1997 F250 Help needed.
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From: Ogden
1997 F250 Help needed.
Is anyone aware of somewhere that I can get some help decoding the vin and door decal on my 97 F250HD supercab? I checked out the Superduty FAQs and it seems like it is for a newer truck. There were several parts of my vin and specifically my axel type of "35" for which I could not find an answer. This is my first truck so i know diddly squat about trucks or towing so any help is greatly appreciated.
The truck does have high miles, 123,000. It is a longbed supercrew in XL trim, 5.4L gas. By the way can anyone tell me the first year the triton engine came out? I was asked if I had the triton engine, and i have no idea. Everything on the truck is stock including, I think, the towing package.
The truck does have high miles, 123,000. It is a longbed supercrew in XL trim, 5.4L gas. By the way can anyone tell me the first year the triton engine came out? I was asked if I had the triton engine, and i have no idea. Everything on the truck is stock including, I think, the towing package.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: OK
Need you to clarify a few things as I'm not sure which is correct: Either you have an F250LD with a 5.4L Triton engine... or you have an F250HD with a 5.8L engine.
In '97, Ford first offered the new 4.6L and 5.4L Triton engines in their new body-style light-duty trucks. The E-series vans and some car models had the engines for several years before that. The heavy-duty (Superduty) trucks got the Triton engines for the 1999 model year.
The '97 F250 HD has the 'old' body style (same as 1992-1996) and did not come with the newer Triton engines. It had the old push-rod 5.8L (351 CID) and 7.5L (460 CID) gas engines. An axle code of 35 for that truck indicates 4.10 gears with NO limited slip.
BTW, my '97 F250 HD w/460 now has over 188,000 miles on it.
In '97, Ford first offered the new 4.6L and 5.4L Triton engines in their new body-style light-duty trucks. The E-series vans and some car models had the engines for several years before that. The heavy-duty (Superduty) trucks got the Triton engines for the 1999 model year.
The '97 F250 HD has the 'old' body style (same as 1992-1996) and did not come with the newer Triton engines. It had the old push-rod 5.8L (351 CID) and 7.5L (460 CID) gas engines. An axle code of 35 for that truck indicates 4.10 gears with NO limited slip.
BTW, my '97 F250 HD w/460 now has over 188,000 miles on it.
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From: Ogden
I have read so many posts on this site that I think I have confused what I have with what I have read.
My truck is a 250HD with the 5.8L engine (I went out and checked). Most of the information I have found refers to the 7.5L engine that you have so I would appreciate any information you could share. I have read that the auto trans in the truck may be the weak link and I would appreciate any tips you have on keeping it in one piece. I hate to sound like an idiot, but except for dropping a car off to the mechanic I do not have much experience, I am however looking forward to getting my hands dirty with my truck.
My truck is a 250HD with the 5.8L engine (I went out and checked). Most of the information I have found refers to the 7.5L engine that you have so I would appreciate any information you could share. I have read that the auto trans in the truck may be the weak link and I would appreciate any tips you have on keeping it in one piece. I hate to sound like an idiot, but except for dropping a car off to the mechanic I do not have much experience, I am however looking forward to getting my hands dirty with my truck.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: OK
Heck, I forgot to welcome you to the site. So, WELCOME to FTE!
The tranny can be a source of trouble. Longevity depends on how well it was serviced by the previous owner. I bought my truck last year with 181,000 miles on it. Six months later, I had the tranny rebuilt. I knew the rebuild was going to be necessary when I bought the truck, but since it's mainly just a "farm" truck (and the price was right) I didn't care.
Other things that I've learned:
Brake pads on the rear drums can separate from the metal backing. You should check them at least once a year to make sure it hasn't happened. This is something I've personally experienced. Plus, the front rubber brake lines were shot. Front rotors are a PITA to replace. Don't choke when you hear the cost for a shop to do the work... it's a pretty labor-intensive task.
Auto hubs (if you have them on a 4x4) are prone to fail. Kits to convert to manual hubs are available and highly recommended. My truck had manual hubs, so I've not been through this particular issue.
Parts can be a bother to find. When you tell some of the parts counter "techs" that you have a '97 with a 5.8L engine, they may look at you with a blank stare. If that happens, just tell them it's for a '96 model truck. Most of the parts are fully inter-changeable. There are a few, however, that are 1997 model specific.
FTE (this website) is an incredible resource for information. Learn to use the search feature and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Towing Information:
You didn't say if the truck is 2WD or 4x4, so here's the numbers for each...
2WD: 8,800 GVWR; 13,000 lb GCWR; 7,800 lb MAX trailer weight
4x4: 8,800 GVWR; 13,000 lb GCWR; 7,400 lb MAX trailer weight
The tranny can be a source of trouble. Longevity depends on how well it was serviced by the previous owner. I bought my truck last year with 181,000 miles on it. Six months later, I had the tranny rebuilt. I knew the rebuild was going to be necessary when I bought the truck, but since it's mainly just a "farm" truck (and the price was right) I didn't care.
Other things that I've learned:
Brake pads on the rear drums can separate from the metal backing. You should check them at least once a year to make sure it hasn't happened. This is something I've personally experienced. Plus, the front rubber brake lines were shot. Front rotors are a PITA to replace. Don't choke when you hear the cost for a shop to do the work... it's a pretty labor-intensive task.
Auto hubs (if you have them on a 4x4) are prone to fail. Kits to convert to manual hubs are available and highly recommended. My truck had manual hubs, so I've not been through this particular issue.
Parts can be a bother to find. When you tell some of the parts counter "techs" that you have a '97 with a 5.8L engine, they may look at you with a blank stare. If that happens, just tell them it's for a '96 model truck. Most of the parts are fully inter-changeable. There are a few, however, that are 1997 model specific.
FTE (this website) is an incredible resource for information. Learn to use the search feature and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Towing Information:
You didn't say if the truck is 2WD or 4x4, so here's the numbers for each...
2WD: 8,800 GVWR; 13,000 lb GCWR; 7,800 lb MAX trailer weight
4x4: 8,800 GVWR; 13,000 lb GCWR; 7,400 lb MAX trailer weight
