I am sick and tired of all of the electronics and sensors on todays vehicles. I've been a mechanic most of my life. I want a truck that I can work on and not have to worry about spending thousands on computer replacement, sensors, etc.

So, here is my question, what is the latest year Ford truck I can get without all of that BS? I want a F250 or F350, and prefer diesel. Basically, I want something I can use to pull a fifth-wheel trailer.

Thanks, in advance, to anyone with input.

 

The last Ford diesel that didn't have electronics was in 1994. But if it had the automatic overdrive transmission the trans is computer controlled. They were available with the C6 or manual transmission, so there would not be any computer.

The gas engines converted to electronic fuel injection around 1988. I could be off a little on that. Even before that the spark was computer controlled.

 

welcome to FTE.
you can get a mechanical everything diesel with manual trans up to 91. 92 started with the electric speedometer, 94.5 started with the computer controlled diesel engine (powerstroke)
in 88 the computer controlled automatic overdrive transmission started, but the non computer controlled C-6 was still offered as an optional trans for a few more years.
an 88 to 91 7.3 IDI engine with an aftermarket turbocharger will give you good all around performance with fuel economy around 15 MPG or so..

 

The C6 was offered through the end of the 1996 model year. But all the engines were computer controlled by then.

 

I'm pretty sure the C6 wasn't offered behind the PSD, just the gassers for the last couple years. PSD didn't have a mechanical link to the throttle, so no way to run a VRV or the throttle valve.
The 7.3IDI with the ZF 5speed was a great combo, I'm running one in my truck, getting ready to build another one and if my van wasn't a van it'd be getting a ZF behind the 7.3 in it. Very stout and reliable engines, enough power to get the job done but not the stupid numbers modern engines put down. Mine's officially 180hp and 375ft/lbs as a non-turbo, but has been turned up a bit along with higher flowing intake and exhaust systems so it's probably a little higher. I know the truck scoots better than it did with a healthy 4BBL 360 and still turns in twice the mileage.