So, I'm on the market for a 4WD truck, and I'd like a diesel.

In my price range, I see a few '96 & '97 trucks, and quite a few '99-01 or so Super Duties.

I noticed a conspicuously low number of "problem" posts in this forum. Coincidence, or good sign?

I prefer a stick, of course, if I can find one, did these trucks come a 5 speed (low range & overdrive)? I can't remember.

I also have heard bad things about the auto trannies in these year trucks.

And finally...why does it seem like nice examples of these trucks cost so damn much? I found a really nice '97 online, extended cab, 5 speed, real nice shape, except it's at a dealership where they're asking $14K. Book value on the thing is $11,850. I'd consider it if it was near book, but for $14,000? You can get a much newer truck for that kinda money.

 

any make model has their flaws, but since these trucks are seasoned (10 years+) there have been literally thousands of upgrades and options for us to turn to.

i HIGHLY recommend these trucks, but on the other hand i LOVE to work on trucks! i dont mind yanking a front axle one afternoon and rebuilding it or dropping the tranny to do a tranny/t-case flush, new clutch, and to generally pressure wash and clean the 10 year old parts.

the ZF-5 speed is highly recommended and i have heard VERY few problems with the tranny itself. its usually the DMF clutch that goes bad or a clutch rod bushing that needs the Ebay upgrade. I cant STAND the E4OD's ford used. i had one in my F150 and IMO they are garbage. I would stick to a 5 speed like you already desire!

depending on the market these trucks hold their value strong! the BEST deal i found was on the truck i own now and i bought it with 183K miles 1996 F350 crew cab long bed, stock everything for $12. here on the east coast you are lucky to find one for less the $14 that doesnt have 250K miles and been ragged out by a construction crew.

-cutts-

 

there is nothin wrong with the E4OD trans, as long as it was taken care of, put a good c00nhunter joe shift kit in and they last a long time and work great, the reason the trucks cost so much is because everyone and there brother wants one....you cant beat them, they last forever and are extremely reliable, comfortable to drive for a million miles at a time and excellent on fuel.
the ZF-5 is a 5 spd trans, no granny gear, 4th is your 1to1 and 5th being overdrive, a good trans, if abused they have syncro issues but still cant break them(within reason)

 

I use to think so, but mine has left me stranded 3 times since Feb. Now I don't know. It does run great and gets great milage though.

 

I'll second what coon said. They seem pricey because people who know are after them. I saw a 97 f350 crew with 40,000 miles go for $20,000 on ebay awhile back. I was drooling over that one. Utterly worth it in my opinion. I'm at 200k with zero major problems and I have an automatic tranny. The longer I have this truck the more I intend to do whatever it takes to keep it going. I'll be happy to buy a new tranny if this one ever goes. However, you don't have to stop at '97. It seems that the 99-03 7.3's have a very comparable reputation and they have some of the parts stock that we upgrade to. Basically if it's a well cared for 7.3 powerstroke it's worth looking at.

 

the 99-ups are ok but i like the feel of the old bodied trucks, i like the cab better and the exterior plus our trucks look so much better when lifted

 

Amen! The OBS PSD is destined to be a classic in my opinion.

 

Dumb Question Time:

What is a c00nhunterjoe shift kit for the E4OD???
Roger

 

I have to jump in on this thread. I had a 94 F350 gasser that was awesome and I had so many comments from new truck owners as to how bad *** the truck looked even without a lift and just putting 285's on it. My 97 diesel gets the same comments and it has the great riding but not so bad *** looking Michelin LTX's on it. I am learning this diesel thing but it pulls my fifth wheel better and my gas mileage is 16 unloaded with no mods at all. Check out this link because it sums it up for me. Life is too short for an ugly (new) truck. http://pages.prodigy.net/stevebaz/index.html

 

lol, bout time you asked.... here read this and watch my videos
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...kit-video.html

 

I believe your probs are DMF related. Am i right?? If you are unhappy I will take it off your hands. We have identical trucks and I am VERY pleased with mine and get compliments all the time. Now, I really will take it if you are not entirely happy. Sounds like a money back guarantee. ??? ???????? ????? Hmmmmmm.

 

oh good grief

 

If that 5-speed is as nice as you say down at that dealership, I would be down there haggling with them to buy it. You wont have very much luck finding a 5-speed at book value. The dealers especially know what they have and arent going to let it go cheap. I paid alittle over book value for my F-350 CC, but it was well worth it when you look at the options in new trucks today.


I might also add that that truck is not going to last long at that dealership.

 

There is no question that you will have periods of bad luck where it seems that EVERYTHING is going wrong. I have had episodes like this, as I am sure many owners on here have. At the end of the day, when all those things are resolved the truck is 100% bonified. I would not own any other truck. That is just me.

 

Well, the problem is that I found this particular truck on Autotrader and it's 100 miles away from me (3 hour drive). It's also been on there awhile. Also, I had really wanted to have $2000 saved up to use as a down payment on a truck, which I don't quite have yet (I'm already approved for a loan but I want to have a little extra to put toward the loan to bring monthly payments down a bit)

It has 133K on it but it looks immaculate. I really want to run a carfax on it before I even go up to look at it.

If it's still up for sale in a few weeks, I'll see about venturing up to look at it.