Oh, i think i know a big difference- 2wd vs 4wd... that could be five or six hundred pounds...

 

It was 97. They came out with that short lived, (and happy about that) F250LD. 7 lug wheels. F150 body style. 9.75 rear end with the 4.6L and 5.4L options. Therein was the division, F250LD and F250HD. There was one of those at a used lot up the road a ways. I went over and over that thing. The guy thought he had me hooked. Then I pulled up in my '96 ext cab powerstroke, and he started laughing. He said, I know you are not serious about this truck, not driving that one.

So, that to me, was the badging of the F250 Heavy duty. I've looked at mine sitting next to another '96 F250 badged HD. Counted the leafs in the leaf packs, checked out the Diffs. Only difference was the interior package and paint (the HD was an XLT, mine is an XL). So, I'm thinking that after '96 Ford played the model change pretty loose. I'd be leary of any numbers that mention 92 to 97. The 97 model year has a few sheeps in wolf's clothing.

No hit on the '97 Powerstrokin' guys. They know what they have.


Bob K.

 

When I ask for parts sometimes they ask me if the GVWR is less than or more than 8500 lbs.

 

Its for that reason right there I order 95% of my parts for a 96 rather than 97.....

 

Im not sure i follow what that guy is saying... are the 97's weaker?

 

No they just fall victim to wrong listings for parts in the stores due to the 250 LD (new body style)

 

Ah, so if you order for a 97, you might get LD parts instead of HD?

 

Exactly, especially on the online ones that have the drop down menu's for selecting year, make model. I always pick 96 just to be on the safe side

-Robb

 

Good thinking and good to know!

 

Here's a looksee at a F250LD. '98 model I believe. So, I think you would know if you had this and was hanging with the HD bunch...no?

Bob K.

...nevermind. Haven't figured out the image thing yet.

Here's the link to it....

1986 Ford Bronco Projects picture | SuperMotors.net