I 've been considering liquidating three of the vehicles I have and getting one decent truck, one of the vehicles I currently own is a 95 F250HD 4X4.
I've really narrowed the choices down to a 1997 F250HD OR F350HD 4X4 reg. cab with the Power Stroke Diesel. I'd at least like air conditioning, a decent stereo, and a lumbar adjustable seat. I prefer a 97 because, I like the 92-97 body style and the 97 should be the best and newest of those years.Questions that arise are:
1. Fuel milage for the diesel in it's stock form when not towing?
2. Horsepower and torque numbers?
3. Cold weather starting, as I live in Maine?
4. Do most of you prefer the F350 over the F250?
5. The TTB in the F250 is inferior to the solid axle F350?
6. Approximately how much are these selling for?
7. Is the diesel good for plowing snow?
8. How much cab noise from the diesel?
9. Is the diesel that much better than the 351 V-8?
10. Does the F350 ride much harsher than the F250?
11. Exactly how much higher does the F350 sit over the F250?
12. If the automatic trannies in these are well maintained, how well do they hold up??

THANK YOU,
WANNA BE DIESEL-HOLIC

 

1. Fuel milage for the diesel in it's stock form when not towing?

I average about 17 with about 75% highway driving at 70 MPH, but have averaged as high as 20 MPG on all highway, flat driving at 55 MPH. (4.10 gear ratio with 35" tires)

2. Horsepower and torque numbers?

I think this might vary depending on transmission, but my 5 speed is 225 HP/480 lb/ft in stock form

3. Cold weather starting, as I live in Maine?

Even without plugging it in I've been able to start at 0 with no problem. Add an anti-gel additive in the winter and plug it in.

4. Do most of you prefer the F350 over the F250?

In the 1997 the F350 gives you a solid front axle instead of IFS. Of course you get higher payload as well. The F250 will ride a little better. If you're getting a regular cab, do you need the extra payload? If no go with the F250.

5. The TTB in the F250 is inferior to the solid axle F350?

A solid axle will always be more sturdy, but the IFS does just fine. Never had any problems with mine.

6. Approximately how much are these selling for?

Look on autotrader and do a search. You can do an advanced search for specific configurations.

7. Is the diesel good for plowing snow?

Make sure you have the plow package. In some configurations the diesel is too heavy to mount a plow, but with a regular cab I think you're OK.

8. How much cab noise from the diesel?

The older models don't have as much insulation from the engine, and the engine is a little louder than the newer models. At highway speed you mostly hear the turbo.

9. Is the diesel that much better than the 351 V-8?

In terms of overall power, yes by a longshot. It will give you a ton more torque, especially at the low end.

10. Does the F350 ride much harsher than the F250?

The rear end of the F350 sits higher and will make it ride a lot rougher, and the solid front axle doesn't help. I would think the difference is minimal though.

11. Exactly how much higher does the F350 sit over the F250?

F250 has 2" rear blocks, the F350 4" in the rear. You can buy leveling kits to even out the ride.

12. If the automatic trannies in these are well maintained, how well do they hold up??

I don't know about the older auto trannies, but if you get manual watch out for the dual mass flywheel.

 

Mr. johnsdiesel,

Thank you! Very clear answers to all the questions and pretty much what I wanted to hear on all of them! With the glut of cars on the market, hopefully I can liquidate all 3 vehicles I currently own and find a good "97" with the features I want. Sounds like the F250 is adequate for my needs and the ole lady won't be quite as p---ed off about the height involved in getting into the cab!Thanx for the tip on the plow package, I plan to buy one without a plow and add the plow myself. My experience with trucks that have plows all their lives are usually rotted underneath. If you have any other info that would be helpful in my search for one of these pickups, please let me know.

 

Answer to the last question:

My father in-law has a 97 250 PSD Ext Cab 4x4 Auto. He has 78000 miles on it, so it's still new for a diesel. The only problem he has had with the truck are:

Glow Plugs went out in Colorado in the winter. Fortunately it got warm enough to start (a recall was issued I think).

His Auto hubs tried to engage coming down a hill and sheared one off (warranty).

He hasn't had any other problems with the truck. The Auto has been good to him. He tows a 22' 5th wheel behind it.

There really isn't a lot of noise from the PSD at highway speeds. You can hear it, but it is alot quiter than my 460.