Hey folks,
My cousin has a 1997 f250 with a 351W, and for some reason we are having a hell of a time finding exhaust parts for it. For some reason, most companies make exhausts for the trucks up to 1996, and then skip 1997, going on to the 5.4 in 1998. What gives?
Gino
ps...is the 1996 the same as the 1997?

 

Might be the way you're parts guy is looking things up. 1997 was a very interesting year because there were actually two very different F-250's. There was the classic (1993-1998) style F-250 Heavy Duty and an F-250 Light Duty that looked just like the "new" F-150 that was introduced in '97. That particular model was discontinued in 1998 and replaced with what is now called an F-150 7700 package. That particular truck came with the new 4.6 or 5.4 liter modular motors.

The F-250 HD on the other hand continued the old body style (and motor selection) until the new Super Duty came out in 1999 I believe. These trucks were available with the 351 and 460 gas motors and the 7.3 turbo diesel. There was even a time where you could actually get the old 300 straight six in a 2WD F-250. Hope that helps.

 

Oh yea, your particular 1996 351 is probably exactly the same as a 1997 HD and they're noted for going through exhaust manifolds - particularly if you plow snow with them.