Dear old Dad is looking to buy a new truck. The man has had nothing but ford gassers for the last 35 years. It hasn't taken too much to convince him diesel is the way to go (I have consistantly payed about half the ammount he does in fuel on trips) It is just what diesel to buy.
He wants an auto but he would like some type of grade braking. As best as I can tell 2004.5 48re "IS" compatable with an exhaust brake. What kind of engine hold back is there with out an exhaust brake?? Does the T C lockup when you manually select a gear? He doesn't haul heavy (9ft slide in camper) but some of the grades on logging roads far exceed anything you would find on highway.
The ford with the tourque shift tranny sounds good but he is aware of fords checkered past with the 6.0.
I havn't been following the 48re too closley as I am more interested in the 6 sp but my seat-of-the-pants-meter tells me the engine hold back isn't the same as my '93.

 

I have a 48RE and tow a mid profile 5er. Dont expect much
engine braking with the TC locked up. It may help a little but
not on hills with a 5er pushing your truck all the way down
the mountain. I'm going with a exhaust brake this spring before
I camp again.