Table of Contents
The Features of the 1996 Ford F250
As mentioned, the F250 was offered in two models, the standard F250 and F250HD. Ford redesigned the light-duty F250 while keeping the heavy version the same as in years past. The older style F250s were known as OBS (Old Body Style).
The newly redesigned F250 didn't have the Twin I-beam suspension, while the HD did. There were new engine choices for the light-duty, but the engines for the HD were the same as in 1996. A new flowing contour with effective air channeling was a part of the new design, while OBS models kept straight lines as before. The light-duty rode more like a car, while the F250HD acted like a truck with heavy springs and axles.
Cab Configurations
Ford offered two cab configurations for the new F250 (Regular and SuperCab). The OBS held onto the same cabs as before, which included the Reg, SuperCab, and CrewCab. While the new F250 light-duty Reg Cab had 8’ beds, the SuperCab was only offered with a 6 ¾ ‘ bed.
The New F250
Ford redesigned the new F250 with curved lines that allowed better air resistance. The dented accent line was eliminated in favor of a smooth side panel extending from the front quarter panel to the tailgate. The windshield was angled back slightly to increase visibility.
The front grille was darkened and given rounded edges, bookend by headlight and turn signal assemblies. The blue oval logo was positioned in the middle of the grille. The chrome bumper had integrated rectangular fog lights. The bumper wrapped around the front quarter panel matches the wrap-around parking/turn signal lights.
The tailgate handle was color-coordinated with the truck’s exterior, and the Ford badging was moved to the lower right-hand side. A rear chrome bumper with a step gave the truck a nice uniform look. A third door was added to the SuperCab, which provided better access to the rear bench seat.
Inside the new F250, a new 60/40 front seat was installed with leather (in the Lariat trim), with a center fold-down storage console. The rear bench seat was also 60/40 split which allowed customers the option of hauling passenger and cargo at the same time. The front dash was rounded on the top, providing a more cockpit feel. A new passenger side airbag was installed to compliment the driver’s side airbag that had been a part of the F150 for a few years.
Several options were available such as a six-CD changer (on the XLT and Lariat trims), interval wipers that beat in conjunction with the truck’s speed, a six-way power seat, and automatic on/off headlights.
Powering the new F250 was a standard 4.2 V6 engine, and optional 4.6 Triton V8, and 5.4 Triton V8. Two transmissions were offered a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.
Exterior Paint Colors
The new F250 offered 11 paint colors for the F250 and 6 for the Lariat Trim. The Lariat had two-tone paint schemes on the lower rocker panel (optional on the XLT). Interior colors were Cordovan, Willow Green, Medium Graphite, and Prairie Tan. Ford continued the paint colors from the previous year on the F250HD.
Engine
The new F250 had three new engine choices for the 1997 model year. The 4.6L Triton V8 was standard, with an option for the 5.4L Triton V8. The same engines were used for both 4x2 and 4x4 F250s.
There was a change in the stock engine for the F250HD to the 5.8L V8. Ford had offered the 4.9 inline six as the standard engine for the F250 for over 30 years). Optional engines were the 7.5L V8 and the 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo-charged diesel. If customers ordered the CrewCab configuration, the standard engine was the 7.5L V8 with an option of the 7.3L Desiel.
Transmission
Ford offered only two transmission choices for the ‘96 F250 (New Body Style) - a five-speed manual with overdrive and an optional 4-speed automatic (AOD - E). If you chose an F250 with the 5.4L Triton V8, only the 4-speed automatic was offered.
The F250HD had a heavy-duty 5-speed manual as the basic transmission, and the 4-speed automatic with overdrive was optional. (Ford used the BW4406 or BW4407 transfer case, depending on transmission).
What Are The Specs For The 1997 Ford F250?
What Is a 1997 Ford F250 Worth Today?
The current market for F250 from the ninth-generation F series is strong. Hagerty states that a 1997 F250HD Reg Cab 2WD in good condition is worth $11,400. For a review of free listings of 1995 F-Series trucks and other used cars for sale, vehicle history, and consumer reviews, see the classiccars.com website. Many online sites have F250s and other vehicles with relatively low miles.
