Best diesel for 1995-1998

[nosledyetwyo]

powerwise, nothing beats a cummins. they pull really good with great power. u cant beat a 94-98.5 12 valve. the only downside is they only came in extended cabs.

The 95-97 powerstrokes were also an excellent truck. they made alright power and had the comfort of a ford crewcab. My dad had a 97 with 130000 miles on it, towed a camper for his work for most of that time, and hit an elk and a couple of deer and antelope and it still ran strond.

they are both great trucks. but for comfort hauling around 6 people i would definetly go with the powerstroke. just my two cents.

 

[donbrown]

So what types of tranny's did a 95-97 come in?

Were they all 4 speed with an overdrive?

 

[jsledder]

I had a 2000 F250 Crew cab, best truck I have ever owned and I wish I could go back to the day I sold it and kick my azz!! Especially going from that to Dodge, like said above, Cummins is great but it's the Dodge that sucks.

A friend of mine had a 97 or 98 F350 Crew Cab long box and that was a sweet ride also, he had a few small mods done to it and exhaust manifolds seemed to be his big headache, but other than that.... great, a lot of room in the back and didn't ride too bad either. Some of you may have seen it at the Island Park ride many years ago, it belonged to XC Man.

Are you sure about having to "smog" a Pre-03 vehicle? I know they didn't start putting EGR's on the Powertrokes until 03 (6.0L) and the 7.3's didn't have much for emissions on them.

I'd vote for a Ford, crewcab.

 

[donbrown]

I had a 2000 F250 Crew cab, best truck I have ever owned and I wish I could go back to the day I sold it and kick my azz!! Especially going from that to Dodge, like said above, Cummins is great but it's the Dodge that sucks.

A friend of mine had a 97 or 98 F350 Crew Cab long box and that was a sweet ride also, he had a few small mods done to it and exhaust manifolds seemed to be his big headache, but other than that.... great, a lot of room in the back and didn't ride too bad either. Some of you may have seen it at the Island Park ride many years ago, it belonged to XC Man.

Are you sure about having to "smog" a Pre-03 vehicle? I know they didn't start putting EGR's on the Powertrokes until 03 (6.0L) and the 7.3's didn't have much for emissions on them.

I'd vote for a Ford, crewcab.

California reduction in diesel emissions (AB 233/Jones) The Healthy Heart and Lung Act will be established as a means to reduce diesel emissions and prohibits the registration, renewal of registration or transfer of ownership of a heavy-duty diesel vehicle if the vehicle owner or operator has an outstanding emissions-related citation.

Effective January 1, 2010, smog emission inspections are required for diesel-powered vehicles manufactured in or after 1998, and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds or less for original registrations and transfers. Biennial smog inspection requirements will be phased-in beginning with a registration renewal date of April 30, 2010 or transfer of title on or after January 1, 2010.

 

[Rotax-Guy]

If you have the time, look for a early 1998 dodge cummins, It will at least have the rear doors that open plus that great 12v motor!

 

[donbrown]

If you have the time, look for a early 1998 dodge cummins, It will at least have the rear doors that open plus that great 12v motor!

I was looking at a 1997 DODGE 2500 EXT CAB DIESEL 4X4 AUTO on Ebay.

Ebay reads : Great running condition, always California vehicle, new transmission at 142K miles (have paperwork to verify), has Rancho 9 Way Adjustable Ride Shocks, 3 Pod Gauge set to monitor transmission temperature and exhaust temp as well as boost gauges. Truck was an insurance salvage - not in an accident. Truck was salvaged because of vandalism Exterior: Paint and cracked (7-8" crack) windshield, Interior: seats were slashed and ignition was damaged, however it still functions with the Key. Break pads are good about 70-80% left. Tires are about 60-65% Thread, Michellin Tires. If registering in California there are dues in DMV for $780.00.

Not sure if it worth 4 grand but is near my home.

 

[summ8rmk]

Dodge automatic transmisions SUCK unless modified $$$. MY 96 Ram with the 318 needed a new tranny at 67,000 mi. My buddies 99 Ram (gas 360)was on its second tranny at 120,000mi.. Talk to any reputable tranny shop they will tell you about Dodge autos. Also with the Dodge 3/4 and 1 ton the front axle assembly is hard on tires i dont know why but it wears out the tires, you can ask tire shops and alignment shops on that one. Ford automatic transmisions are alot better than Dodge. The 3/4 ton Fords have the TTB independent front axle it sucks period bad ride and also hard on tires. The 1 ton on other hand has a stout solid axle that does not eat tires like the Dodge. There are a lot more and cheaper aftermarket parts for the cummins(its the small block chevy of diesels) Ford has a full crewcab that is comfortable, Dodge has an extended cab with doors (98 and newer)that cannot be opened unless the front doors are open( a small nuisance) and nowhere near as much leg room but ok for short trips 30-40 min. the 98 and newer Dodge also has the seat belt in the seat and it likes to jam up often. Ford inside door handles break often and so do the doors where the handle mounts and since atleast 1987 Ford truck door windows are scratched on the outside from rolling the window up and down. Dodge will start easier in the cold due to Fords 3,000 psi oil pump. As far as MPG I think they are pretty close. I like the look of a shiny white or black 98 Dodge Ram Sport but would never buy one because of the tranny and tire eating front ends. i also like the look of the 92-97 Ford crewcabs sittin on 35s STOCK no lift needed.(needs to be 94.5-97 for Powerstroke) From the inside of the truck the Dodge is alot nicer than Fords simple dated work truck look.

