[Baumann]

I'm in the market for crew cab long bed Powerstroke 94-97

I keep getting told to search for a late 97. Is this true and why?

Any other important info I need to know year/model and common issues between the years.

What about automatic vs. manual transmission, any inherant issues between the two?


Not quite finding the info I wanted by searching a few other sites, I like the atmosphere here so thought I'd test 'er out

 

[61uni]

97 has more hp than 94.5-96. The automatics suck and will cost atleast 3000 to properly rebuild. Manual is the was to go. They do have a dual mass flywheel that causes problems, but are much cheaper of repair. BTW crew cab=more$$$$ as they are more sought after.

 

[Diesel_Aggie]

The late '97s seem to be the best of the bunch. You have 225hp vs. 215hp, larger capacity injectors (which I believe will allow you to make more power without swapping injectors), if E4OD automatic you get some substantial transmission upgrades. This doesn't mean you should pass on an older model if you find one you really like that is a great deal. 94.5's only come in 5-speed and the electronics are not as advanced for troubleshooting. They initially had some injector o-ring issues that have long since been fixed....most under warranty. Many '94.5s had engine replacements. I've owned 2 with factory remans in the past and of the 8 Power Strokes I've owned they were the only 2 that did not use oil between changes. Both the '95 and '96 I bought new used 1-2 quarts every 3000 miles. In mid '95 the radiator changed from a brass unit with a cap to an aluminum one with no cap. In '96 the manual trans went from an S-42 to an S-47. The lower gear ratios changed considerable and the torque rating on the input shaft was increased. Search here or on google to get the ratios. 1996 is also when the XLT interior trim pieces on the dash and door panels changed from silver to black. Sometime between '94 and '96 A/C refrigerant capaicty increased slightly and the brake master cylinder bore increased by a little bit. Search my posts from the last year to find exact numbers. I read here that the Borg Warner 13-56 transfer case for manual transmission trucks changed to a 4407 in 1996. I'm not positive on the details on this so research a little more if you like. 1994 crew cabs came with matching interior color rubber mats (if you don't have carpet) and the 1996 has black only. Not certain what 1995 or other cabs had. In 1995 the F-350 4x4 front brakes changed from calipers being held on by pins to bolts. Rotors increased slightly in daimeter. 1997 eliminated the brushed aluminum piece across the tailgate and had a fender style emblem on it along with the Ford Blue Oval. Fender badges changed on the F-250's eliminating the XL or XLT to put on Heavy Duty. Option codes changed a little year to year. Some earlier years you could have an XLT with power windows up front and manual in the rear. Don't know the cutover date. Late '97s have the '99-03 plastic Power Stroke cover on the engine. Plenty of other differences I'm missing. Hope that helps.

If you want an automatic the late '97s are certainly a big plus. You should still plan on getting a BTS (Brians Transmission Service in Arkansas) transmission at some point in your future when the auto fails.

I'm extremely partial to the 5-speed. I'm also extremely biased and despise automatics. ZF-5 is very reliable with few failures. Most of those can be attributed to abuse. The dual mass flywheel is a weakness but is a relatively easy fix.

Go to http://www.sunrisefordfleet.com/download_center.htm and you can get the ordering guides for 1997. They have detailed specs.

 

[gilroyracing]

i have a 96, how can i tell if its a calli truck with bigger injectors without pulling them out and looking at them?

 

[RickHredf250]

CA trucks will have a damper behind the fuel pump, looks like a black growth kind of under the turbo ped.
Rick H...

 

[rocknxj]

I'm currently looking at a '97 C/C, how can I find the cutoff date between early and late '97 with the couple of upgrades that you mentioned?

 

[BlindViper]

[ QUOTE ]
97 has more hp than 94.5-96. The automatics suck and will cost atleast 3000 to properly rebuild. Manual is the was to go. They do have a dual mass flywheel that causes problems, but are much cheaper of repair. BTW crew cab=more$$$$ as they are more sought after.

[/ QUOTE ]
I did a full rebuild with replacement of all wear parts. For less then 2500$

 

[Aljay]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm currently looking at a '97 C/C, how can I find the cutoff date between early and late '97 with the couple of upgrades that you mentioned?

[/ QUOTE ]What is the build date? I have a 12/97 truck.

 

[u2slow]

The ZF 5-speed has different ratios in 94-95 vs. 96-97.

 

[smokyred]

Late '96 and '97 California trucks had larger injectors (120's), which were split-shots. all other '94.5-'97 trucks had single-shots (90's).

I love to drive standard vehicles, but for all around everyday driving, an auto beats a stick. Plus my little sister can beat up on ricers then with my truck, my last truck she couldn't even push the clutch pedal 1/2 way down, lol, let alone drive it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

Bottom line is '97's are the newest of our body style, and they had the best of the factory parts upgrades.

Just get what suits you,
Dave