Recently I bought a '96 Ford F250 PSD, long bed, extended cab, 4x4, auto trans, and a real nice canopy. I had it for a week and ended up giving the truck back due to some major problems with it. I did really like the truck though, but too many things needed fixed.
So right now I'm looking to get another one. I have about 15k to spend, and I only want the 7.3 diesel, 4x4, preferably a crew cab, but might settle for an extra cab. I live in Central Oregon and I'm having a real hard time finding a decent truck fitting my requirements, that isnt either beat to [censored] with 200k, or priced too high. I had to go 150 miles just to even get the last truck.
What is the best year/value of truck with this motor? I'm not looking at anything older than a '96.
I have heard '97 is one of the best years, because something in the auto trans was changed, making them less prone to failing. Is this correct or was smoke blown up my rear?
Now how about auto vs manual. Which transmission is going to hold up the longest, with the least amount of care? In a truck I would rather have an auto but I don't want to be rebuilding it every 50k.
Are there any sweet special options I should be on the look out for? Any differences in the transfer case? Do any of the trucks offer FULL TIME 4x4? Meaning it is acceptable to drive on pavement with 4x4 engaged.
Biggest differences between the 97 vs 99 besides obviously the body style, but what else do you really get with the 99?
Which model year has the best working AC?
So right now I'm looking to get another one. I have about 15k to spend, and I only want the 7.3 diesel, 4x4, preferably a crew cab, but might settle for an extra cab. I live in Central Oregon and I'm having a real hard time finding a decent truck fitting my requirements, that isnt either beat to [censored] with 200k, or priced too high. I had to go 150 miles just to even get the last truck.
What is the best year/value of truck with this motor? I'm not looking at anything older than a '96.
I have heard '97 is one of the best years, because something in the auto trans was changed, making them less prone to failing. Is this correct or was smoke blown up my rear?
Now how about auto vs manual. Which transmission is going to hold up the longest, with the least amount of care? In a truck I would rather have an auto but I don't want to be rebuilding it every 50k.
Are there any sweet special options I should be on the look out for? Any differences in the transfer case? Do any of the trucks offer FULL TIME 4x4? Meaning it is acceptable to drive on pavement with 4x4 engaged.
Biggest differences between the 97 vs 99 besides obviously the body style, but what else do you really get with the 99?
Which model year has the best working AC?