Well I'm taking the plunge and are looking for a 1995-1998 4 door 4wd powerstroke. I have never had a diesel and beyond the obvious problems I have no idea what to look for. Hey, everyone at one time had their first diesel... I really need info. on anything to look for. Are all the powerstrokes from 1994-2002 the same? I will be tandum towing a 18 ft. trailer and 17' boat with this truck. I'm fully aware it can handle it, it's a ford after all. Like I stated all wisdom is needed, and I mean all. I'm starting my research about a month before I buy to keep from getting ants in my pants and not being prepaired. I have been on the explorer forum and got many useful tips for my wifes explorer and hoping for the same here. Thanks to everyone!!!!!

 

First of all, trucks built in 1998 are 1999's. As the trucks get newer they get better and have more power than earlier trucks. Maintanance records are the key, especially cooling system maintanance. The cooling system requires FW-16 or DCA-4 additive to prevent cavitation of the cylinders. I would buy a 99 or newer, they already have a charge air cooler (intercooler) and mods are more readily available as well as higher horsepower chips.

 

Another 1st timer here. What does this mean on the cooling system? Normal Prestone won't work on a PSD? Or do you just put in some type of conditioner?

 

Stealth1,
One thing I like about my 97 powerstroke vs the 99+ powerstrokes is the rear drum brakes with the key being the maintenance costs. The 99+ F250 powerstrokes come with rear disc brakes. I realize that the braking power with rear discs as compared to rear drums is substantially better, but rear disc brakes are prone to excessive wear & as a result, failure of the rotors. Our 1 ton at work had a complete failure of one of it's rear rotors....it just disintigrated. It just stands to reason that the rear wheels are going to see a lot more mud and dirt and that's bound to get all over the rotor. I have friends that are farmers who are only getting 20k miles out of a set of rear rotors before they have to be replaced (and that ain't cheap!). They are so worn that they are beyond machining. Now if you don't plan on going through a lot of dirt & mud, then you may be fine. If you are, then you should plan on regularely washing the dirt/mud out of your rear wheels on a regular basis. Other than that, that's really the only complaint I have regarding the 99+ powerstrokes. The 97 & older powerstrokes are capable of being modified for increases in horsepower...thier major difference being that they aren't intercooled. I am very happy with the performance gains on my powerstroke after the mods, I just wish I had a crew cab instead of an extended cab. But the economics were there to buy a used 97 vs a used 99+. My next mod is going to be an exhaust brake. Hope this helps.....just my 2 cents!!
Rod