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Junk, or what??

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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 06:54 PM
  #1  
ckal704's Avatar
ckal704
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Junk, or what??

Well, I recently fulfilled a longtime goal and bought a '97 PSD HD SC SB 4WD 5SP manny. Great shape, 70k on the truck, paint good, interior nice.
Wanted one for a long time and subscribed to FTE to gain more info.
HOWEVER, almost all I see on the site (except for cool mods that I can't wait to be able to afford to try) is bad news. "I have this problem!" , "I have that problem!" constitutes much of the site's postings.
I guess my question is should I anticipate a bunch of problems with the truck? I figured that by '97 most of the engineering issues with the PSD should have been worked out and correted. The truck I bought runs great, has tons of torque (compared to the old '88 gasser) and is a thrill to drive, but I am wondering if I need to worry about a major issue in the near future.
I have gleaned from the site that it may be a good idea to get a replacement CMP and fuel filter to keep onbaord in case of problems. Oh- and a replacement GPR.
I guess I'd love to see some posts from owners that bought their truck and never had a lick of trouble with it.
Talk to me fellas (and ladies)!
kal
 

Last edited by ckal704; Nov 21, 2004 at 07:01 PM. Reason: forgot something....
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 07:04 PM
  #2  
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Domino'sDiesel
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From: Reading,PA
Just think of how many people are members of this fine ford forum. They come here for help and support. So,much of the posts will be "help this broke" or "what's this noise" It's just a common occurance that people come here for help because of all the awesome knowledge on this site. Don't worry if you maintain you truck and read most of these threads, your truck will live very long! I have a 96 with 170,00 miles on it, and it runs better than it did
new!
 
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 07:12 PM
  #3  
ckal704's Avatar
ckal704
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Thanks D.D.,

I did a lot of research and number crunching before buying a PSD (although I am a die-hard Ford owner). I kinda thought that the reputaion I read about was accurate, but reading all these problems posts worried me a bit.
No vehicle or engine is perfect, to think so would be foolish. I just eondered what I might expect.
Thanks again for your words of reassurance!
kal
 
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 07:30 PM
  #4  
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drillerdan
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From: Cincinnati, Oh
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I don't think you'll find anyone with a trouble free truck especially dodge or chevy. In the 152k abusive miles I've put on this truck it's been very good to me and is still in great condition and ready to do 300k more miles. I'm not loyal to any vehicle manufacturer, I just think Ford makes the best trucks, sure I've had a handfull of small problems but nothing major. Also I've never changed the CAMP sensor or glow plug relay! You made a good purchase and if you take care of it it will take care of you -Dan
 
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 11:18 PM
  #5  
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One of the main purposes of this site is to help each other with their trucks, so if someone does have a problem or a question about an add-on they come here. If they don't have a problem, more than likely you won't hear from them. I've been on here for a little while now, and haven't had any major problems with my truck, but I'm always on here, learning stuff and sharing info about stuff I've learned from experience.
Don't worry about your truck, unless it was severely abused before. Otherwise it'll be a great truck, both the truck and motor will last you a long time, and you'll definitely enjoy all that power!!
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 03:32 AM
  #6  
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From: Yuba City, Ca
i'm like farmb0y, i am always around here posting helping people out best i can. Usually soaking up info incase smething happens to my truck i can have an idea of what it is and lay it on the table to everyone here and let them decide if i'm right or wrong. knowledge is power. The truck you bought is a great truck with a very durable motor and tranny. Enjoy it and welcome to FTE.



 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 05:19 AM
  #7  
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blackf3504dr
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
Thumbs up

I had an' 86 with the 6.9 with 283000 mi. on it . Never had any major problems , then I bought my '96 PSD and found this site .... When I started to read some of the posts about problems with the CPS , HPOP , ECM , valve cover wireing harnesses etc. , I thought OH MAN ! ..... did I make a mistake buying this truck ?! But the only problem I've had is the CPS , and although expensive ( for what you get ) it is easy to replace . Like farmboy and f250rangerexplorer said most people post here because they have a problem or a question , so you hear more about what is wrong with the PSD than what is right with it . So put your mind at ease and have fun with your truck !
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 07:23 AM
  #8  
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unluckylow
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From: Sebring, FL
My trucks been great, The only problems I ever have are mainly caused by me. Me trying to take shortcuts and messing something up.This site is great I love all the information and I love my PSD. Its the best truck I've ever owned. I wouldnt trade it for the world.Good luck and thanks to all who keep this site going. Brandon
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 02:55 PM
  #9  
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I have a 2001 F250 PSD. It had 61000 miles on it when i got it, 65000 now. I've had no trouble at all with it eccept for the front passenger door window regulator switch biting the dust. I'm sure that if you find a GM diesel, or a Dodge deisel site on the net, you will read about some common problems they have with those motors too. This truck is stock, runs great, pulls my 6000 pound travel trailer like a dream, and I think has a great motor in it. Any vehicle you buy will have a few common problems . I say drive it, take good care of it, and have fun!!
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 03:18 PM
  #10  
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TWolf
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lolo Montana
My 97 PSD had 137,000 miles on it and didn't have a bit of trouble. I got dumb and traded it for Surburban because of the room. I have since then regretted it. Less than 6 month I traded again for a 96 Ford F-350 crew cab long box with a 460. Had all the power that I needed and the room. But got 9 mpg and 4 mpg with my trailer. After a larger exhaust system, I got 12 mpg and 5 mpg with trailer. I had to plan my trips around gas stations. So I traded again for a 99PSD crewcab long box. I will not ever make that same mistake again. I have had no problems other than the "Door ajar" light. I have the part but have not put it in yet. I'm still so far in the hole after the trades that I can't see the door to get to it.

The FTE site has helped alot and not only with questions about my truck, but the friendships that have developed over the time. There are so many places to go and look at here at FTE, that is very helpful. Your truck will do you good and if something does happen, you at least know where to go.

Tom
 
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