In stock form, the manual is stronger. If you are looking to build for power, you can't beat a built auto, but they are expensive to build.

 

I had a 96 with 396,xxx on it built the tranny at 100K and ran the guts out of it, pulled a 26ft gooseneck its whole like. I only did the tranny once a water pump and all 8 glow plugs. Engine still running like a top when I sold it.

 

I have a 97 with 175k, PO didnt take much care of her, so now im payin for it, but i love it to death. so far since puchasing it in january i have rebuilt the tranny myself, i put a shift kit in it while i had her torn down. I replaced the #5 injector, changed the oil twice in, and am getting ready to do wheel bearings. Ive purchased a ts 6pos chip, DP, and gauges, but the day they came in at the post office the steering column bearing went out. I love this truck, will most likely never sell it.

you guys say you have these high milage trucks, and the 7.3 is proven reliable, why do you sell them?

i get crap about how slow the 7.3 is all of the time at school, but low and behold, ive never blown a head gasket or eaten a turbo (6.0L) and i can get 17mpg in town and 21 on the highway, stock, i love my OBS and its "slow" 7.3

 

I have a 95 with 230k on it and it still runs brand new. I get 24 miles to the gallon. Wouldn't trade or sell her for anything.

 

dont let anyone give you **** about a 7.3 DI, personally I didnt buy a diesel for speed (thats what the torino is for) I bought my '96 for daily driver, tow pig, off road warrior and RELIABILITY, and thats solid!! keep the old powerstroke alive and it'll pay for itself