hey guys, ive been lookin around in my local auto stores, napa, autozone, and i cant seem to find a bumper to bumper repair manual like a haynes repair manual or chilton. i need one for a 97, but all the ones i find only go up to 96 with diesel, and the ones i find that are 97-up dont say they cover diesel on the cover... so i was wondering what books you guys use and where i might get one.. thanks

 

Most of the stuff in the 96 book will apply to you. It is amazing how many people and companies do not realize that although the F-150 body style changed in 97, the 250's and 350's did not.
A book for a 96 diesel will be 10 times more valuable than for a 97 gas truck. I know that there are some good manuals out there but someone else will have to chime in on that topic.

 

i thought the 150 body changed in 98 :S im not to sure, i know our 98 f150 was new... i know a few things were different between the 96 and 97 but i dont know how significant that is

 

Basically, the 97 F-250's and 350's ran for 2 years. The new body style came out in 99. I'm still a little confused on this myself, but I don't think there is a true 98 model 250/350.
In 97 the 150's abandoned the OBS and went to the newer (heritage?) body style with the pointier front end. The 250/350 stayed beautiful and boxy.
Back to the original topic though, the diesel trucks are very similar from 94 1/2 up to 97. There are a couple of small issues that you can run into with California models and a few minor details, but basically they are the same. For the type of things that you can do with a Haynes manual, it should not make any real difference if you have a 96 or a 97 250 manual.

 

great thanks... ill get a 96 book then

 

You could save the money and stay here everyday.

 

that
or get the real deal from helm inc.
there is 2 manuals for our trucks. cab/chassis and a powertrain/drivetrain. i bought both of mine off ebay in new condition for $15....hahahahaha there are 80 a piece new. they went with the new owner though. i also had the ford manual on cd from p.o. and i didnt like it. although you could send me your email and save your money i got a link to an online manual.

honestly though the only thing i ever used them for was torque specs. everything else can be learned right here.

 

neal and 1997... oh yea i dont doubt the fact i can learn everything here... ive just recently started posting, but i have been reading here for quite a while, quitely learning.. so i guess just wait for the day i have 15 post asking questions :P