I'm currently driving a 1992 F250 Ex. Cab 4x4 IDI diesel with ATS Turbo. It has 96,000 miles and it's an awesome truck. I just acquired a 1997 heavy duty crew cab PSD 4x4 with 160,000 miles. It, too is an awesome truck! Can't keep 'em both. What do y'all think? Which one will last longer? Haven't driven the '97, so is fuel mileage better ( I average 13 with '92)? I'm a carpenter and work out of my truck...don't have time or money to pamper my rig. My guess is there's no wrong choice- just figure someone out there has experience with both engines...that's really the most significant difference (that and early vs. late E4 trans). Opinions? Keep on truckin'.

 

Ron,

I have a '97 F350 XLT Crew Cab 4x4 long bed. I too, love my truck. I have a camper shell on mine. I think that is part of the reason my 7.3 liter Powerstroke, with just under 106K miles, averages around 16 mpg.

Most of my driving at present is combined city and highway without a heavy load.

I have noticed that finding aftermarket parts, accessories, repair manuals, and information is a bit scarce, but since you don't seem interested in that, I highly recommend the '97.

With that many miles on her, have her checked out well. Check the computer to see if she's throwing out any codes and change the filters and fluids (tranny, engine oil, air, tranny and oil filters, brake fluid, differential fluid, and engine coolant) before you start using her for work duties. This isn't pampering. It's a neccessity. The money you get from selling your '92 will more than cover this needed maintenance and the security it will provide you in knowing the fluids are at their best can take a lot stress off of you on the worksite.

I bought mine from a dealer I trust and was lucky enough to finance in a lifetime oil change program. I get my engine oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles and the peace-of-mind factor is fantastic.

IMHO (In my humble opinion) the '97 is the way to go.

Good luck with her and enjoy.

 

You should probably just get rid of the Powerstroke. Tell you what, I'll buy it from you so you don't have to do all that figuring to try and decide which to keep and all that maintenance to the 97. My son has a 96 and he won't let me drive it anymore so I need to get my own. Let me know, Eric Oh yeah. One more thing - The IDI is a simple, straightforward, mechanical truck that is easy to work on and a breeze to figure out. The PSD is more technical with sensors and electronics and a bit trickier to work on. Either way, though you can find out what you need to know here on the forum to work on either truck and keep them running good. I will also say that you will spend more money repairing the powerstroke and probably a good amount modifying it, too.

 

honestly keep what you know. you may kick yourself later if you dont especially if the psd takes a crap and you open the hood and dont know what your lookin for. if you can keep em both cool. or if you have the time to learn the psd's then keep it. the psds go for a long time. you will probably get better mileage with it and will have more power.

its hard to say you have both trucks in front of you. dont be afraid of the motor being at 160,000 just take a good look at everything else. see what may or may not need replacing soon and decide if you wanna fix it. hard choice.

psd's are the best imo

 

The PSD's have alot more power then the IDI's, but like mentioned, as for maintnace, really what can go wrong other then the pump or the turbo on the IDI. The PSD on the other hand, you got all these little stupid sensors, unit injectors, HP oil pump and the fun time of figuring out an electrical problem when it arises.

The IDI is a breeze to work on, less power and IMO, I would like to think has alot less shi.t to fail on you but dont knock the PSD, thier reliable too. I'll buy another PSD over an IDI.

As for milage......my PSD strickly highway empty, 4x4 dually, I'm pulling off 19 miles per gallon driving the speed liimit

Oh, as for the E4od in the 97, if it has'nt been rebuilt yet, dont be surprised if it will need a rebuild eventually from what I've gathered on here

 

That Banks turbo is a great unit. He should never have any trouble with that thing. Just keep the air filter tight and clean.

 

I have a '90 F250 4X4 and a '97 F250 4X4
I love them both but would rather the '90 break due to the cost of everything on the PSD. IE injector O rings $72.00 per set? I get o rings for my helicopters cheaper than that.
but I don't even drive the '90 anymore I gave it to my father and I only drive the '97PSD it is my favorite.

 

So are the 7.3IDI and 7.3PS engines the same except for the fuel injection system?

 

Cylinder heads different, internals on the block are different, thier essentially IMO 2 different engines, the power output is quite different with the PSD putting out alot more torque

http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/power.htm

 

While the debate may go on, I made my decision-largely based on the responses from you all. My '92 has had the pump, injectors, trans, etc etc rebuilt or replaced in the last 30K miles. I know the truck and really do like it. The '97 has a recent trans, but the engine history is unknown. Simplicity and familiarity win over power and technology. Says somethin' about me, right? Thanks for all the input- this is a great site with some pretty savvy users.