil will be cleaner than it would otherwise simply due to the secondary filter. It also adds a small amount to your existing oil capacity as you have added a second filter.

I suppose if your the type of owner who sends your oil out for analysis and likes to extend oil changes to maximize spend then this is a no brainer. If your not it comes down to (as so many other things do) you. I do things sometimes as a hobby vs extracting full benefit. I used Fox 2.0 Resi shocks on a stock F250 and I know that is over kill. But just as with anything it is ,for me, a combination of the extra benefits and the opportunity to wrench on my truck while not screwing with the warranty.

 

Keep in mind, the non standard filter is a consideration since the by pass will not fit a stock Motorcraft filter. 

 

No matter how clean it may get your oil diesel oil is NEVER clean (visually) once it goes through a couple of times. So clean is relative. I am sure if analyzed it would be cleaner than oil driven for same period without the system.

 

Edited by CCrider
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Hi CCRider.  I have a question.  First of all, I ended up buying the 4600 series.  I had the 5100 series on my last truck (2002 F250 SD) and my spine used to get pulverized on long rides...

 

...anyway, what torque specs did you use for the shock bolts.  The Bilstien instructions only list the torque spec for the spindle end of the front shock...

 

I also have to give credit to my wife.  She saw me unpacking the shocks in our living room next to all my other goodies and just rolled her eyes and kept on walking...

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  • 1 month later...

Thanks for the great write up. I’m excited to get my 22 triwhite. Are you really average 20 mpg with the 3.55?  Also I recommend you do an oil analysis if you truly want to see the benefits of your oil program. Black stone labs told me I was totally short changing my oil and to extend it so I did.  Not 1 issue with my past 6.7.  

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