i HAVE A 1992 f-250 4X4 XLT SUPERCAB WITH ONLY 120,000 MILES, BUT I DO A LOT OF TOWING SO ID LIKE TO UPGRADE. THE TRUCK I HAVE NOW RIDES VERY ROUGH ON THE FREEWAY AND ONLY GETS ABOUT 10 MPG. WHAT WOULD YOU GUYS RECOMMEND TO SOLVE THE GAS MILEAGE AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. I AM LOOKING AT EITHER A 1996 OR 1997 F250 2WD TURBO DIESEL OR A 2000 OR 2001 F250 2WD TURBO DIESEL. ID LIKE TO SAVE THE MONEY AND GET THE 96 OR 97 BUT ARE THERE ANY MAJOR UPGRADES THAT ARE WORTH BUYING NEWER? HOW WILL THE SUSPENSION AND GAS MILEAGE BE ON A 1997 2WD? THANKS FOR THE HELP

 

if u go with the newer truck, you start with the new super duty platform, which is leaps and bounds ahead of the old one. The old style is still a very good truck though. Your buckboard ride is due to the fact that it is a 4x4, and any 2wd will ride much better. I would base my decision on variables such as how long are you going to keep the truck? How many towing miles do you run? The 97 is the updated powerstoke, which have 225 horses. They also have coils up front I think which ride like a marshmallow. On my 95 F250 4x4 with the 215 horse diesel, I get about 18 unloaded and 14 towing 7000 pounds. Being a 4x4 also hurts your mileage about 2mpg.

 

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I have a '95 F250 SC 2wd 460, and it rides very stiff and is uncomfortable on a concrete freeway unloaded. With the 9" camper on it rides nicely, handles the load very well, and this truck has the camper package. I'm about to buy a '96 F250 SC 4wd PSD. It does not have the camper package (no front or rear sway bar, and one less leaf in the rear springs), and it rides a little better around town and better on the freeway. So, in my short experience with the 4x4, the 2wd won't automatically ride better than the 4x4....mine doesn't. With my 460 I get 11 mpg on the highway empty, 10 pulling my Jeep on the trailer, and 7-8 pulling the trailer with the camper.

I need the 4x4, but don't need the Powerstroke, although I'm looking forward to having it with some concern that it will be worth having over the 460. Except for not being 4x4, and getting stuck three times in the last year, I'm very happy with my current truck. BTW, I'm enjoying reading on this site......lots to learn.

 

I would say it all boils down to what "look" you like the best. I love the square, boxey look of my "97. It's the classic Ford truck look in my opinion. Though the '99's and later have more advanced features, I wouldn't trade! Mine is a 4x4, crewcab and it has a Dana 60 solid axle up front with leaf springs.

 

you did it!! you hit the nail on the head with this post. nothing beats that beasty look of the 94.5-97.

 

I had a 97 f-2504x4 CC with the 460 and loved it. I hated to sell it but it just didn't have the torque to pull our 15,000 lb toyhauler so I bought a 99 F-350 4x4 CC DRW PSD. The PSD is 10 times the truck the 460 ever could be and ride like a caddy. The best part of it is that with the F-350 I get 17-20 MPG in everyday driving and about 12 pulling the toyhauler. The 460 I could get 12 if I was lucky running it empty. You won't be sorry going with the newer PSD.

 

First , welcome to FTE ! Personaly I like the older style trucks so I would look at the '96/97 . Drive both and buy the one that you like . Everyone has their opinion as to the best years , so you'll have to decide which truck is you !

 

Hey I just got a 2003 250 PSD Reg. cab. I just love this truck. You talk about ride. I have a 96 150 4x4 and this thing rides better then that truck. And power Im impressed and am gettin 18-20 MPG. Yeh the oldstyle is nice but these superduties are in a class of there own. The ride is unbelievable. If you ever drive one for a day youll fall in love. Have you notice how many high mileage SDs there are around. People are drivin these things like a car because off the great ride. My vote is for a newer SD.

 

Wow I am surprised at how many people prefer the older body style. That's great for you, but I am on the other side of the fence. I much prefer the look of the newer one. But not the newest ones. Too much like a Tonka truck.

 

I'm with kwik on this one!!

 

Yeh the newer SDS have a different look but still look better then GMs and Dodge offerings. I like the new look. I like the old look. I like all Fords no matter the look.

 

How about a body style poll?
I much prefer the "refrigerator box on wheels" look of the old body style!

 

I have the new style. I wouldnt go back. Its much better riding and it has a solid front axle which is way better on a 250 then TTB on the old.

 

TONKA TRUCK !! Man I loved Tonka Trucks when I was a kid ( and yes I was a kid .... and I CAN remember back that far ) and I like the look of the '05 SD It just looks tough and capable . But I also like the look of the older trucks too !

 

Ya i agree with that to!! I think the 2005's are awsome as well!! So i agree with kwik and blackf3504dr to!! Never was a big fan of the earlier 90's trucks. Not saying there ugly just prefer the newer ones!!!