 

[Snocross 100]

I drove a 97 F350 crew PSD and its amazing with 325000 miles and driven hard too. I wish i had a picture of it buryed to the bumper with a 7 inch lift and 38's

 

[donbrown]

I drove a 97 F350 crew PSD and its amazing with 325000 miles and driven hard too. I wish i had a picture of it buryed to the bumper with a 7 inch lift and 38's

What kind of fuel mileage did you get?

 

[76xlt]

dont get a pre 98 ford f-250 x-cab- ifs front end is garbage. f-350 had a dana 60 front. dont pass up a good buy on a cummins.

 

[Braaap12]

X2!! The Twin traction beam front end on the f250's are horrible.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

I have a 97 f250 power stroke has a 120k on it. it got 20 before i lifted it now gets 12 towing a 4 place and 15 16 unloaded. it has a automatic and 410 gears. if you can keep the rpms down they don't do too bad on mileage but if you want to run 75 when your pulling its going to be bad at the pump.

 

[JSCC]

While I have owned a handful of late 90's Powerstroke, I have one word for the best diesel in them years..............DODGE.
You could get close if you get a one ton Ford, standard tranmission with low miles.........but good luck and you will still have to deal with the damn glow plugs!

 

[Ford428CJ]

While I have owned a handful of late 90's
You could get close if you get a one ton Ford, standard tranmission with low miles.........but good luck and you will still have to deal with the damn glow plugs!

I dont know about that... Every truck has its problems (Ford, Chevy Dodge)! F-250 with a straight axle is just as good. Lift pumps are a problem in Dodges. 1/2 dozen to another. Doesn't matter. JMHO

 

[Snocross 100]

I think it got 14 0r 15 empty. but that is Leaving 20 foot blackmarks on a daily basis. 4" exhauts and cold air intake made a huge diference!

 

[Snocross 100]

one is a crew and one is a regular cab similar miles

 

[JSCC]

I dont know about that... Every truck has its problems (Ford, Chevy Dodge)! F-250 with a straight axle is just as good. Lift pumps are a problem in Dodges. 1/2 dozen to another. Doesn't matter. JMHO

They didnt make a F250 with a straight axle. Hence the reason I said to get a F350.
Lift pumps are a huge problem in Dodges, I agree. I have one broke right now. The issue for me really, is that the Cummins in them years is flat rediculous for mileage, power, longevity, etc.. The 7.3 is good for longevity, that is all. It is missing an intercooler, has a garbage transmission (auto), and will not start in the cold unless everything is kept perfect, or new.
The Dodge will start just about anywhere, has an intercooler, a half decent trans capable of handling some good power, has a straight axle, suicide doors, better interior, etc...
I have only owned one Dodge in those years, and several Fords. I am a Ford guy, but I am not blinded by brands. The Dodges are better trucks in those years.... IMO.

 

[theultrarider]

They didnt make a F250 with a straight axle. Hence the reason I said to get a F350.
Lift pumps are a huge problem in Dodges, I agree. I have one broke right now. The issue for me really, is that the Cummins in them years is flat rediculous for mileage, power, longevity, etc.. The 7.3 is good for longevity, that is all. It is missing an intercooler, has a garbage transmission (auto), and will not start in the cold unless everything is kept perfect, or new.
The Dodge will start just about anywhere, has an intercooler, a half decent trans capable of handling some good power, has a straight axle, suicide doors, better interior, etc...
I have only owned one Dodge in those years, and several Fords. I am a Ford guy, but I am not blinded by brands. The Dodges are better trucks in those years.... IMO.

Unless you want a rig that haul 6 full size people. Or even 4 for that matter. You couldn't pay me to sit in the backseat of the old Dodges. The Ford F350 crewcab owned that era.

 

[Ford428CJ]

They didnt make a F250 with a straight axle. Hence the reason I said to get a F350.
Lift pumps are a huge problem in Dodges, I agree. I have one broke right now. The issue for me really, is that the Cummins in them years is flat rediculous for mileage, power, longevity, etc.. The 7.3 is good for longevity, that is all. It is missing an intercooler, has a garbage transmission (auto), and will not start in the cold unless everything is kept perfect, or new.
The Dodge will start just about anywhere, has an intercooler, a half decent trans capable of handling some good power, has a straight axle, suicide doors, better interior, etc...
I have only owned one Dodge in those years, and several Fords. I am a Ford guy, but I am not blinded by brands. The Dodges are better trucks in those years.... IMO.

Sorry, I'm thinking 99-03 F-250's with straight axles. I still think the inside of a Dodge is a little small for a 6'4" tall guy like me. JMHO

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

i think if the people hauling is one of your biggest selling points then ford all the way, spent a lot of time in the back seet of a 4 door powerstroke... 96 i think it was. i think the back seat ss bigger then the front seat!!! ridden in the back of some of the extended cab cummins and at 5 11" i dont even like it for any decent amount of time.

as far as power, the first gen strokers will tow plenty as far as toys, you arent gonna be winning drag races with a trailer, but they get around more then fine with even smaller loaded equipment trailers behind them. intake/exhaust and maybe a chip and they can get out of there way just fine.