need help with info on powerstrokes

[irishluder]

Hello!

I am new to the forum and my dad and I are currently looking at 2 Fords that are in an auction. There is a 96 F250 7.3 turbo diesel w/ 178k and auto tranny, and a 97 F350 Dually 7.3 turbo diesel w/ 95K and auto tranny and 4x4.

What are things to look for before we bid on these?
is auto trannys a big problem area for this generation of truck?
any links to any helpful info is GREATLY appreciated

THANKS

[99Smokin73Stroker]

I personally would go with the 97 truck. It has less miles and is right when the PSD started to get really good. I don't know much about that generations transmissions but as with any stock automatic it will lack a torque converter that will hold up to power adders heavy towing and occasional abuse. I would just look the truck over like you normally would, but look to see how close it is to stock.......like the lack of an exhaust kit or an intake or something like that. That would tell me that the previous owner most likely used the vehicle normally and it hasn't been run hard or abused.

[Rodslinger]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org! Good luck on your purchase - y'all are going to love the rig.

[mschn99]

i agree with smoke.....i would go for the duelley since it has lower milage. Its not a big deal if you know the maintanence history, but since you dont, i think i would be looking at the lower milage one.

If you can access the trucks, i would reccomend pulling the dipsticks on the trannies....smell the fluid. It should not smell burnt and should be bright pinkish red....if it is, i would guess the trannies have been taken care of....

[irishluder]

thanks for the welcome and input guys!