I pull a Bob cat t190 with bucket and forks and a fence post pounder on a 16ft trailer all in all I'd say its total weight is around 15,500 lb and sometimes up to 20 or so post in bed with a 2002 7.3 powerstroke 4r100 and it does a good job, but is a regular cab and I'm in need of a 4 door and I have found a 97 f350 with a 7.3 e40d? 4 door low miles at a good price, my question is will I be able to do all I do with the 97 that I do with the 02? Or will I be disappointed? Both are stock to my knowledge. Any thoughts?

 

it will but you will give up 50hp! that is alot of weight for that truck both the 2002 and 97.
i would make sure you had a good tranny cooler and deep gears, some of those trucks had 355's