I'm looking for a new work truck and came across a 99 Utility Body. Presently I'm driving a 97 F350 Turbo Diesel 4X4:eek: . Is there anything I should know about this engine before I go for a look and test drive.

The truck is a 4x2 Dualie 1 ton with an auto. Any idea on the mileage I can expect to get?

Thanks in advance for the input. I'm sure you all will be out to convert me,

I shouldn't have to convert you ... you already have a Ford, so you know which way to go next... :)

The 6.5 will have less power than the 7.3L turbo, in stock form. (If it doesn't already have these things), you may need to add bigger exhaust, gauges, reflashed PCM, turbomaster to get it up-to-speed, so you need to factor that into your price. About $1000 for the upgrades.

You may need injectors, it it is over 100,000 mi. Ask what has been changed already - and get the mileage they were changed at.

Fuel mileage. can't help ya with. I have a 2500 2wd with 3.73 gears and get about 22 mpg CDN at 70-75 mph, but yours will have more rolling resistance (dual wheels) and a lower gear ratio (probably 4.10). A lot of it depends on what speed/rpm you drive at and on your driving habits.

Check it out, take it for a drive, ask teh right questions, and then come back here. Lots of guys on here know TONS about these trucks, and most of us know lots about one or two things, so this is a great place to get some advice.

Go to the top of this forum and read through the sticky on FAQ's. Thats one of the best things about this website its a bit easier at getting up to speed.

I'm Presently I'm driving a 97 F350 Turbo Diesel 4X4:eek: . ,

You have our condolences :D welcome to the site, 6.5s get bad rap from those that never took time to understand them, a lot of hidden power to be tapped into, as recommended go to FAQ there is a buying guide thread there. Another secret to the 6.5 since they do have a bad rap LOTS of inexpensive spare parts to be found, & they share many parts with the n/a 6.2 also another source for parts

And the 'bad rap' usually means you can get 'em cheap, from people who don't know any better.

Wait, that's sort of reprehensible of us, isn't it?

Whatever.

Welcome to the Place.Post the truck in the signature place. I've been with this engine product since day one in1981. Just 2 years into the 6.5 scene though. Poor 6.5 resale is a direct result of ignorance. Product Knowledge is valuable. Not saying the truck is perfect ,but the real & percieved problems can be overcome. First request by VIN ,here on this site,the GM warranty work history to have a picture of the trucks life.Then run the no or low cost tests to do before buying the truck that can be learned here.You must determine ,before buying you have no compression into the cooling system first.The 99/2000 years were the final incarnation of the 6.5 & product knowledgable folks recognize that has value. Start your engine & Gooooooo.

My buddy has a 1996 powerstroke with a manual trans. and doesn't have any more power than mine. In fact since I put the intercooler on mine on the hot days I pull from him when we are towing our trailers on the hills. Mine is a 25 foot and his a 26 both right around 9000 lbs. loaded. Both of our trucks have 4.10 gears so we are even there. The 6.5L is rated at 195 HP and 440 ft. lbs.. And the 1996 powerstroke is rated at 215 HP and 440 ft. lbs. And like I said he can't pull from me and onthe longer hills I pull from him. He wants to add an intercooler now since when we go camping and I'm pulling hills at 50-55 and he's hitting 35-45. He's wanting an intercooler. The way people talk about powerstrokes and cummins and such I thought he was just going to fly away from me on the hills. Definitely not the case. Maybe the early 6.5L because they were rated at 180 and 380. But I have had no problem keeping up or pulling from him. In fact last trip we turned onto a road and he was following me, and once we turned it was a decent incline for about 2 miles. I made my turn and he was right behind me and I rolled onto the throttle and I pulled from him all the way up the hill. I know there are more mods for the powerstroke but in basically stock form. They don't have much more power if any than a 6.5L. And I think the 4L80E transmission is way better than ford or Dodges trans. in that era. I haven't regretted getting my 6.5L once since I've had it

Good clarification, r85sub!

I thought the 96 7.3L powerjokes were equipped with IC already... my error.

I know that I can stay with 'em no problem now, but I have done the exhaust, chip, turbomaster thing... before that? Not a chance... they ate me alive with the trailer on the back. EMPTY was a different story; but my truck was a real pig with a load on it.

And yes, I think the 4L80E is a much better tranny, too.