Best years
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: SC
Best years
Looking to get a f250,350 for yard/towing duty. Will be used to haul occaisonal project car over the NC mountains and hd runs. Want atleast an ext cab, 4x4, and longbed. Gas motor prefer the 351 and auto trans. Any big changes between the years. Any years significantly better than others?
Thanks
Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2013
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Probably post 92 is the best, I think that is when the E4OD got updated, They also get a better interior and wiring methods. But really you can't go wrong from 87-96 I think the 87-91's look better but the interior and wiring harness is very tempting from 92-96. Let us know what you find!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,168
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From: South Central,MO
The later 351's (92 up maybe?) got roller cams. They were a little better performance wise. The later trucks had a few other improvements, too. I guess start looking at 97's and work your way back from there.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
Depends what you consider "BEST"
Did you want the 40-20-40 seat? only available in the 94-97s
the 94+ had a 3rd brake light
92-96 had the aluminum on the tailgate, 97s were smooth with emblems
I don't think you will find an F350 supercabs with a 351. The only way to get a Supercab F350 was as a dually as well.
Interior colors were changed as the years went on too(pic below)
make sure you find 4.10s if you want to tow with a small block/auto
Did you want the 40-20-40 seat? only available in the 94-97s
the 94+ had a 3rd brake light
92-96 had the aluminum on the tailgate, 97s were smooth with emblems
I don't think you will find an F350 supercabs with a 351. The only way to get a Supercab F350 was as a dually as well.
Interior colors were changed as the years went on too(pic below)
make sure you find 4.10s if you want to tow with a small block/auto
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: SC
Basically trying to figure out what years started with better trans, maf over sd and that kind of thing. Is there a page somewhere that list out differences between the years, mechanical parts and interior stuff?
Fleet Mechanic
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From: 8600 ft in Colo
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Post Fiend
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These two posts are about the only reason I would get a 95+ F250 351W E4OD 4x4.
Otherwise every other year really doesn't have problems they just don't have the gains of these.
Also I agree with brad if you are towing 4.10s or lower gears (numerically higher). I almost know for sure if my 89 F250 4x4 351 ZF5 had 3.55s or 3.73s I would never get going.
Trav
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Menifee, CA
I thought some California emission trucks got MAF in 3/4 tons but they are extremely rare.
These two posts are about the only reason I would get a 95+ F250 351W E4OD 4x4.
Otherwise every other year really doesn't have problems they just don't have the gains of these.
Also I agree with brad if you are towing 4.10s or lower gears (numerically higher). I almost know for sure if my 89 F250 4x4 351 ZF5 had 3.55s or 3.73s I would never get going.
Trav
These two posts are about the only reason I would get a 95+ F250 351W E4OD 4x4.
Otherwise every other year really doesn't have problems they just don't have the gains of these.
Also I agree with brad if you are towing 4.10s or lower gears (numerically higher). I almost know for sure if my 89 F250 4x4 351 ZF5 had 3.55s or 3.73s I would never get going.
Trav
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: IN
Also be aware you could get the C6 trans until 97. Heck of a good trans but hard on fuel economy with no overdrive.
Like bbf385 said. All things being the same except the 460 in place of the 351. Running empty the 460 wont get quite the mpg the 351 will. However towing medium to heavy loads the 460 will SHINE for about the same fuel. 
Todd
Considered a 460?
Todd
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
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why stick with gas? an idi/zf5 truck is a great overall combo, and good mileage empty. keeping an eye out for them will broaden the search also.
I tend to agree with the 460 suggestions. Not so much to pass up a 351 truck, but including 460's will broaden the search and I certainly wouldn't pass up on a clean truck just because it has a 460.
seems like the moral of my story is that all the engines are decent and will do the job, finding a clean truck is the hardest part (in most areas of the country).
I tend to agree with the 460 suggestions. Not so much to pass up a 351 truck, but including 460's will broaden the search and I certainly wouldn't pass up on a clean truck just because it has a 460.
seems like the moral of my story is that all the engines are decent and will do the job, finding a clean truck is the hardest part (in most areas of the country).
Senior User
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If/when I buy another one of these trucks I will get something 95-97 because of the transmission updates. I drove a 96 f250 with the 460 and zf5 and man does that thing PULL! Only downside was it had a new clutch and forget 1st gear without a load.
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