I'm still shopping for a used truck. Since this will be a major investment for me, I'm being really picky.

Right now I'm looking at a 2001 and a 2002 F350. Both are 2wd duallies with 7.3L diesel, automatic. Both are crew cabs and both have about the same miles (64K).

The question: if the price is about the same for either truck, is there anything new and wonderful about the 2002 that would make it a clear choice over a seemingly identical 2001? Any upgrades made by Ford that year that I need to know about?

Thanks!

 

as far as a 2wd dually, no. just about the only difference is the 2002 has the clear head lights. in the srw 4x4 trucks the 01 had a dana 50 front diff. and the 02 would have a dana 60. i think all newer 4x4 f350 duallies have a dana 60 front diff.

 

Actually, he doesn't even need to worry about that because all 4WD duallies as far back as the 80's have had a Dana 60 front axle.

 

It was changed in 2002 to Dana 60 like Wlihnte posted.

 

its a year newer, why are they the same price?

 

My $0.02 worth is that you might want to consider 4-wheel drive.........

 

No, the F250 and F350 SRW where, the SD DRW's ALWAYS had a Dana 60. (But who cares, he doesn't want a 4WD, he's looking at a 2WD. )

 

Thanks for the 2 cents....can I bill you for it?

I did consider 4x4 but my intended use for the truck is to haul a large camper down the highway. The GVWR is the same for 2wd as 4x4, but a 4x4 weighs about 1000 lbs more (I've personally put both on the scales). That's a 1000 lbs that could go into the bed (where I need it). I've lived in this area all my life and I've driven vehicles (front and rear drive) in all kinds of weather. I've never owned a 4 wheel drive and I have never felt I've missed anything (except excessive fuel consumption, tire wear, repair expenses).

 

That's cool, Jim. 4x2 vs. 4x4 is really a personal preference. You may never need 4x4, and I hope you don't. It does come in handy though, on wet grass or in a little mud....or if it snows or you get stuck somewhere. That was my thinking.........