Looking for advice
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 403
I’m pretty sure you can go to 31s with no lift. Maybe a front level though. Stock size on mine is 28.9” brand new. I’ve got room for more and it’s got a slight lowering kit on it.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,318
From: Central Mississippi
I'd buy a 95 single year 150, (96 is 1 year only OBD II & too many 1 year parts) then 95 up 250 (OBD1)
Yes 95 is the best version E4OD
I'd buy a replacement ECM first thing, install & test, replace capacitors if used.
The salvage yard will be your friend for good OE parts.
Yes 95 is the best version E4OD
I'd buy a replacement ECM first thing, install & test, replace capacitors if used.
The salvage yard will be your friend for good OE parts.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,383
Likes: 846
From: Mi'kma'ki
Technically, '96 is just as good (in a few minor cases, a tad better) and '97 is the best year of all E4OD's. It received a few more upgrades still (then of course more upgrades [other than the downgrade in how the pump controlled converter lock up] came when they changed the name to 4R100).
Last edited by FORDF250HDXLT; Apr 13, 2026 at 05:21 PM.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,318
From: Central Mississippi
Yes, & I'd still say stay away from a 96 F150 for the previous 1 year only for parts availability parts alone.
But then I wouldn't want a 6 or 5.0 either so it's a to each his own anyway.
But then I wouldn't want a 6 or 5.0 either so it's a to each his own anyway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 403
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Brett Foote
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,318
From: Central Mississippi
1996 F150s were run by OBD II computers, they have many 1 year only parts.
Nothing inherently wrong with them.
!995 up E4OD trans missions are, indeed better internally regardless of model.
4.9 liter/E4OD/OBD I, F250s were available through 97
And yes, I personally think the 5.8 is the best all-around engine of this gen & would not fool around with either the 6 or 5.0 if it were me.
Other than a general transportation, light duty, knock around truck.
Personal opinion only.
Nothing inherently wrong with them.
!995 up E4OD trans missions are, indeed better internally regardless of model.
4.9 liter/E4OD/OBD I, F250s were available through 97
And yes, I personally think the 5.8 is the best all-around engine of this gen & would not fool around with either the 6 or 5.0 if it were me.
Other than a general transportation, light duty, knock around truck.
Personal opinion only.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
You can still get a f250 and f350 non-california truck in 1996-1997 with the much more common EEC-IV computer.
In my opinion:
1995 is the goldie-locks year for all the f-series truck, or,
1995-1997 for f250-f350 non-california trucks.
1993-1994 are a close 2nd place but have earlier style brakes and a lower GCWR (Towrating) in the f250-f350.
1992 (maybe early 1993) still used R-12 refrigerant so theyre 3rd on the list.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 1,036
I have a F250/5.8/E4OD/CA version. I know this is not close what the OP is asking about, but my truck has towed/carried an RV for all of it's life. It's fairly gutless but for the amount of money I have put into it [for breakdowns] is almost nothing. The amount of money I have put into it for maintenance/modifications/upgrades, has been a fair amount. Less than a new truck.
I know nothing about other Fords, but I would rather have my 95 5.8/MAF/CA truck as a starter, than any SD version.
I know nothing about other Fords, but I would rather have my 95 5.8/MAF/CA truck as a starter, than any SD version.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,318
From: Central Mississippi
Some things I don't see mentioned are tools, mechanical aptitude/technical skill, budget and work area vs:
Paying somebody for any or all of that.
These trucks are not friendly to a new owner who depend on the latter.
Most of us here depend our own devices to keep them running without too much of a deficit.
Had to be asked.
Paying somebody for any or all of that.
These trucks are not friendly to a new owner who depend on the latter.
Most of us here depend our own devices to keep them running without too much of a deficit.
Had to be asked.
