Hi all, looking to buy my first diesel and pretty excited. Wanted to get your opinions on a few things. Right now I have 2 vehicles in my area that are at the top of my list:

1) '93 F250 club cab 5 spd manual, 203kl on the clock, says it's turbo'd. Needs new forks in the transmission and a few other cosmetic items that I'm not too scared of

2) '01 F250 AT crew cab long bed, 230k on the clock, slight rust in the rear wheel arches and owner says the transmission has started to slip.

My question is, other than HP and torque, what's some of the major differences I would see with these vehicles? I'm comfortable doing most things on cars short of an engine overhaul, so don't mind the work if the price is right. This vehicle will most likely be pulling a 4000# trailer up the mountain passes of CO as well as carrying around wife, 2 kids in careseats and a dog.

There is at least a $3k price difference between the '93 and '01 and was wondering if the price difference, plus the tranny rebuild on the '01 would really be worth the extra cash or if the '93 will work for what I need, for the time being, and would allow me to get more comfortable with the diesels?

Thoughts, suggestions, things to look for or be weary of with both?

 

'93 7.3 is an IDI, did the add say what turbo kit is on it?

That said: Turbo all the way. Nothing replaces forced induction at altitude. I lived in Denver for 10+ years and have pulled the tunnels over I-70 in gassers and with my 6.0.

 

My vote the IDI. It a mechanical engine. Parts are cheaper. Easier to work on. Justin @ R&D performance had some good upgrade stuff. I am happy with mine and aftermarket first gen Banks turbo. Running empty (6500#) I am get about 17 mpg.