Any opinions on a '97 F250 4x4 w/Powerstroke 7.3l?

I'm considering one, but really haven't had much luck researching the big 3 and coming up with a preference. I need the power, longevity and mileage of a diesel for hauling horses, and the 4x4 for slick ramps and lumpy gravel bars.

I might consider any of the big 3 automakers, but am really partial to Ford and/or Dodge. The year is really not an issue, but cost is. I'd like to stay under $17.5k.

33% prefer Ford, and have nasty things to say about Chevy and Dodge.

33% prefer Chevy, and have nasty things to say about Ford and Dodge.

33% prefer Dodge, and have nasty things to say about Chevy and Ford.

Finegrain, I hope you did that w/ c-n-p.

AuntyM, the tranny is probably my biggest concern on that truck, and I may decide to opt for the warrantee extension myself if it hasn't been replaced.

It's only got 75k miles on it, but they did have a 5th wheel hitch on it...don't know what they towed, but I have to assume it was heavy.

My second favorite topic to talk about. Ford Diesels!!!!! I had 2 1996 F250's. They were XLT's, with 4x4, extended cabs and automatic trannies. The automatic hubs are CRAP!!!! If the truck still has them (most have gone TU by now) have them changed to manual Warn hubs. Also, the glow plug solenoids were a weak spot, but they've upgraded those I believe. In the F250's the ball joints will go out at 100K miles because of the added weight of the 7.3 over the 460 gas motor. The F350 with the different supsension didn't have the ball joint problems as much. These were the only problems I ever had. I had 165K on one truck and the other I sold at 80K. Neither leaked a drop,the A/T's were super solid and I towed alot!! The one with 80K has made the trip to Alaska several times. I sold it to a guide friend of mine who runs salt boats, and it now has 120K on it and all he's done is the front end work since he bought it. It also tows a 28'salt boat alot and no problems.

I've also got a '99 F250 w/120K, a '02 with 75K, and a '02 with 36K. The '02 with 36K just lost an alternator, but Ford honored the warranty, so it was a free fix. I can't say enough about my trucks....now something will probably go TU. Damn "Murphys Law".