How many miles per gallon does a 1983 Ford f350 get?
On average, a 1983 Ford F-350 gets roughly 9–12 miles per gallon in city driving and 12–16 mpg on the highway for gasoline models; diesel versions often achieve around 15–20 mpg on highways and about 12–15 mpg in city driving, depending on load and configuration.
What affected mpg on a 1983 Ford F-350
Fuel economy for these heavy-duty pickups hinges on engine type, drivetrain, payload, and driving conditions. The availability of a diesel option, the gear ratio, and whether the truck carries a single rear wheel or dual rear wheels all play a role in real-world numbers.
Engine options and typical mpg ranges
The F-350 offered a gasoline V8 and an IDI diesel option. The transmission and axle setup also influence overall fuel economy. Here are the typical ranges you might have seen in 1983 depending on configuration.
Gasoline engines
- Gasoline-powered 7.5-liter V8 (460 cubic inches) with either a manual or automatic transmission: roughly 9–12 mpg in city driving and 12–16 mpg on the highway, with significant variation based on payload, tire size, and gearing.
These figures illustrate the lower end of efficiency for heavy-duty gasoline trucks of the era, especially under load.
Diesel engines
- Diesel-powered 6.9-liter IDI V8: roughly 12–15 mpg in city driving and 15–20 mpg on the highway, with highway efficiency generally higher due to steady-speed operation.
Diesel variants commonly offered better highway fuel economy, particularly when carrying lighter loads or cruising at steady speeds.
Other factors that affect fuel economy
Beyond engine type, a number of practical factors influence miles per gallon in a 1983 F-350. Drivetrain setup, gearing, tire size, and overall weight all play a part, as do driving habits and maintenance. Back then, some owners operated without overdrive transmissions, which limited efficiency at highway speeds.
- Drivetrain and wheels: single rear wheel vs dual rear wheels (dually) affect aerodynamics and weight, altering mpg.
- Axle ratio and gearing: higher numerical ratios generally reduce highway MPG; lower ratios improve efficiency but can affect acceleration.
- Tire size and payload: larger tires and heavier loads increase rolling resistance and decrease mpg, particularly at city speeds.
- Maintenance and condition: engine tune-ups, fuel delivery, and transmission health can have noticeable effects on mpg.
In practical terms, a well-maintained truck with appropriate gearing and modest payload will align with the ranges above, while heavy payloads and suboptimal gearing can push mpg lower.
Summary
For a 1983 Ford F-350, expect a wide range of fuel economy depending on configuration. Gasoline versions typically deliver about 9–12 mpg in urban use and 12–16 mpg on highways; diesel versions usually achieve around 12–15 mpg city and 15–20 mpg highway. Real-world results vary with payload, drivetrain (SRW vs DRW), axle gearing, and maintenance. These trucks were built for work, not fuel efficiency, but diesel options generally offered better highway efficiency than gasoline equivalents.
How many miles to the gallon does a Ford F350 get?
F-350 MPG varies significantly based on engine, gearing, and whether it's empty or towing, but real-world figures often range from 10-13 MPG for the 7.3L gas engine and 11-15 MPG for the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel when towing. Unloaded, the diesel can achieve around 20 MPG on the highway, while the gas engine might get 14-17 MPG.
This video discusses the fuel economy of the F-350 with different engines and gears: 27sCTech-reviewYouTube · Dec 7, 2024
Gas Engine (7.3L "Godzilla")
- Combined/City: Expect around 10−1110 minus 1110−11 MPG, but sometimes closer to 131313 MPG.
- Highway (unloaded): Around 14−1714 minus 1714−17 MPG, with some owners reporting up to 16.516.516.5 MPG at 707070 mph.
- Towing: Drops significantly, potentially to 10−1210 minus 1210−12 MPG with a heavy load.
Diesel Engine (6.7L Power Stroke)
- Combined/City: Typically around 121212 MPG.
- Highway (unloaded): Up to 202020 MPG, though some drivers report 23−2523 minus 2523−25 MPG instantaneous on flat ground.
- Towing: Expect about 11.411.411.4 MPG when towing a 7,200-7,500 lb travel trailer at 707070 mph, or around 12.512.512.5 MPG when towing a 15,00015 comma 00015,000 lb load.
Factors that influence MPG
- Engine choice: The diesel engine is more efficient, especially for towing, while the gas engine has a lower upfront cost.
- Gearing: Different rear-end gear ratios will affect your mileage. Lower gears (like 4.304.304.30) can lead to higher RPMs and lower MPG.
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will significantly decrease fuel economy.
- Towing/Payload: Hauling heavy loads requires more work from the engine, leading to lower MPG.
- Tire choice: Aftermarket tires, especially larger or more aggressive ones, can lower MPG.
How much is a 1983 Ford f350 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,567 for a 1983 Ford F-350 1 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1983 Ford F-350 1 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1983 Ford F-350 1 Ton at auction over the last three years was $26,250.
What year to stay away from Ford F350?
F-350 Super Duty models from 1998 to 2004 have the most issues. Leaf-spring front suspensions make them harder to handle. Engine issues, transmission problems, and rust are also known problems in these models.
How many miles per gallon does a 91 7.3 Idi get?
13-14 mpg around town, as high as 18.6 mpg highway.
