Re: l997 Ford 250 diesel longevity
I always thought Allison was a GM company. If so, how did Ford refuse to sell Dodge torque converters. Correct me if I am wrong. Right now, GM uses Allison transmissions and no one else does.
Wanted to meet DL this week and show him a thing or two about the Duramax/Allison, but could not get away.
I have had Fords
, Dodge :bleh: , and GM
. I have nothing bad to say about Dodge, nothing good to say about Fords, and love my Duramax/Allison GM trucks. They give you the best mpg, most power, and smoothest ride. In '06 you have 365 hp with 650 lb. of torque. The 6 speed transmission lets me cruise at 60 mph at 1500 rpm. I can push the tow haul button and when I slow down, it will automaticly downshift to assist braking. There is a "M" position on the shifter. That lets me manually change gears as I like using the +- button on the shifter. No one else offers as much.
Back to your question, a '97 Ford does have the 7.3 engine. It is a LOT better engine than the 6.0, what ever year. Right now, our local dealership has 4 customer who want Ford to buy back their diesels. They range from 2001-2005 year models. The 2006's may be better, but time will tell. However, my 3 Fords were (2)-2000's and a 2001. I had trouble with all three. My 2 Dodges were great, one never went back to the dealership for anything and I put 120,000 on it.
Good luck with your decision.