I have an old body style Ford F250 Superduty (1996-1997). I noticed that the temp gauge goes up and down slightly (between the O and the M in Normal on the gauge). It does this when sitting and when on the highway. Never overheated. Is this normal? Is it something I should just leave alone? It never goes past the middle, just up and down slightly. It does this rather slowly, but you can notice it if you're watching.

Any ideas would be great.

 

Yes! It is perfectly normal, the fluctuation you see is the thermostat opening up.

 

and there is no such animal as a 97 F-250 superduty. you either have a F-250, or a superduty. they are two completely different trucks.

 

It's got a F250 tag and a Super duty tag under it. It's got the 351 gas and a 5 speed,with the leaf springs up front. Not exactly sure what it is.

 

it looks like this, except it's all white. It has 4X4 too, if that helps decide it.

1996 Ford F-250 - Pictures - 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty 2 D... - CarGurus

 

It probably says F250 Heavy Duty, not Super Duty. These nameplates appeared in 1997 only, to differentiate between the light duty F250 (looks like an F150 with 7 lug wheels) and the true heavy duty F250 (old body style). The Super Duty name in those years refers to the extra heavy duty trucks with 10 lug wheels. If you have Super Duty nameplates, somebody added 'em on.
Lest you think that all this is just nit-picking, it's important to determine exactly which truck you have, and as you can see, there's great possibility for confusion in the 1997 model year.

 

Are you sure it's not a '97 F-250 HD (as in heavy duty)???

That's what mine is....

 

Whoops, you guys are all right. It's a heavy duty. Went outside and checked it again. I could have sworn it said super duty, but I was wrong.

I just go this truck and wonder if are any problem areas I should be looking for?

 

I also just purchased a 1997 F250 HD. So far I love it. I was under the impression that the only motor ever installed in this truck was the 7.5L 460, that is what mine has. Also, I am looking for an owners manual, would like to know a few things, like fuel tank sizes, fluid specs, etc. Any help out there?

 

I'm pretty sure I've got my owners manual. Not sure if it would apply to yours though since I have the 5.8.

 

the only thing you really need to pay attention to is the Dana 50 independent front axle.
pay close attention to the front wheel wear patterns. they will tell you when you are having problems.

unless of course someone has already replaced the POS D-50 with a Dana 60 solid front axle. then you are set.

 

Okay, thanks tjc. How can I know if the D-50 has been replaced? My tires are new and so far cannot see any unusual wear.

 

look under the truck. if your front axle is supported in the middle with brackets and it has a pivot point in the middle, it is a D-50.
if it has no pivot point and no mounting brackets, it is a D-60.

 

here is a picture of a dana 50 ifs.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...04&postcount=1
and this is a dana 60

 

Thanks, looks like I may have the D-50 still, although everything looks to be in good condition. I will keep an eye on tire wear.