I am considering trading a 240K mile 2001 F250 for a 1997 F250. Both are 7.3 liters but I know they change things from year to year and all have their plusses and minuses. I am asking y'all if you could help me consider all the good and bad of my swap that I am considering. Would you see it as a good thing or bad?

 

Giving up a more comfortable ride for a less comfortable one. Noise, the obs will be louder inside the cab. Better front end for one that is known to give some people grief. You will gain forged rods but that probably doesn't mean to much to you if you aren't building a power house. Smaller injectors in the OBS unless it's a cali truck, then it still has smaller injectors but not as small. Smaller HPOP. Again, doesn't matter much if your keeping it close to stock.

Hope that gives you a start.

 

The 97 doesn't have a intercooler.
It has a 15*'HPOP the 01'has a 17*
97' 90cc injectors the 01 has 140cc
97 has a manuel fuel pump the 01 has elec.
97 doesn't have a wastegate
The 01'will ride better
IMO the 97 is easier to work on and is a better built truck

I'm sure I missing something as others will chime in

 

You get the triangle-shaped vent windows. 'Nuff said.

 

Wing windows, FTW.

 

yes

And from what Ive read, the earlier 7.3 is a more stout bottom end...I personally like the pre super duty trucks...

 

Several ppl has done that and not regret. I like more OBS for sure.
And you can add most of the mentioned things, like IC, 17*HPOP, electric fuel, etc.

 

How bout some more info on the OBS in question? Upgrades, condition, mileage, auto/manual? A well equiped and modded OBS would be a definate trade for me. Even if its stock, the reliability, looks, and potential are all motivators.

 

Why are you considering the trade? Problems with the 01? The 97 looks better? 2wd to 4wd swap? Getting rid of a payment?

The mileage on your current 7.3 wouldn't scare me, so what other factors are involved in this decision. If the 01 in mint and the 97 belongs in a junkyard, don't do it. If the 97 is mint and the 01 belongs in a junkyard then jump on it. If they're both somewhere in between, then we probably need more info so we can offer better advice.

 

I agree with Chris.. yet also am more bias to the OBS trucks. A well built OBS beats a Superdooty anyday in my book!
And when it comes to those little things the 01 have that the 97 doesnt...well IMHO it is half the fun adding all of that and enjoying the new found awesomeness of an already awesome truck! lol

 

well, trying to answer all...There are no problems with the 2001. It runs great, shifts great, has a diablo tuner in it (that I never use), some of the creature comforts are a challenge, ie one window bogs down when rolling down, door locks work some of the time with the fob etc, the clear coat is coming off on the hood, roof and bed.... It's only problem is that it is a 2wd. I would not even consider swapping if it was a 4wd because it is paid for and does it's job of pulling my trailer and pulling my boat fine. I need 4wd only occasionally when camping with my boys, backing down a slimy boat ramp, or trying to back my boat up a hill in my yard after it rains. The 97 looks mint, no extensive mods, no dents. The 97 looks awesome, would come with no payments, would meet my 4wd needs and seems on the surface like a good idea. It was all the peculiarities between the two trucks that I did not know about. With smaller injectors and no intercooler would it have significantly less power than the 01? I am probably beyond my days of hot rodding my daily driver, but a good strong bottom end ensures many, many years of service, in my opinion. I drive this to work and use it to play when not working, the comfort issue, I think, is not a big problem because I have had much less comfortable trucks (though I could be getting soft as I get older). Thanks you guys. I hope I can return the favor one day of all the info yall have shared.

 

The 97 came factory with 225 HP and 425 lb/tq, the 2001 came factory 250 HP and 505 lb/tq. So not a huge difference. Intake, and free flowing exhaust, and a decent chip (bullydog, diablo, superchips, edge dont do well with our trucks) would make up for most if not more than that easily

 

The only thing I don't like about the older F250's is the Dana 50 TTB front end. IF you're good at keeping up the maintenance on it then you're fine, but I like a solid front axle.

I think the guys have covered the differences pretty well. With just an intake an exhaust you can make up the small power difference. If you're staying near stock the intercooler is not a big deal. The OBS will not ride as smooth but you can actually swap Super Duty springs into a OBS but that requires some skill and welding.

One other thing though, what kind of camper do you have? IS it a pull behind or a truck camper?

If its a truck camper, depending on the year, it may or may not fit in the OBS bed. I have a truck camper that I specifically bought to be used in the OBS or newer super duty beds. I just wouldn't want you to buy a truck and then have to buy a new camper too.

 

If the truck looks like it has been taken care of mechanically, it looks like I will do it. Thanks to all y'alls input. I am definitely a man of "they don't make em like they used to" and I believe the 97 falls into that category. The camping I would be doing is tent camping and the 4wd is to get us where we want to put the tent (not a camper). The truck would probably have a very easy life with the boat being pulled and the occaisonal car hauler with my 66 Chevy. Thank you again.

 

If you get it don't forget pics.