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350 platform

1996 Ford F-350

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 F-350.

The 1996 Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup built on the robust 350 platform, with its engine requiring 6.0 quarts of 5W-20 API oil. This model year saw just 10 owner complaints, centered on vehicle speed control, and two recalls. Within the 1991–2013 generation, it sits in a notably quiet period, far from the 1999 peak of 450 complaints, signaling a strong reliability standing for researchers.

Model year2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 1996

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque140 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	248.8 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	73.2 in
Wheelbase	168.1 in
Curb weight	5229 lb
Track (front / rear)	65.7 / 63.4 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the F-350 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

9.4–10.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.40 sec — 2005 Super Duty Harley-Davidson 6.0L Crew Cab (6.9 ft. Bed)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1999	Super Duty XLT SuperCab DRW 6.8L Diesel V10	10.10 sec	17.70 sec	—	RWD
2005	Super Duty Harley-Davidson 6.0L Crew Cab (6.9 ft. Bed) 6.0L Turbo Diesel V8	9.40 sec	16.90 sec	325 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-140 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-140
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	5.5 Pints rear, Ford 8.8 and 9.0
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	40-45 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	40-45 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	45-50 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	212 DI Diesel ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	75-85 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	75-85 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	89 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	75-85 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	150.0-177.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	75.0-115.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	75.0-115.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	140 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	7.0-17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	7.0-17.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	750 LD rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	650 DI Diesel rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	2.38 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	68
Oil Capacity	11.00. On these models, additional refrigerant oil may be required to reduce chance of A/C compressor failure. After removing all refrigerant from system & performing required repairs, look for an Authorized Modification decal on radiator support near Emission Control decal. If modification decal appears, add only specified amount of refrigerant oil. On models except 1995-96 Bronco & F Series & 1995 Econoline w/front & rear A/C, if modification decal does not appear, add specified amount of refrigerant oil, plus an additional 2 ounces. On 1995-96 Bronco & F series, if modification decal does not appear, add specified amount of refrigerant oil, plus an additional 4 ounces. On 1995 Econoline models w/front & rear A/C, if modification decal does not appear, add specified amount of refrigerant oil, plus an additional 3 ounces. This oil may be poured directly into accumulator assembly or injected into refrigerant recharging equipment. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	65

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	30-45 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	30-45 @ Idle rpm
Engine Oil Pressure	40-65 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	1500 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure	40-70 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3300 rpm

Brakes

Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS
Torque to Knuckle	74-100 ft-lbs / 141-190 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	12-20 ft-lbs
Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket	12-20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	141-190 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.030; Rear: 0.030 specification
Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

52-53 ft. lbs., Step 2: 80

52–53 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	35-40 ft. lbs.	35–40 ft. lbs
2	56-60

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep (W) Windsor engine

1	85 ft. lbs.	85 ft. lbs
2	95 ft. lbs.	95 ft. lbs
3	105-112

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep First Sequence

1	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
2	85 ft. lbs.; Second Sequence	85 ft. lbs
3	105 ft. lbs.	105 ft. lbs
4	105

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	80 ft. lbs.	80 ft. lbs
2	110 ft. lbs.	110 ft. lbs
3	130-140

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

8-12 ft. lbs., step 2: 12-22 ft. lbs., step 3: 22-35

8–12 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

76 ft. lbs., Step 2: 96

76 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Release Lever Pivot Points (lubricate) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Fuel Filter Water Separator (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate)
Every 12,000 mi	Battery (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Clutch Release Lever Pivot Points (lubricate) · Disc Brake Caliper Guide Pin (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Leaf Spring U-Bolt (torque)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Breather Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Locking Hub (inspect) · Throttle Body Lever Stud (lubricate)
At 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Air Injection System (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1996 Ford F-350 sits at a transitional point within this generation's record. Complaint volume peaked in 1995 at 182 and declined to 151 in 1996, with 1997 showing a slight rebound to 163—suggesting a plateau rather than resolution. Recalls remained low across all three years (3-4 annually), while TSBs dropped consecutively from 183 (1995) to 171 (1996) to 152 (1997), indicating the manufacturer was issuing fewer technical service bulletins as the model matured. The target year recorded one fire complaint and zero crash-related complaints, with the top complaint areas being Vehicle Speed Control (3), Engine & Engine Cooling (2), Power Train (1), and Fuel System Other (1). This mid-generation period stands in sharp contrast to 1999, which saw a dramatic spike to 450 complaints and 13 recalls across the broader generation. The data doesn't specify the root causes behind these patterns. Concrete takeaway: the 1996 F-350 represents a comparatively stable model year within this generation—lower complaints than both adjacent years, minimal recalls, and declining TSBs—making it a relatively better prospect than the 1995 peak or the subsequent 1999 spike, though any used example still warrants thorough inspection of the noted complaint areas.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

104

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95’96’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’13

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 10 complaints on record, top 7 components.

Vehicle Speed Control3

Engine & Engine Cooling2

Power Train1

Fuel System, Other1

Fuel System, Gasoline,Fuel System, Other1

Electrical System1

Suspension1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

96V146000Structure:Frame And MembersReported 01/08/1996

THE CROSSMEMBER FRAME GUSSETS WERE INSTALLED WITH UNDERSIZED THREADED FASTENERS FOLLOWING A BREAKDOWN OF THE PRODUCTION RIVET GUN THAT IS GENERALLY USED. THIS GUSSET IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE REAR STRAP OF THE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CROSSMEMBER GUSSET FASTENERS WITH THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE FASTENERS (BOLTS).

97V209000Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)Reported 13/11/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME CHASSIS. HOT EXHAUST GASSES CAN LEAK FROM THE EXHAUST GAS RETURN (EGR) TUBE ON THE ENGINE. A HOLE CAN DEVELOP IN THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE TUBE. HEAT DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EGR TUBE.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 104 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
03211	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	LOSS OF POWER AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ALSO ILLUMINATE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE…
03213	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	A NO-START OR REDUCED POWER CONDITION MAY OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. *TT
032112	2003-10-30	Power Train	ON VEHICLES WITH TRANSMISSION BUILD DATES PRIOR TO 9/20/95, THE OVERDRIVE CANCEL LAMP MAY…
032114	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	THE FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) BELT MAY WEAR, SHRED AND/OR COME OFF DURING…
032121	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	A HIGH NUMBER OF HIGH PRESSURE REXROTH PUMPS AND INJECTION PRESSURE REGULATORS (IPR) ARE…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific F-350. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 6.0 qt 350-platform vehicles

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1996 F-350 take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1996 F-350 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.