[fordx4joe]

So i'm almost 15 now, and planning on getting my learners permit then. And then once i'm like around 16 i'll have my drivers license and get my truck around there or before. I will probably be using it for driving around town, and hauling all sorts of objects, and take it off-road every once in awhile for some fun, and also taking it on camping and hunting trips and what not, possibly some long trips every now and then. So I was thinking on a ford f250, diesel or gas, not sure about that. 4x4 for sure, no doubt about that. and crew cab, super cab, reg cab, I don't really mind about this, but I prefer a 2 door. and what year should I get? What is the best year for no problems and good performance and what not? I was thinking around 1996 or 1997. I will most likely put a nice lift on it, not too small not too big, around 4inch, and then some tires around 35s or so. What would be best for lifts and tires also? Now tranny, auto or manual? I was thinking manual cuz thats some fun stuff there, and pretty cool as well. and mileage, lets see, I dont mind a WHOLE lot about what miles I get on it, but preferably above 12mpg hahaha. Good gas mileage is a real nice thing though. and I want a nice powerful truck, maybe pull a few trailers, none too big or anything just some decent sized ones. and a nice truck for good performance in different weather, and road conditions. Just mainly, what year? auto, manual? Diesel, gas? cab? any true advice is good, and what you learned from experience is nice. Ask any questions, and i'll try to answer on what i'm looking for, and what I prefer, just throw out what ever you got, Thanks!
~Joe :thumbsup:

 

[William from Louisiana]

1994-2004 are the best Ford diesels around. Of course, the latest models are rivaling that finally. Gas, dunno but newer the better.

 

[Patrick Feeley]

I would opt for an F350 over an F250 for the straight axle Dana 60 especially if you're going to lift it. Cheers!

 

[fordx4joe]

Well, I already decided on the f250. They are relatively cheaper, and I do not need that big of a truck(f350), although it will be pretty cool. But so far, I am planning a Ford f250 4x4 diesel 1997...Not sure about a few other things tho. I was thinking a truck somewhat like this picture, and I DO NOT own anything in this picture. But I want to know if there is anything wrong with this year, and what problems I may be facing with it. And what changes I can make. I want to be fully prepared for my purchase, n' i'ma make it nice!!!! I'll buy and install my own lift and tires, with my bro's help, cuz they had experience. n some black rims, with some chrome on it, n then my custom diamond plate metal bumpers, with a nice winch, and some stacks that blow some smoke. Gonna be cool! :icon_cool:

 

[William from Louisiana]

Well, buying a used truck is different from buying a new one. All used trucs have their own story behind them. Some will just need a new owner, some will need a complete workover. I say you should hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. You seem to have your financial issues in hand so you can spend money, means you can buy a run down heap and fix it up really nice. Just be aware that some body parts will have to be run down at a salvage yard somewhere.

Good luck!

 

[fordx4joe]

Thanks, and yeah! I am looking for a used one for sure. And I will be sure to check the story behind all of them I look at. Just hope and decide for the best. And I'll learn from my mistakes as well, so Thanks again.

 

[caryt]

You will hate a TTB..

 

[NickKent]

You will have to do some front end work to the TTB especially with a lift. I would opt for a F350 like mentioned. Or plan on swapping a Dana 60 into the F250. They never made a F350 ext. cab srw in the OBS trucks. It would have to be a reg cab or crew cab long bed if it was the F350. I spent about $1500 to have my TTB setup correctly. But it is still a TTB. I just did 2" axle drop brackets, F350 springs, all new bushings, and F350 rear axle blocks on my 96. I would look for a 97 if you can. You could do a crew cab short bed F250, but they are hard to find.

 

[fordx4joe]

Hm, got me thinking more about that. Well, I will look into it for sure. and I am in no need of a crew cab, but I guess if I think about it, once I get it all modified the way I want, then a crew cab short bed would be pretty nice. And like you said, its hard to find, but I will definitely look into this, Thanks a lot guys. and adding a dana 60 (if there is not one already installed) plus the other things to help out the TTB will be around $1000+ ish. So I will be ready to pay and install that. Thanks again

 

[Ron Brueske]

Well according to all the Ford dealers here in Texas I went to, a 2009 F250 Diesel Crew Cab 4x4 is worth between $20,000 and $26,000. I have a nice one and the dealer I purchased it from will not even take it in as trade, no resale value, don't you know. Other dealers say they would take it off my hands for one of the above figures I gave. So you should be able to get one heck of a truck cheap.

 

[fordx4joe]

Well, Yeah!! but I'm not planning on spending 20k on my fist truck quite yet, haha. Maybe more like 8-12k altogether to fix 'er up!!! and what not! And So far i'm hoping to get lucky and hope for that '97 f250 CC SB to be for sale. I have seen a few where I live, and I'll eventually run into the one for me, and i'll swap a dana 60, and modify the truck how I want it. Pretty good project that I would love to do!!! =). Thanks tho!:thumbsup: