My new to me 97 f350 crew cab

strider3700

Adventurer
So after a few months hunting and a couple of collapsed deals I have a shiny (not really) new ( definitely not) F350 crew cab long box. It's effectively rust free, just a few minor scuffs needing touched up before the rust really sets in. It's got the 5.8L V8 and according to the owners manual the E4OD auto. Also according to the manual the front should be a dana 60 and the rear is a 10.25". Apparently a locker/limited slip is an option so I'll need to find out if I have either. I'm assuming the VIN will contain that info?

It has AC which is a first for me. I'd assume it's power steering and brakes other then that everything is good old fashioned manual windows, locks, mirrors,...

The test drive and quick inspection revealed the tailgate has seen better days but still works and the tires are so bald it's amazing they are holding any air and there is a crack in the windshield but it's out of the way so I've yet to decide if I'll live with it or replace it.

It has a class IV receiver and camper tie downs already installed. The previous owner used it just to haul his boat and camper but upgraded to a larger boat which forced him into a dually cummins due to the weigh.

It's only got 146,500 km on it, and the price was right so it came home with me.

On the 50 km drive home I noticed that the AC blows ice cold but either I haven't figured it out or the switch which changes where the air is going isn't working. It always goes onto the windshield even when I set it to floor. I've got to find a manual to see if this is a fuse, motor, cable,... whatever might be causing the vents not to move.

Since i need new tires, the ones on there are toyo's. I don't know if they are original or replaced once, I was at first thinking about going up a few sizes if they'll just magically fit. At this point however I have to hop up into the truck and my wife with a bum knee hasn't even managed to get into it so I'm wondering if I really need some extra height. The stock tires are 235/85 r16's, which is just shy of 32". I can't imagine my 90% on road 10% gravel road to minor trail driving would warrant going to a 33 or larger but maybe their is a more common size thats close that is cheaper rubber wise? I was thinking BFG TA/KO's. I like the look, a lot of people run them and they should be reasonable in the rain on the road with the occasional dirt and snow issues. If anyone else has suggestions I'm listening.

The spare is currently mounted in front of the grill on the front bumper. My wife commented she could hear the banjo's playing just looking at it so thats gotta go. It can ride in the bed or back under the bed for now.

The other thing I need to get on fairly quickly is either some sort of steps/nerf bars/ rock sliders... so that my wife can get into the truck. I found some nice looking smitty built nerd bars online but at $500 I'm thinking a great deal on the truck doesn't mean lets waste it on a couple steel tubes. I have access to a welder and have used it a bit. I'm not going to be rock crawling with this beast so how hard can it be. That's probably the kiss of death right there but can anyone point me to some tutorial web pages on making these things?

I'll take some pictures tomorrow.
 

Rozzi

Adventurer
Great truck. 1997 was the last year of that classic bodystyle (my favorite body style on the F series trucks). Good luck with the new truck. Congratulations.
 

EricRichards

New member
As a fellow 1997 F350 CC LWB owner, all I can say is you will love it. I have the 7.3 diesel, but other than that it is the same. I bought mine used and it came with a set of steps that are 3" tube bolted to box steps at each door. It is so easy to get in and out of with them. I went with Toyo M55 255x85x16 tires, I love them wear is fantastic, ride is great, they only have a mild road hum, nothing like a true mud tire.
The only weak link in these trucks is the transmission. Other than that, the truck is way over built.
 
Last edited:

bucketosudz

Explorer
So after a few months hunting and a couple of collapsed deals I have a shiny (not really) new ( definitely not) F350 crew cab long box. It's effectively rust free, just a few minor scuffs needing touched up before the rust really sets in. It's got the 5.8L V8 and according to the owners manual the E4OD auto. Also according to the manual the front should be a dana 60 and the rear is a 10.25". Apparently a locker/limited slip is an option so I'll need to find out if I have either. I'm assuming the VIN will contain that info?

Yes, the VIN will reveal this information for you, when you get the chance pick up the Ford Service Manual for your truck, it will also reveal much information on your truck. The E4OD can be a Weak Link, however with proper care they will last and do their job. If it were mine, when time allows, have a temperature senser installed.

It has AC which is a first for me. I'd assume it's power steering and brakes other then that everything is good old fashioned manual windows, locks, mirrors,...

It sounds like you picked up a Maintenance/Service truck? XL package? Less is more sometimes, The switches for the Windows and Lock actuators can be another weak link and somewhat of a pain to replace too. You have alleviated those with your truck!!
The test drive and quick inspection revealed the tailgate has seen better days but still works and the tires are so bald it's amazing they are holding any air and there is a crack in the windshield but it's out of the way so I've yet to decide if I'll live with it or replace it.

It has a class IV receiver and camper tie downs already installed. The previous owner used it just to haul his boat and camper but upgraded to a larger boat which forced him into a dually cummins due to the weigh.

It's only got 146,500 km on it, and the price was right so it came home with me.

On the 50 km drive home I noticed that the AC blows ice cold but either I haven't figured it out or the switch which changes where the air is going isn't working. It always goes onto the windshield even when I set it to floor. I've got to find a manual to see if this is a fuse, motor, cable,... whatever might be causing the vents not to move.

Vacuum hose perhaps? Sometimes with age and jostling the vacuum hoses will slip from their attachment points and when you give the ole' switcheroo, no adjustment.

Since i need new tires, the ones on there are toyo's. I don't know if they are original or replaced once, I was at first thinking about going up a few sizes if they'll just magically fit. At this point however I have to hop up into the truck and my wife with a bum knee hasn't even managed to get into it so I'm wondering if I really need some extra height. The stock tires are 235/85 r16's, which is just shy of 32". I can't imagine my 90% on road 10% gravel road to minor trail driving would warrant going to a 33 or larger but maybe their is a more common size thats close that is cheaper rubber wise? I was thinking BFG TA/KO's. I like the look, a lot of people run them and they should be reasonable in the rain on the road with the occasional dirt and snow issues. If anyone else has suggestions I'm listening.

You can get a leveling kit for your truck, it will replace the existing Springs as they may be tired. It will oft times give you about an inch of height above its factory presentation. 265 or 285's are a good choice without a lift. Not to mention the higher you lift them, the tougher it can be to align them.

The spare is currently mounted in front of the grill on the front bumper. My wife commented she could hear the banjo's playing just looking at it so thats gotta go. It can ride in the bed or back under the bed for now.

If it hasnt been removed it should have an under bed spare holder also, allowing for space until you choose not to have it under the truck.

The other thing I need to get on fairly quickly is either some sort of steps/nerf bars/ rock sliders... so that my wife can get into the truck. I found some nice looking smitty built nerd bars online but at $500 I'm thinking a great deal on the truck doesn't mean lets waste it on a couple steel tubes. I have access to a welder and have used it a bit. I'm not going to be rock crawling with this beast so how hard can it be. That's probably the kiss of death right there but can anyone point me to some tutorial web pages on making these things?

I'll take some pictures tomorrow.

WELCOME to the Portal, their are several Full-Size fans here, sit a spell and have a Great Time. :elkgrin:

I might also suggest you visit ford-trucks.com/forums They have a pretty good bunch of folks there that can give you alot of information you may be seeking.
 

redthies

Renaissance Redneck
Congrats on the new truck! I shopped for a 92-97 F350 crew in Vancouver/Victoria for about three months without finding the right truck. I finally bought one in Oakland California! As far as tires go, the BFG allterrains are a great tire, but will wear very quickly on your truck. I just bought Pro Comp extreme allterreins for mine as they are said to last longer. We shall see... The Toyos that are on yours are probably the 77s and would be a decent choice to stick with. All the loggers run them on their 350s here in Squamish and we have similar conditions to your area. As far as size, 285-75R16 is the PERFECT size for our trucks. Mine came with 315-75-16s but they are a bit big for what you want. 255-85-16 is also an excellent choice, but they will be about an inch taller and narrower than the 285s. If you put the spare back underneath, make sure it is tight or it can hit the exhaust and melt. As posted above, the only weakness is the E4OD and possibly the electronic ignition. Post up some pics when you get a chance, and good luck with it!
 

ntsqd

Heretic Car Camper
There's a '97 7.3 CC LB SRW with a service bed on it FS down the street and around the corner from me. It pulls me in every time that I go by. I don't even know what I'd DO with it, I just want it.
 

strider3700

Adventurer
Some pictures
IMG_3337.JPG


IMG_3342.JPG


IMG_3345.JPG


I'd say the tires are done ;)
IMG_3349.JPG


and my first mod
IMG_3352.JPG
 

Maximus Ram

Expedition Leader
WOW, you folks there do things a bit different..spare on the front. Guess that helps with any Moose problems:elkgrin:


Nice truck..have fun with modding it:wings:
 

strider3700

Adventurer
heh the previous owner had some trouble getting the spare out from under the bed one time so he decided the front was the logical choice. he had a big camper filling the bed so I guess it was the easy decision. I figure if you're tires aren't all completely bald to the point that you can see the belt wires sticking through in places you won't have so many issues with flats...
 

strider3700

Adventurer
As a fellow 1997 F350 CC LWB owner, all I can say is you will love it. I have the 7.3 diesel, but other than that it is the same. I bought mine used and it came with a set of steps that are 3" tube bolted to box steps at each door. It is so easy to get in and out of with them. I went with Toyo M55 255x85x16 tires, I love them wear is fantastic, ride is great, they only have a mild road hum, nothing like a true mud tire.
The only weak link in these trucks is the transmission. Other than that, the truck is way over built.

Do you have any pictures of the the tubes and steps? That would be great. looking under the truck today it looks like it shouldn't be that hard to make up some brackets and attach something to the frame.
 

redthies

Renaissance Redneck
Yes Max Ram, we do things a bit differently up here... Expo white F350s with blue interiors... Oh wait... I got mine in Nor Cal!!! Maybe it is more the same than most think!:elkgrin: Mr Stryder, you might want to consider a Sky Offroad shackle reversal kit someday. I put one in my F350 and it rides MUCH smoother. It will sit your truck up about three inches though. Best bang for buck mod I've done on mine though. And as I posted last, the Toyos of choice if you don't want the MTs are the M55s which are what you have. Not the M77s. Don't know where the extra 22 came from...:sombrero:
 

strider3700

Adventurer
Today I had a set of goodyear wrangler silent armor tires installed. I stuck with the 235/85-16 size. I figured that the truck in stock form has more ground clearance then my old one and frankly the mileage already sucks so why make it worse for some functionality or look that isn't going to be necessary.

I'm happy with the more aggressive look compared to my dead toyo's, the extreme winter snow and ice rating and the tread wear warranty. Realistically the truck will see far more on road then off so I had to keep my priorities straight And like everything else budget mattered.

I've tracked down the vacuum leak under the dash and now have all the heating/cooling features working. I also replaced the bulbs in the head lights with some silverstar ultras. The ones coming out had a date of may 97 on them. Not sure it they're original or just replaced over a decade ago, either way they were very dim on the back roads.

Next up is installing some carr steps so that I can take the step ladder for my wife out of the back. I'm also on the hunt for a canopy. Does anyone have a picture of a giant white truck with a lack canopy on it? there is an inexpensive one for sale around here but I'm not sure if it will look horrible or not.
 

strider3700

Adventurer
thanks for the pic but sorry it was a typo. It should have been - Does anyone have a picture of a giant white truck with a black canopy on it?
 

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