Hello all, I'm new to this board but have been lurking for a couple of weeks , researching my next truck. Haven't had a Ford in the driveway for 20 yrs. My next truck is very likely to be one. I was mostly interested in a 150 , but this 96 f250 XLT turbo deisel 4x4 auto caught my eye. Admittedly it's a heck of alot more truck than I'll ever need, unless I get that cab-over camper I always wanted .
Better fuel economy and no emissions test in my state are a definate plus. This truck has 170,000 miles on the clock , looks like it's been loved despite some minor body damage. Dealer has already put in new upper and lower ball joints ( That was no fun on my 81 Dodge 4x4, and a relief not to look forward to) and replaced the glow plugs due to hard starting. If this were a gas vehicle, I wouldn't even consider it with that many miles.But I've never owned a diesel.

NADA says the price is about right, I just have a hard time with $10,000 for 170,000 miles.

I've heard from some guy's that "that's just barely broke in", "trucks at work have 300,000 on them and run almost like new",ect...

One thing to consider is if someone puts 170,000 miles on a truck in 8 yrs. or so they didn't have time to tear it up off-road.

What do you think...Is 170K looking for trouble ???

What else should I be concerned about ??

 

Ive got 160k on my 97 F250 no problems, just did ipr o ring no big deal

560k on 94 dodge 3500 original motor

diesels will run just about forever as long as you keep clean fuel filters in it and oil. i would have the oil pan pulled to see how much sludge is in the oil pan due to hydraulic injection psd is finicky on dirty oil. it will have some sludge in it but if regular oil changes were done it will only have a little. but i would go for it
no sense in spending 40k on a new one. diesels are know for shaking things loose a little more than a gasser. see if it has new hoses on it, and look closely for leaks. have a qualified diesel mech check it all over they can spot little things than can turn into big things

 

check the coolant for sca's (supplemental coolant additives) if not present I would go elsewhere. Without these additives the engine dan suffur major and unrepairable damage to the cylinders

 

If the truck was taken care of. I would not be the least worred. There is a farm next to me that has a 95 with 280,000 miles on the truck and he beets it to death. It will make you a fine truck Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

I have 136K on my 00 powerstroke, just got broke in around a 100K. Great truck. These Powrstrokes last a long time if cared for. Mine has been used for what it was built for, hauling a 6 ton trailor 6 hours at a shot, and hauling 1 ton hay bales in the bed. The only thing that has went wrong with my powerstroke, is the alternator at 128K and my ESOF shift motor, otherwise clear sailing. A lot more reliable than my recent chevy expirience.

 

OK, your starting to win me over. I did a search for sca's on this board. Not quite sure they're needed but I'll bow to your Knowledge. I assume I need some sort of test strips to check for them. Where can I get the test strips and the additive if needed ?

 

The SCA is definitely needed on the power stroke. You should be able to buy test strips from your local International dealer. Only buy a couple at a time since they do have a shelf life. Good luck with your purchase.

 

I am in the same boat this morning- have a deposit on a 97 f350xlt, std cab LB 4x4, powerstroke w/ 109k. truck appears to be well taken care of but does wander a little bit ( i read the archives and it appears it will neeed ball joints). It was definately owned by a contractor. dealer is asking 13,900.

Only other concern I have is my ignorance of diesels AND the dreaded ford OD in these. Apparently an r&r of these is close to 3000.00$.

I have an option to buy a 97 f350 XL, Gas for 10500.00, unsure of mileage.

Great site.

Thanks-
John

 

Unfortunately SCA's can be added to the coolant after the damage is done if the dealer wanted to hide the fact that SCA was never used or depleted. But, on the bright side, the truck has 170k which means SCA was most likely used, otherwise the engine would be gone.