Hey there I am getting ready to purchase my first diesel , but I don't know what years to go w/.. I would like to have a 99-03 but I have been told to stay away from the 94-97.. what is the difference in these motors... Also what year do ya'll recommend? After I get my truck wether it being in one of those 2 differnt years, I want to get the banks PowerPacked w/ all the goodies.. but should I go w/ a different Intake system or what.. I really don't know what stuff I should put on the truck and what should I stay away from.. The truck will either be a super cab or a crew cab and of course a 4X$ and a Automatic.. any information would be great... I want this truck to be really nice and any input to help would be great! THANK YOU!

Andrew

 

I assume that if you are looking at 99-03 models, then price is not an issue. IMO, I would go with the 99-03 models, newest and lowest mileage that you can afford (that goes for any vehicle). Newer trucks will also get you lower interest rates, and longer terms, so your monthly payment could be less than an older truck. If you can be patient and look around, you may find someone with a low mileage, loaded truck that already has some mods. Spend some time reading on this site. You can find out everything you need to know about the PSD. Good luck.

By the way, don't be so hung up on Banks. They do make good stuff, but you have tons of other options.

 

and in many people's opinion he is overpriced.

 

I would stay away from a Supercab in the 99+. They are notorious for letting in a ton of dust in the cab (we have several of them at work). I think it's due to the design of the rear doors, they don't seem to seal very well. But the crew cabs in the 99+ are very nice! I would have bought one if I could have afforded it. Good Luck!

 

When you find the PU research it a little. Always ask owner of mileage, maintanence logs, parts replaced, quirks (they all have them), etc. Buying from dealership? Get the title, ask, VIN num search, ... to get the previous owners name and call them up to ask the questions.

Dealerships will let you take the vehicle home (only when asked) and test drive for a few days.

On the years to buy, I see 95-97 models every day? I have one that I got for $8,900 in perfect condition inside, out, & under hood. It took a few months of looking but it was worth it. But I live in OK in a county that has more registered trucks than cars! By reading on this site I know that price and quantity varies greatly by region.

By the way. Try to get financing from a credit union in a state where prices are higher for non-100% book loans. Sometimes you come across companies with their own rating systems for used vehicles. I have a 95 I recently bought at 3% or 4% rate (already forgot) fixed at any term I wanted. You can probably do better than that because I did not shop around at the banks.

 

not all 94-97 are bad... just get a 97 if possible. i would try to stay away from 94 and 95 though some of those seem to be hit or miss as too how many injectors they blow and how many pumps die. my 97 250 runs awesome granted i took my time and found an immaculate truck. just take your time and something good will come. i agree with the banks comments... runs great but you can build stuff that is equal or better with a few tools. the big difference is the fact that the superduties are factory intercooled, but if you plan on putting better stuff on anyway its not hard to find an IC off of a superduty on ebay or elsewhere. thats whats next for my truck, well after i put the 4 inch dp on this weekend

 

Well I found this 1997 F-250 Super Cab long bed that has less than 50,000 miles on it.. It is the orginal owner and never been offroad he wants 23,750 for it.. But if there is better stuff than the Banks stuff then what is it.. I am new to the Diesel I need some guidence here I know some about the but not much... But are you saying that the 97's didn't come w/ factory intercoolers soo is having an intercooler the thing to have or what.. also what mods do you guys recommend anythings I should consider anythings that I should stay away from thank ya'll

Andrew

 

from experiance.....banks is overpriced and after the sale they dont seem to want anything to do with you. plenty of other options that are cheaper

 

Just to give you a recent comparison. I bought a 99, SC, PSD, Auto, 38k, Lariat, 4x4 in near perfect shape a couple months ago for $19,500. I do think I got a pretty good deal on it. This was bought in Kansas.

 

I'd say its way overpriced. I bought my 2000 CrewCab XLT 2x4 short bed with nerf bars and spray in liner for around $19,500. It had 51,000 on it. I live in a part of the country where the 250 and 350 7.3L's can come in and be sold on the same day. They don't hang around long so people are usually willing to pay a good price for em. I'd say book it out on Nada or Edmunds. Keep looking and find something in better condition for cheaper.

 

Well I am gonna keep looking around... There has gotta be something out there that is cheaper.. Thanks for all the input.. if anyone has done any upgrades other than banks stuff please share it.. THank you

Andrew

 

There is other stuff than banks, but they usually give you the frustration of piecing together a kit that if you are lucky will make the same numbers. I have a 1995 stroke that I am putting the powerpack on. I like how everything comes in one kit. Other companies are western diesel, advanced turbo systems ,bullydog , and hypermax. Whatever year truck you eventually buy always work backwards. Do your rears the way you want, then the transmission, then the engine. This keeps your truck in one piece, and on the road in the time it takes to go to the next step in your mods.

 

well 1bad400, the truck I am looking at already has a 6 in lift w/ 36" tires.. Soo I might have to do some regearing, but I too like the powerpack, at least what I have read about it and seen about it.. Let me know when you get yours on and what other stuff did you get.. That might generate some ideas in my head thank you

Andrew