Best year
Best year
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 316
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From: Roaring Branch, PA
as far as the best, that's a tough one to answer, there's a lot of reasons that any of them could be the best. But as far as ones to keep away from, I would have to say the 99' with it being the first year for the new style and all, there can tend to be more (bugs) than the other years.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 224
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From: Pulaski, NY
Make that two votes for 97! 
But I am also biased, I wouldn't mind trying out one of those newer body styles, but it's so hard to let go...
But I am also biased, I wouldn't mind trying out one of those newer body styles, but it's so hard to let go...
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
3 votes for the '97! Old (classic Ford Truck) body style and real metal door handles! Not to mention the forged rods, etc. Of course, there are a few things that could have been (and were) improved such as the air cleaner and exhaust downpipe, but a small price to pay for such great looks!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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ONE MORE VOTE FOR THE 94-97 YEARS HERE. I HAVE THE 94.5 PSD, WITH 4IN DIAMONDEYES EXAUST W/3IN DOWN PIPE,aFe COLD AIR INTAKE,POWER PROGRAMMER #1700 HIGH SETTING (OFF ROAD, TOW MAX OF 4,000POUNDS), AND PRYO/BOOST GAUGE'S. TRUCK HAULS BUTT, TOWS LIKE A TRAIN. PLUS THE STYLE OF THIS YEAR'S TRUCKS ARE SO COOL LOOKING...OH WELL JUST MY OPINON ANYWAY..
ERIK
ERIK
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 258
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From: Lake Stevens, WA
Why can't you ask an easier question to answer like, "What is the purpose of life?" 
The 94-97 are by far the best looking, especially with a good grill, and clear headlights. Freakin Beautiful truck. 
And a solid performer, to be sure. But Mechanically, as already mentioned, the early 2001's still have the bullit proof motors, higher factory pwr(doesn't matter if you chip it)extendable mirrors, clear headlights?, and the 99 up in general have cavernous interior room, great tow mirrors, 4 wheel disks that work very well, prewired trailer lights, brake controller hookup. It was an extrememely tough choice for me, and wound up with a 99.5 in the end, and do not regret it at all. Couldn't be happier.
The 94-97 are by far the best looking, especially with a good grill, and clear headlights. Freakin Beautiful truck. And a solid performer, to be sure. But Mechanically, as already mentioned, the early 2001's still have the bullit proof motors, higher factory pwr(doesn't matter if you chip it)extendable mirrors, clear headlights?, and the 99 up in general have cavernous interior room, great tow mirrors, 4 wheel disks that work very well, prewired trailer lights, brake controller hookup. It was an extrememely tough choice for me, and wound up with a 99.5 in the end, and do not regret it at all. Couldn't be happier.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: South Texas Coast
Originally Posted by mtncrawler
'94 - '97 have vent windows, drip edge above the doors, and some decent ground clearance. Wish my '96 was as quiet as the newer ones though.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: The Great Plains
Originally Posted by Phydeaux88
Why do you want it to be quiet -- Its a Diesel. I have been known to roll all the windows down when I drive thru an underpass just to savor the sound.
I actually like the looks of a pre 97 f-350 over the superduty, but the superduty is just so much more refined, and seems to be more of a solid pickup. The looks of the pre 97, and everything else of a superduty.