Questions about 95-97 Ford Powerstrokes

[tribaltalon]

So i've been thinking about picking up a diesel for a tow rig for all the toys I have, and i've made my mind on a 95-97 f250/f350 powerstroke crew cab. I've always loved the body style, I know there's better trucks out there, but I dont care. Price is right, and the look to me is sweet. Now, what should I look for in these trucks? Are the standards or automatics better? What are the common issues that these trucks have? thanks for any feedback.

[dumpycapri85]

I will be watching this because I am looking for a 350-450 flatbed for my new biz and I am a diesel noob . I have heard the 7.3 with the stick is the way to go but I want to see what some of the smoker exsperts have to say .

[Torinoman]

In those years they used the weak ass E4OD or whatever its called so go with a stick if you can find it. Other than that just check for normal stuff. Check to make sure it doesn't have a ton of blow by. I find that a good sign of proper maintenance is a clean fuel bowl, so take time and pull the lid off and check for trash and crap in it.

[kingjason]

No Expert here but I did own a 95 4x4 crew F350 5spd for a few years. It was just terrible, needed a new clutch at 185k, fuel bowl started leaking at 190k (7 bucks), new brakes every 100k (have you picked up this is sarcasm yet). I hated that truck so much I bought an 02 to replace it.

Just depends on the miles really on what you will need to do to one. Under 200k and it shouldnt need much if the owner took care of it. I did notice at around 190k I was getting a little syncro grind into second or a little delay. I bought mine from a 67 year old maintainance freak so it really needed nothing but the fuel bowl o-rings and a glow plug relay(35 bucks). Be sure if it needs a clutch to go with a southbend or LuK setup(I think thats the name). It made a huge difference as the factory clutch will make them shake rattle and roll when they are going bad. Carry a spare vacuum pump they are cheap and take 10 minutes to change with a 10mm IIRC and it runs your brakes. Not sure if the 95's had problems but I know some years the glow plug harness that runs under the valve covers rubs thru and goes bad, still not bad to change. They are really easy to work on though. Oh and be sure to get you a long magnetic bolt/slash wrench picker upper for when you drop things in the valley of the motor. Just remember everything on a diesel F350 costs about 3 times as much to fix. Also if your batteries get weak dont just change one of them. LOL Really these trucks had very few issues it just depends on the owner. Buy one with really good service records. Oh and expect to shift out of first gear after 10 feet, it was the only reason I hated the stick in that truck. If you are on level ground or a small decline you might as well start in second.

[thesource]

Good truck but they don't ride or perform like the newer diesel trucks. I'm a Ford guy but that newer Duramax with an Allison can make for one nice truck.

[Grape]

only problem with the 5 speeds is the can of marbles dual mass flywheel, but after you change that they seem to be bullet proof.

[dumpycapri85]

So am I right about going 7.3 and staying clear of the 6.0 ?

[Cooter]

I wouldn't buy either, but the OBS 7.3 has panache.

My problem is you just don't get enough for your money unless you get a smokin' deal on one. Everybody wants and arm and a leg for them.

I would only get a manual transmission

[dblack1]

I wouldn't buy either, but the OBS 7.3 has panache.

My problem is you just don't get enough for your money unless you get a smokin' deal on one. Everybody wants and arm and a leg for them.

I would only get a manual transmission

I see a clean OBS every now and then, but they are all autos, and way to expensive for what they are. It is easier to find a clean 99+ with a manual.

Having owned a 7.3, 6.0, and a 6.4, all modded, they have done nothing but gotten better.

[Jimbo]

I wouldn't buy either, but the OBS 7.3 has panache.

My problem is you just don't get enough for your money unless you get a smokin' deal on one. Everybody wants and arm and a leg for them.

I would only get a manual transmission

Agreed.

I picked up a 230k mile 95 F350 PSD 5spd crew 4x4 simply because of the price. I haven't really done anything with it yet, so... subscribing.

[dumpycapri85]

What do you guys think of this ? It has 176k and I can get it for about 6k .

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/2644583535.html

[payne5757]

My main advice would be get a 350 whatever you do so you can avoid that twin I-beam shit on the 250s.

[Grape]

My main advice would be get a 350 whatever you do so you can avoid that twin I-beam shit on the 250s.

my '01 350 has i-beams?

[dumpycapri85]

The one I am looking at is a 450 .

[payne5757]

my '01 350 has i-beams?

Only applies to OBS f250 trucks. I-beams went away after 97.

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