Ok, Not to open a can of worms here, but I value the opinions the experts here and I need your input. My current truck (Sig) is how do I put this nicely... a little rough cosmetically. I got this truck not intending to use it as my DD, but changed jobs soon after I got it. The truck has gone from being my workhorse to my DD (and my workhorse). The position I am in now is that of trying to decide whether the truck is worth fixing up (387,000 miles and counting) cosmetically and mechanically, or whether I would be further ahead to get something different.

Not to bore you with the details, but I use the truck for towing and hauling, but want something that will be a good DD and I am not sure the current condition of this truck warrants the effort required to get it to that level.

Good condition OBS trucks are few and far between in this part of the country, but I have a lead on a SD that is in pretty good shape and has the right price.

What are the merits / downfalls of jumping the fence and driving a Thooper Doody? I like the OBS trucks, but there just aren't many around this area that are in good condition for less than I can buy this '99 F350 CC 4x4.

Flame away, but I am honestly trying to make an informed decision. Advice?

 

With that many miles, if things weren't kept up on it real good, you're probably right looking elsewhere. If you like the SD, and it is what you need, go for it. They're a good truck, I just like my obs better. If you're thinking body and mechanical work on the 96, that will add up fast. Any known maintnence records on the 99?

 

I've owned both, I prefer the OBS but to each his own.

 

If were anything other than the 7.3 I would say stay away from it. One has to do what he has to do. Are you looking to trade? If not, I would keep the OBS and drive it until it doesn't want to go anymore and then salvage the parts. But that is just me, BTW the OBS looks so much nicer than the SD does.

 

I've had 2 of each and while I like the obs look better I think the sd is a nicer truck. Nicer interior more comfortable has bigger injectors intercooler electric fuel rides much better. Thats just my opinion

 

It being a 99 it should still have forged rods
I have never owned but have looked under the hood of a super duty and it looks harder to work on

 

It's not, actually easier for most things IMO.

 

It only looks harder because of the ic piping but 4 bolts and they're off

 

i may be wrong, but isnt it impossible to get the rear injectors out on a SD without raising the cab?

 

To get injector 4 out you have to lift the cab or remove the air handling box.

 

How much is the super duty and what all could you do to your truck with the same money? Used trucks are hit and miss. When we bought my wife's 01, we passed up several trucks with less than 100k miles because they were not taken care of. One was actually dusted and another was very close. We settled on a truck with 170k on it because the motor was in the best condition.

 

If you want to get rid of that truck, either sell it to someone who will appreciate it or part it out so that a whole lot of people can have a piece of the joy.

Edit: If you do the math, parting it out could be very lucrative. Running engine is worth a lot, working transmission is worth quite a bit. Dana 60 is worth a lot, especially if it's in good shape. Then all of the other parts add up to a pretty penny.

 

If its an early 99 (build date before 12/98 on the door sticker), the turbo and injectors are slightly smaller then the late 99. They also have 2 inch openings on the intake plenum vs 3 inch on the later trucks. Ford mixed and matched parts on the E99's so it can be a pain getting the right part sometimes.

99's do have forged rods. The change didn't come till late 00/early 01. My dad has a 97 and some things are easier to work on on his then on my 01. They each have advantages and disadvantages.

You can get them out, its just tight. We're not as bad as the 6.4's and their cab off repairs

 

The truck I am looking at seems to be in pretty good condition. I am at a bit of a disadvantage because it is located about 3 hours away from me so I haven't seen it in person as of yet. The body is straight and appears to be relatively rust free, it has a fresh motor in it 5k ago (although I need to ask him WHY), it is bone stock and seems to be a good value at the $8k he is asking for it, even with 211k miles on it. I assume I could decode the VIN to determine the build date (E99 vs late99). I really like my OBS, but it just needs a ton of work to be nice truck. It is functionally in very good shape, but cosmetically it is beat to pieces. In order to be a clean looking truck it would need a lot of work.

I am somewhat partial to the OBS, but with the scarcity of good condition OBS trucks I am thinking that a SD might be a better bet at this point. Definitely staying with the 7.3 though, that is non-negotiable since I won't touch a 6.0 with a ten foot pole and can't afford a 6.4. Having the IC and a little better ride would be nice as well... Other than the mechanical differences in the engines late 99 vs my 96, and the ride differences, are there any other major differences between the trucks? I think the SD's have rear disk brakes as well don't they? What about hydroboost brakes did the 99's have that as well? Is the '99 still going to have an E40D or does it have the heavier 4R100? Same axles? Looking for hard data on major mechanical differences.

 

Here robin posted all differences late vs. Early 99
Sd autos are 4r100 all years
f250 and 350 both have solid front axles
250 has a d50 350s have a d60
yes they have rear discs

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-long-bed.html