I've read the differences between the two but I'm curious about real world reports. I have a late 99 that I will be replacing simply because the rust is getting to me and will only get worse.
This is my work truck and drives about 20K miles a year with roughly
700 pounds in the bed.
From what I've read, the OBS has disc brakes on just the front. Is there a relatively simple brake upgrade that will get me better braking or will I not even notice a difference from 99?
Also read that the transmission has not the best shift points or something along those lines? Again, is this a pretty simple upgrade if it's even a real thing?

What are your thoughts on the possible downgrade for a truck that I need to run well all the time? Should I just buy another 99+?
Only reason for the OBS is I love the styling and it doesnt hurt that I can get a nice one for 9-10K all day I believe.

Thanks, Mike

 

Only way to upgrade to rear discs is to swap in SuperDuty axles. Discs do brake better, but with just a loaded bed, you'll never notice the difference.

Best upgrade wrt. shift points is to select your own shift points -- with a shfiter coming up out of the floor....

(Most of us consider an SD a "downgrade".... ).

 

fordmann.com | F-350: Sterling Rear Disc Conversion

TJ has done the conversion :

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-are-here.html

 

SD's have better turning radius especially vs an F250 4x4

 

If you like the styling of an obs like all of us go ahead and buy it
They share the same engine(aside from injectors, hpop,intercooler,and efuel) the trannys are almost the same the parts are interchangeable.
I say go for an obs rust proof it and your hood to go

 

So driving..with 700lbs.

Yea a stock obs will do that no sweat.

I have had 2 SD myself. I guess I'm just nostalgic as I just prefer my obs.

 

touche on multiple counts. haha

I cant believe the obs has a worse turning radius then the SD. I thought the sd radius sucked. OI!


So basically you're all saying that I won't be losing reliability by switching to an OBS? That's my main concern.

Besides. I will have a second truck that will still be capable of towing and doing back up duty should my daily rig get hurt.
Originally, that's why I started shopping for an OBS.

 

No direct experience with an SD myself, but from what I read, you're probably looking at a MORE reliable truck with the OBS. Simpler electronics, fewer emission controls, etc. I read now and then about windshield leaks taking out the GEM module on an SD, which wreaks havoc with all sorts of on-board electrical items. We don't even have one.

 

get a nice stock rust free obs, make sure it all checks out. put on an exhaust and intake, as long as you keep up with PM you should be good to go for a while, of course you'll have things that break it IS an old truck but a new truck will do the same.