'96 Ford F350: Any problems with that year?

[31b]

I found what looks to be a fair deal on a very clean '96 Ford F350 for $6000 but I'd like to know what other TDR member's opinions are. What should I be looking out for on this model of truck.



It has: 162,000 miles, regular cab, longbed, 7. 3 turbo diesel, 5 speed w/ Centerforce clutch, 3. 55 rear end w/ Detroit locker, K&N cold air system, new BFG mud terrain tires, and the owner says that engine is "chipped" but I didn't ask any more details than that.



Any opinions are welcome. I don't need the truck, I just want another diesel truck as a beater so that I don't beat up my '07 CTD.



Thanks in advance

 

[jgillott]

Where is the truck located? If it is from a rust belt area, take a look at the areas around the rear spring shackles, the mounting around the fuel tanks etc. They are quite prone to rust in those areas.

 

[InfernoB]

You don't say if it's a 4x4 or XLT. Offer $1500. 00 less. I've only owned Auto's of that vintage, but they are a good truck. I've also seen some '01's and 2's for $9K with less than 100K on them. If you look hard and long enough, you will find one..... Especially since you don't need it.....

 

[CochranD]

I had a 95 F350 (last ford owned) and it was terrible. Trans issues, ect. The motor was the only plus. The doors and rockers were rotted thru in 4 1/2 years thanks to PennDOT and their salt. The steering was getting squirley b4 36k , and dealer said this was normal.

 

[LSchulz]

My dad has had four different F350's ('90, '92 crewcab, '95, '02 crewcab), all diesels, and they've all been good trucks. The OBS trucks, so '97 and earlier had rust issues, but if the body is original and clean, then I don't think it'll be much of an issue on the frame. The we had '95 was essentially the same truck you have listed, a 4x4 stripped down plain Jane model, and that had to be one of the toughest truck's we've ever owned. Make them a low offer and see what you can do.

 

[DBentley]

Before my dodge days it was all fords. \92-f350 4x4 gas new to 120k only fluids,ujoints, tires ,h20 pump.

96-f350 4x4 gas new to 130k same only fluids and balljoints,ujoints.

These are great trucks if not rotted out.

Only reason I have dodge cummins is 9-10 mpg sucked.

17-19mpg is sweet

 

[31b]

All: thanks for the info. The truck is a 4X4 XLT. I'm in the California Bay Area and the guy is the original owner so no rust issues but I'll check underneath if I decide to go through with the purchase.



The only other issue to worry about is California is going to require smog checks on diesels under 14000lbs GVWR in 2010. Theoretically the smog inspection is only supposed to apply to '98 and newer trucks. Since this truck is "chipped" and I don't think that the owner has the OEM chip, how hard and expensive is it to find an OEM chip if California decides to require smogs on '96 diesels?



Thanks all.

 

[Grizzly]

I have a problem with any year furd since I've owned two. If I were you I'd look for a good older Dodge/Cummins for a beater upper.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

I am sure the Ford will be fine if you dont plan on making much power with it.



If you want some power to play with get a 94-98 12 valve 5spd or if you want the auto get a 96-98 12 valve. I know my next toy will be a 96 - 02 reg cab auto 4x2

 

[31b]

All: thanks for the info. I think I'm going to pass on this truck and use the $ for upgrades to my '07 CTD. I've been thinking about the Bilstein or King shocks from Carli. Happy thanksgiving.