I've got a fair amount of experience with the SDs (this is actually my first OBS). Stylistically, I prefer the OBS. But functionally the SDs aren't much different. I have to say though, I really like the 4 wheel disk brakes, and the ride is definitely better (as though ride quality mattered much on heavy duty pickups ).

With these big engines in them, it can be difficult to get to some stuff (down pipe on the OBS anyone?). I also think (if you have the time) you should consider parting out the old truck. Running motors and trannys are getting rarer and rarer. Good luck.

 

I could make the time to part out the truck. What are the running PSD's bringing these days, around $1500 to $2000? What about the E40D's, around $750? D60's seem to hover around $750 here in Ohio. Any other thoughts? Parting it out would be sad, but probably the best way to recoup some of my money out of it.

I'm with you in preferring the look of the OBS truck (I would miss my wing windows too) but the SD seems to be a bit more comfortable in the creature comforts department.

What about towing/ payload ratings? Are the SD's around the same as our OBS trucks?

 

I don't know the tow numbers (I'm sure you could look them up), but I can tell you that when I first bought a 99 (late) I did the engine break in as recommended and then 500 miles later I put a 24' gooseneck and 45 pto hp tractor with a 6' shredder on it and towed it to go mow a pasture for a buddy. The rear springs in the SD 250 were waaaaaaay too soft for my taste. I even bottomed the springs out going over some railroad tracks with that light load. I immediately switched to 350 springs with overloads to make it tolerable. I went with the 350 for the 02 and when I wore the springs out I just went with air

 

Anybody near Detroit want to just "pop by" and check it out for me? That's about a 3 hour drive to go look at this truck...

 

I have four 4WD '94-'97 F350s and had a '97 F250 PS 4wd (and an '86 CC 2wd)

Pro OBS:

REAL locking hubs (available)

REAL wheel bearings (not "UNIT" bearings-YUCK)

REAL floor mounted, grab-and-yank X-case shifter (available on SD too but most seem to have the dash mounted dial)

Dana 60 in ALL F350s -----SDs had Dana 50s unless they were duallys until late 2001 (according to most sources)

Wing windows are COOL (pardon the pun)

PERSONALLY I think the OBS is easier to work on, half of the motor isn't hiding under the dash

YOU COULDN'T GET THE P.O.S. 6.0L in an OBS




I have two '03 6.0L F350s 4wd. CrewCabs, one dually, one SRW (working on getting a third "for parts")

PRO SouperDoody:

I think both trucks look good but a slightly lifted SD looks better.

The visibilty is better out of the SD, the seating position seems higher and the window sills/frames seem lower. If you like to somewhat "hide" from other drivers in your truck like I do the SD makes that harder. The lack of wing windows also helps with the "outward" visibilty part.

The 4R100 is suposed to be better than the E4OD.

The SD is more powerful: intercooler, wastegate turbo etc. (This can obviously be "fixed" in the OBS)

The SD rides as good with leaf springs as the same year Dodges do with front coils.

Never had TTB front ends

I like manual transmissions and I like the ZF6 better than the ZF5 of the OBS.

 

Can find them for a grand around here. Running w/ turbo and harness.

I'll second that

 

Dodge/Cummins, Thanks for the information. I am still on the fence and the absence of any OBS trucks with 300k or less on the clock and a decent body is making the SD look a lot more attractive all the time. I like both the trucks styling, but there are aspects of the OBS I would certainly miss like the wing windows. The SD seems to have improved on a few of the design shortcomings of the OBS though like the suspension design (no RSK needed), the IC, bigger injectors, etc. We will see what happens I am looking actively and hope to decide upon something sometime very soon.

I am still waiting for someone to volunteer to check this truck out up north of Motown for me so I don't have to drive 3 plus hours to be disappointed.

 

Much, much better. Constantly wishing my 96 rode like a 99.

Interior is way roomier also. Third door on the super cabs (maybe even all four on some later '99s? Pretty sure I saw a super cab, that was advertised as a '99, that had all 4 doors, but ours has 3.

I prefer the vacuum brakes, accessory driven vacuum pump (I've replaced that twice in our '99, may have been a recall?), mechanical fuel pump, and (could be mistaken) aren't replacement injectors cheaper on the original powerstrokes? I seem to remember paying more for the ones I bought for the '99.


Agree w/ others upthread, w/ that many miles I'd replace it. I love my 96, it has 250K, I'd love to have a (relatively) low mileage '99 (esp. w/ a 6 speed)

 

One thing you need to watch for on the OBS is any mileage above 300k might actually be over 400k. There's a thread here about the odometer going from 399,999 to 300,000 instead of 400,000. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-at-400k.html

 

Believe me, I have wondered that about my truck. It shows 387,xxx on the clock, but it could be 487,000 and it wouldn't surprise me. It runs good, but man is the body beat up. I think it was a contractor's vehicle in a previous life, and it is pretty rough cosmetically.

 

Well a little update here. After shopping around some and running the numbers a couple times, I think I am going to stick with the old "hooptie" for a while yet. The numbers just don't allow me to get a new truck right now, especially when the old one is working for its intended purposes. Gonna stay with the 'ol girl for a little while and see what happens.

I am hoping to do a few mild mods on the cheap and make the truck work as well as possible for me. I am even contemplating doing a "mods on the cheap" thread showing my progress and documenting the costs associated with the various modifications. We will see what happens I guess. At any rate, I am glad to have a direction in mind so I can get to work on this truck.

First order of business: replacing the starter that gave up the ghost right after we got home from our weekend camping trip.

Thanks all for the input.

 

Good plan Nate!