I am looking at trading in my 96' 250 for somthing a little newer to get away from having to replace the transmission and clutch and to try to get better MPG. I am looking at trying to get an X-cab 250 Power stroke between 1999 and 2002 with 60K-80K miles on it. When I got the 1996 I did a lot of research on that year but don't know all that much about the newer trucks. What is the typical MPG that they are getting, I currently get under 15 MPG. Are there any major design flaws in those model years? Any help and suggestions of time of year and places to look would be really helpfull. I'm located in Denver Colorado.

Thanks
Aesposito

 

hey neighbor, i am up in brighton.the 99-2002 are very similar, here are a few differences; in 2001 power went from 235 to 250 hp. in early 2001 models(build date before 10/00) the had forged conecting rods instead of the newer powdered metal,(the forged are a bit stronger)this wont be a issue unless you intend to make over 400 rwhp. in 2002 they changed the front diff to a dana 60 from a dana 50(the 60 is a little stronger and you can find many more aftermarket lockers and limited slips for them) also in 2002 the went to the clear headlamps. the most important things to look at is maintenence, was the tranny fuild changed at least every 30,000 miles, oil at least every 5000, and was the proper coolant additive used at the proper intervals...good luck

oh yea milage, i get about 16 mpg combined city/highway

 

If you're in the market for another manual tranny, the 99-00's had several minor maladies. The clutch release forks were on the weak side and prone to fail, and the clutch disk itself has been known to toss a spring, but they do not have the dual mass flywheel that may be the source of your current problems. Also the late 01 and up six speeds are rated 275 HP.

 

I would look for a 99.5 and up, it seems like a lot of the mods are made for these. I just bought a early 99 (i didn't know at the time there was a 99 and 99.5) and am sort of regreting not doing some research first.