The ride and all around drive of a '99 and newer are ALOT better than the '97 and older F350's. A buddy of mine bought a 97 F350 to pull a 47' enclosed race trailer. 7.3, 5 spd, 2wd, x-cab dually. He kept it 1 1/2 years then bought an early 99 (02/99), 7.3, 6 spd, 2wd, crew cab dually. The 99...