The decision:

92 XLT 4x4 extended cab, 79k miles, 351, automatic, manual hubs +
manual 4wd engagement, very clean body, no rust, 1 owner (described
as "fussy old man"). Brand new tires.

96 XLT 4x4 extended cab, 85k miles, 302, automatic, push button 4wd,
no rust, body slightly worn (some minor hail damage), previous owner
unknown.

In both cases, dealer is asking around $9000. Both trucks are
otherwise basically equivalent in terms of options.

I find a wide range of recommended prices on the web:
$8000 according to edmunds.com up to $9400 at kbb.com.

 

I'd take the '92 personally.

 

You are gonna have to do a couple of things to get the real answer.
1. Crawl under the truck and check out everything, all the joints, bearings, etc on each one to see if the little stuff has been maintained or just left to wear and die.
2. Look into any possible service records these trucks come with. I keep a detailed log of all mods, oil changes, etc to my truck so that when I do decide to sell I can get top dollar, besides I never have to worry about my truck breaking, its nice to know I cam at any point in time just get in and drive to wherever without any breakage.
3. There is a web sight where you can check the VIN to see if there have been any reports done on this truck, ie recalls or wrecks. I found out my truck was in an accident, but only bent a radius arm and rim. I don't know the site, but some of the other blokes on here might.
A 92 for 9,000 is kinda steep in my book, a 96 is about right. You need to really examine, and if possible drive these trucks(or have a mechanic look it over)to get a feel for what kinda shape they are in. Also look around on this board and see what problems the others are having with there respective years, to help you decide. In all it comes down to you to really look over the trucks and determine which is in better shape, the one with better maintenace will be the better bet. If it was maintained and loved and cared after then it could last longer than the abused neglected one. Hope this helps.

CJ

 

are these f250's or f150's? what will you be using the truck for? are either of them the heavy-duty version? are you going to want to do any mods like a cam etc. The reason i ask is cause if you are gonna be hauling stuff then the 351w is the better choice. also for mods it is better to have the mass-air system instead of the speed-density system and i think the 1996 is mass-air and the 92 is not. the heavy-duty versions have beefier components which you want if the truck will be put to work.
despite the speed density thing i would be leaning toward the 92. fussy old men will save you thousands in maintenance and repairs.

cheers,

rusty.

 

Yeah I would check them over very well if you figure its down to these two trucks then $100 for a mechanic is not a lot of money to check them over.

For my money I would go with the 92. Good Luck