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Old 09-11-2010, 02:07 PM   #1
snowhawk2
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Test Drove 2011 F350 SRW and DRW Today

I have posted several places that I'm considering trading an 06 F350 Lariat SRW 6.0 short bed crew cab for the comparable 2011, but going to an 8' bed in either a SRW or DRW. So curiosity got to me and I could wait any longer to take them for a ride. Here are some thoughts after the test drive:

Both are incredible pieces of technology and I could own either.

DRW was easy to drive and presented no maneuverability issues in traffic and would be comfortable with it.

The front seats were not as comfortable as the ones in my 06 and in fact eventually caused my lower back to be a big sore. The seat likely needed more adjustments.

The fuel economy was better then my 06 but it didn't knock my socks off. I think Ford was optimistic with their projections but I realize this engine had 200 miles on it and better mileage is expected. Again, it was better then any recent Ford engine.

The fit and finish was excellent. The power seemed very strong.

The creature comforts were a definite upgrade from my 06.

The motor was quiet and smooth. It was as quiet as a gas engine.

The DRW's bed is two inches lower then my 06 SRW which is a good fit for my 3750 because it is currently a bit high in the front with my 06.

The 2011 SRW bed was 2.5 INCHES HIGHER then my 6.0 so that is a problem, but it did have 20 inch wheels. If I moved to this truck I would need to flip my axles on the trailer.

New gauges were great and an upgrade.

The DEF is a definite turnoff. I would love to know what current owners have found for pricing on this stuff. The dealer told me that they charge $8.00 a quart and it is a 5 gallon tank. You do the math and it is a pretty big number and an expense I don't currently have.

Overall I liked the 2011s and see all of the advantages and new features over the 06 and will likely end up with one at some point. The power plant and interior were excellent. I also realized that my 06 is a pretty darn good truck, and I only owe 10K.

 
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Old 09-11-2010, 02:10 PM   #2
TLightning
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The only problem I see with a 2011 Ford diesel is that it has a new engine...fourth new engine in not that many years. Hopefully this will be the last for a while.
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Old 09-11-2010, 02:18 PM   #3
H. John Kohl
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You might pick up an Oct copy of Diesel Power. It has a small comparison of all three 2011 Diesels.
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Old 09-11-2010, 02:42 PM   #4
William H. Collier
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DEF is $2.50 to $3.00 a gallon, and most dealers will fill it up for free when you get the oil changed.
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Old 09-11-2010, 04:21 PM   #5
thor
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i agree with william on the price of the def fluid.this def system is something that all makers will be going with even the big rigs are going to this for gov emissions.the ford just pumped up the hp to 400 and torque is 800 ft pds. big difference from 06.they are a mean machine .i love all three makers ,there doing a heck of a good job on the power and fit and finish on all these units.
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Old 09-12-2010, 02:47 AM   #6
PatnRich
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DEF is available $6.00/ gal, $12.00/2.5gal jugs at NAPA. Pilot and Flying J are installing pumps at truck islands. Prices may come down as def becomes more available.

As stated, 1st DEF fill free with your 1st oil change at the dealer. I am waiting a little longer as I have just turned 3000 miles. This will be a painless trip to the dealer, complimentry oil change, top off def, also complimentry, and reflash the computer.

As far as seat comfort, Which did you drive - split bench or bucket seats? Reason being, I found the buckets to be more comfortable than the bench. The bench with center back folded down seemed like less room side to side and seat back seemed less comfortable.
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Old 09-12-2010, 03:19 AM   #7
8.1al
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You won't be able to "flip" the axles as the springs are already mounted on top. You could use some blocks between axle and spring but there is so much force exerted here in tight turns I'm not sure it would hold up
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Old 09-13-2010, 02:05 PM   #8
thor
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tsc has def for a 10 gallon jug is 19.88
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Old 09-13-2010, 02:17 PM   #9
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My '07 F350 SRW also has 20" wheels. It also sat very high in the rear. I had the 4" blocks on the axles replaced with the 2" blocks that are on the F250. I think the F350 DRW may have the 2" blocks as it sits lower than the F350 SRW. The new 2" blocks lowered mine to just the right height.
Might be able to do that with the new ones also.
I actually got the dealer to do mine free after I bought it since there was a service bulletin out about the truck might be too high for some 5th wheels, and I had specifically told the salsesman I planned on towing a 5th wheel. The service bulletin detailed how to change the blocks and do other adjustments and checks to correct the height problem.
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Old 09-13-2010, 04:08 PM   #10
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As you can see in my profile pic my 2955RL runs fairly level. I have always pulled with a SRW. Just personal preference. Don't like having to buy 4 tires, not to mention 6. I don't think you will be disappointed in which ever you choose. I do believe Ford got it right on this motor. It is pretty impressive. The DEF is something we are going to have to get used to. It's here to stay to help meet the emmissions laws. Ford just got an early start on it. Good Luck.
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Old 09-13-2010, 06:06 PM   #11
washley1
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OK, I've been sleeping a lot lately...what is DEF?
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Old 09-14-2010, 04:12 AM   #12
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by washley1

OK, I've been sleeping a lot lately...what is DEF?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Read about it here.
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Old 09-14-2010, 04:21 AM   #13
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We have also driven the 2011 F-250. It is a strong truck but to be honest we were not all the impressed with the difference in performance between it at our 08 6.4L. Of coursew we did not tow anything.
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Old 09-14-2010, 05:08 AM   #14
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Rich that F250 likely had 3.31 gears which can make a difference on performance and that is how Ford is claiming their fuel mileage. More horsepower but slower revs yet that motor is rated at 400 horse at about 3500 rpm; who drives at that rpm?? LOL Looks good on paper but put that all to the practical side and things change. They are a great truck and the diesels have come a long ways for performance and less noise but time will tell and we'll wait and see. There is a few showing up in the oil patch here; so that will be the test with the young fellows behind the wheel on some ugly terrain in mud and snow!!
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Old 09-14-2010, 05:58 AM   #15
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DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID. Don't ask me what it does. I think it breaks down the emmissions into a water vapor before releasing it into the air. An expert on the subject will come along and explain it better and you'll know why I said don't ask me.
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Old 09-21-2010, 03:47 PM   #16
sreigle
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

You won't be able to "flip" the axles as the springs are already mounted on top. You could use some blocks between axle and spring but there is so much force exerted here in tight turns I'm not sure it would hold up
Or just get the 18" wheels instead of the 20 inchers. I am assuming that's still an option or maybe 18" is standard and 20" the option.
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Old 09-24-2010, 04:50 AM   #17
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I don't believe that the difference between the 18" and 20" tires is enough to be concerned about. According to the comparison here
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit
the difference in overall diameter is .92 or just slightly less than 1/2" in vehicle height.(.46" radius)

I have the 20" wheels and had the Monty touch the bed in very rough uneven terrain. This could have been caused by the hitch installer not re-installing the rear overload spring stop when the hitch brackets were installed. I should have handed him the $240 slip from the dent wizard. As I said to him, "I can't prove that this wouldn't have happened with the bracket in place, but without the bracket, the suspension was compromised". Was I ever po'd
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Old 09-25-2010, 05:40 AM   #18
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John...and all... A tip of the hat and a thank you for the DieselPower mag reference. DW and I are considering bying a new 1 ton and the article (online) was very useful to show her. Our family has always been Duramax owners. However, since the specs are all fairly similar the fit and finish of the new Ford F350 DRW seem to be a cut above the GMC. We are going to Southern Florida for Christmas, we'll have to take the kids and grandkids out and test drive both 2011 models.

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