Thinking about getting a 1996 Ford F250 XLT with the 7.3 Powerstroke. Is it the ultimate truck, or does it come with its own set of headaches? Let’s talk about it!
The official truck of rebuilding your automatic transmission over and over again.
Jordan said:
The official truck of rebuilding your automatic transmission over and over again.
Oh no, is that what I’m signing up for? I’m saving up to buy one, and now I’m worried.
@Valentine
Yep, our '95 Powerstroke has had the transmission rebuilt at least once, and it’s only at 140k miles.
Jordan said:
@Valentine
Yep, our '95 Powerstroke has had the transmission rebuilt at least once, and it’s only at 140k miles.
My 2005 Ranger’s auto lasted until 199k miles before needing a rebuild, and then my mom totaled it. I’m hoping for the same luck!
@Valentine
It’s a common issue with 90s F250s and similar trucks. Overdrive autos back then weren’t great, and many owners skipped maintenance. My brother’s 460 F250 was on its fifth rebuild by 200k.
Jordan said:
@Valentine
It’s a common issue with 90s F250s and similar trucks. Overdrive autos back then weren’t great, and many owners skipped maintenance. My brother’s 460 F250 was on its fifth rebuild by 200k.
Yikes, I’ll definitely keep that in mind while I browse. At least I’m mainly buying it for the engine!
@Valentine
If you’re that worried, just get one with a manual transmission.
@Valentine
Even when they blow, they don’t completely stop working. They just make you feel like you’re getting rear-ended every time it shifts.
Cody said:
@Valentine
Even when they blow, they don’t completely stop working. They just make you feel like you’re getting rear-ended every time it shifts.
Had the joy of riding in one like that. Every shift felt like a train hit us. Only worse transmission experience I’ve had was in a midsize Kubota!
@Zander
Lol, don’t worry, mine won’t be a clunker retired from city work.
@Valentine
Change your transmission fluid regularly and add a temp gauge. These transmissions hate neglect and overheating.
Sunny said:
@Valentine
Change your transmission fluid regularly and add a temp gauge. These transmissions hate neglect and overheating.
How often should I change it, and what’s considered too hot? I’m just starting to learn about cars, so sorry if that’s a dumb question.
@Valentine
Not a dumb question. I don’t have exact numbers, but forums about diesel trucks could definitely help you out.
Peak pickup truck right here. Later trucks got more refined, but they never matched this one’s charm and utility.
Marlo said:
Peak pickup truck right here. Later trucks got more refined, but they never matched this one’s charm and utility.
Nah, trucks got worse until 2011. The 6.0 and 6.4 Powerstrokes were awful. The 6.7 Powerstroke from 2011 was solid, but it still lacked the personality of this beauty.
@Valentine
Agreed. The 7.3 was the end of an era. Trucks got easier to live with after this, but they didn’t have the same soul.
@Valentine
The 6.0 can at least be fixed up, but the 6.4? Total garbage. Too bad, because the 2008-2010 models looked amazing.
Kerr said:
@Valentine
The 6.0 can at least be fixed up, but the 6.4? Total garbage. Too bad, because the 2008-2010 models looked amazing.
Did they make gas versions of the 6.4 body style?
@Valentine
Yeah, they did. Not super common, though.