Hello and Thanks!

[mktsc]

Just wanted to introduce myself and thank you guys for the wealth of knowledge here at this site. I'm Matt from Columbus OH, and because of you guys, I was able to research and find a beautiful 97 F250 PSD. Based on the info here, I knew what to look for and check on, and brought home my truck yesterday.

I have a few questions about my new truck:

-I was told it has 3.55's, but it cruises ~2200rpm at 70mph. Isn't that high? It's got the 4-speed automatic trans. Maybe it's got 4.11's?

-My truck has a 3" downpipe and 3.5" straight pipe exhaust. It's LOUD on the highway. Will putting a muffler back on quiet it down without sacrificing too much performance?

-At idle, in drive, at a stoplight sometimes there is a chassis vibration. It feels like a worn motor/trans mount or maybe the exhaust contacting the frame or something. Is this a common problem? I'm going to have it checked out none the less, but I figured I'd check here first.

Other than that, it's great. Previous owner bought from an 80yr old farm owner who had the underside sprayed with oil every year. Not a spot of rust on the whole truck! It's got a rebuilt trans with less than 200 miles on it (with reciept), new upper/lower balljoints, new brakes, new tires, all fluids have been changed, trans/motor/rearend all treated to fully synthetic Amsoil, newer GP's, newer CPS, freshly rhinolined bed. Extended cab, full size bed, 2WD, Auto.

So thanks again, and I'll bee seeing you around!

-Matt

[mudrunninpig]

welcome to the org

[Gruss]

Welcome to the .org. Matt 70mph at 2200 is about right for 3.55's. I run a muffler, not gonna hurt performance any. The vibration could be the down pipe hitting the firewall or frame, it is very tight down through there and it doesn't take much for a pipe to rub. Try loosening the band clamp on the turbo while someone else twists the pipe from underneath then re tighten the clamp. Sounds like a nice truck, post some pics when you get a chance, we like pictures.

[mktsc]

I think you're right about the downpipe causing the vibration.

Here are some pictures from the previous owner:




The bad news is my supposedly "rust-free" truck is hiding the usual ford rust under those aftermarket flares. There was also a huge nasty "powerstroke" decal on the tailgate. I borrowed the wife's hairdryer and removed the decal, but not without some small paint damage. Also the PO removed the towing mirrors rather crudely leaving rusted cut off bolts out of the door holes, and installed the F-150 oval style mirrors, but didn't do a very good job. I think I'm going to wait until summer and take care of the bodywork on the doors. Lastly it needs rear spring shackles. The undercarriage is still REALLY nice though.

So even with it's imperfections (which are normal for any 14yo vehicle with 183k miles), it's still in great shape, and runs great. I love my new OBS.

-MK

[mktsc]

Update:

Turns out I'm going to need both rear leaf springs replaced too. Both are broken and missing leafs. Oh well.

I have another question though. The E40D Auto Trans has an electronic lockup converter right? When I shift up through the gears, I think I can feel it locking up between shifts. I hear the Auto isn't the most refined feeling trans because of it's heavy duty construction. I guess I'm just not familiar with how it feels. Is it supposed to feel somewhat clunky (when compared to a new PSD)?

The PO replaced the trans 200mi ago, and gave me the reciept from a very reputable trans shop.

Thanks again for all your help.

-MK