1996 Ford F250 XL 5.8w from North America

Summary:

The ultimate work machine

Faults:

Replaced starter @ 200000 km.

New u - joints and a tune up at 210000 km.

General Comments:

I bought this truck at an auction, cheap.

It was an abused oilfield truck and had a rough life. I expected to have to do many repairs, but am shocked at how little it has cost me so far. I don't buy new trucks because the nature of my work is very hard on a vehicle and those first few dings really hurt. My Toyota was reliable, but I always had to baby it. This one I load down with up to 4000 lbs. and go. It's thirsty, but when your lively hood relies on -40 starts and slogging through ice and muskeg, fuel economy is less important to me.

I've not been a ford fan before, but I love this truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2004

1996 Ford F250 XLT 7.3L Powerstroke diesel from North America

Summary:

Powerful workhorse offset by high maintenance costs and endemic glow plug problems

Faults:

Had to replace Glow Plug Relay at 60,000 and again at 99,000. It seems they go bad faster than spark plugs.

Clutch cable replacement at 50,000 and clutch bushing at 99,000.

Water pump replacement at 99,000.

General Comments:

Overall, I'm very fond of my F250 Diesel. It's a workhorse when trailering and economical when considering only fuel costs.

I have serious heartburn with the glow plug relay however. Even after the first replacement, the truck has always been a difficult cold start. I've lived in Florida and Mississippi since I've owned it. I don't know how anyone living somewhere colder could own this truck without an engine block heater.

The other complaint is one I'm sure is shared by other diesel owners. The lack of a qualified, competent diesel mechanic outside of the Ford dealer is painful in the wallet. My dealer charges $65/hour for labor. Thus a simple glow plug relay replacement and clutch bushing replacement will cost nearly $300.

I noticed the only other F250 Diesel comment on this site had the same glow plug problem. Are there any others out there?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2004

16th Dec 2004, 10:08

I also own a '96 PSD F-250. It is without a doubt the most bittersweet relationship I have. The engine is a workhorse... great mileage for such a heavy duty truck. However the cold start problems with these trucks should be absolutely embarassing to FORD. Message boards abound with the same problem... Temperatures in the 40's or below and you can expect cold start difficulties with lots of fuel burnoff once the engine turns over (i.e. lots of smelly, embarrassing white smoke pouring out of the exhaust). That is unless you replace your glow plugs/relay on a semi-annual basis which can get quite expensive. I've owned my truck for 5 years and have replace the plugs or relay or both over 4 times. Ridiculous. So much so that I would not buy another FORD with the 7.3 PSD unless there is some better way to fix the farcical cold starting problems of that engine.

View 17 more comments

1996 Ford F250 XLT Std. Cab, 8' Bed 7.3 Powerstroke from North America

Summary:

Tough manly man rig with good MPG

Faults:

My alternator seized together with my serpentine belt at 150k.

Transmission, T-Case, and differentials started grinding at 150k, changed fluids, added Slick 50, A-OK.

Glow plugs needed replacement immediately, wouldn't start in cold weather without the block heater.

2 hoses worn badly and leaking at 150k.

Water pump weep seal compromised at 155k.

Ball joints compromised integrity at 155k and steering linkages loose.

General Comments:

It was cheap because of the miles, and I expected numerous repairs on routine maintenance items.

The engine runs and pulls heavy loads like a champ. It also is loud and helps me get chicks.

The box-style "old body" is a classic and continues only on diesels from 1997 until 1999.

I get 13.5 mpg with the 4x4 semi-engaged permanently in the Alaska winter with extended idle times, and 18.5 mpg in the summer.

I love my Powerstroke. My old 1995 6.5L Turbo Diesel Chevy didn't compare.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2002

5th Dec 2009, 12:25

You are incorrect, the old body style was discontinued in 1997, there was only a light duty f-250 in 1998 with F-150 body that was changed in 1997. 1999 saw the SuperDuty new body style.