Trailblazer Vs 96 Powerstroke Vs 99 Powerstroke. What should i do?

[Nathaniel0712]

So I have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer 4x4 4.2 with 122,000 miles on it. Bought it 9 months ago with 113,000 miles. Starting to have a few issues, drives fine, has the G80, but recently the rear end completely locked up and i skidded down the street about 100 feet. Plus the gas milage sucks for a 4.2, and lately a real truck is making much more sense for me. I've found a few good candidates, and i am just going to do a straight trade.

1996 Ford F-250 7.3 ext cab long bed 4x4 124k miles
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...2Nm=miles&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

1999 Ford F-250 7.3 ext cab long bed 4x4 283k miles http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...2Nm=miles&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

2000 Ford F-250 5.4 reg cab long bed 4x4 with topper 168k miles
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...2Nm=miles&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

I will be using this vehicle for towing, hauling construction material, camping, traveling, off roaidng etc.

Out of these three, which do you all think is the best buy. I know that 283k is nothing for a 7.3, however the real question is how the rest of the truck is going to hold up. The 96 is nice, but it has a TTB front end to my knowledge, although it has low miles and is in really nice shape. The good thing about the last one is it has decent miles, comes with a topper, and it is a bit better size for a city like chicago, however, this is my last year here so the size isnt to big of a deal. The breakover angle will be better with this one though.

 

[71WarWagon]

Id say the 96. The 99 powerstroke has more refinements engine wise (injectors, turbo and related plumbing) but without serious and extensive service records I'd be scared of the 283K miles. My late 99 stroke has around 230k, and runs like a champ but I know exactly what has and has not been done to it for the last 150k. A solid axle swap in place of the TTB is a common deal and is pretty easy to knockout in an afternoon. Im not a fan of the ford gassers...especially the 5.4. Very underpowerd in a larger truck platform IMHO and you will appreciate the space of the extended cab in the long run anyway.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Greggk]

i have 268,000 on my early 99 f250 powerstroke and i wouldnt hesitate to take it anywhere. the 99 IMHO is your best choice especially if you are going to tow. spen a little money and do a diy intake, a 4" turbo back exhaust and a TS 6 position chip and call it a day!