1997 FORD F350 REGULAR CAB & CHASSIS

If you've been hunting for a purpose-built workhorse that can handle serious commercial or fleet duty, this 1997 Ford F350 Regular Cab & Chassis for sale at You First Autos in Costa Mesa, California deserves a close look. With its massive 460 cubic inch V8, a stout manual transmission, and a cab-and-chassis configuration purpose-designed for upfitting, this is the kind of truck that serious buyers — contractors, fleet operators, utility professionals, and classic truck enthusiasts — have been searching for. Stock #B2127800 is on the lot now and ready for a test drive.

About This 1997 Ford F350 Cab & Chassis

The cab-and-chassis body style sets this F350 apart from a standard pickup. Without a factory bed, this truck was built from the ground up to accept custom flatbeds, service bodies, dump inserts, utility beds, crane mounts, and more — making it an incredibly versatile platform for anyone who needs a truck that works as hard as they do. At 250,000 miles, this is clearly a truck with a working life behind it, but that's not necessarily a red flag on the right F350. The 7.5-liter big block was one of the most durable gas engines Ford ever produced, and trucks like this regularly rack up high mileage with proper maintenance. Buyers should inspect it carefully and price it accordingly — high-mileage workhorse trucks in this configuration can be genuine bargains when mechanically sound.

1997 Ford F350 Performance and Engine

The 460 Big Block V8 — A Legend in Heavy-Duty Trucks

Under the hood sits Ford's 460 cubic inch (7.5-liter) V8 — one of the largest and most respected gas engines ever installed in a production pickup truck. This engine was factory-rated at around 245 horsepower and, more importantly, produced massive torque figures that made it legendary for towing and hauling. Paired here with a 5-speed manual transmission, the driver stays fully in control of power delivery — ideal for working environments where you need precise throttle and load management. The 2WD drivetrain keeps mechanical complexity lower, reducing long-term maintenance costs compared to 4WD variants. On a 137-inch wheelbase regular cab chassis, this setup is maneuverable for a full-size heavy-duty truck while still offering the structural integrity needed for demanding commercial upfits.

What the Manual Transmission Means for Buyers

A 5-speed manual in a heavy-duty truck is increasingly rare. Many commercial operators and classic truck fans actively seek out manual-equipped F350s because they offer better driver feedback, fewer automatic transmission failure points, and a more direct connection to the work at hand. If you're comfortable with a stick shift, this drivetrain combination is genuinely hard to find in this configuration.

Ford F350 Features and Interior

As a 1997 working-class cab-and-chassis truck, this F350 wasn't built to pamper — it was built to perform. The regular cab configuration keeps things straightforward with seating for up to three occupants and a functional, durable interior layout typical of late-1990s Ford Super Duty predecessors. Expect the basics done right: a solid bench seat, functional HVAC controls, Ford's proven instrument cluster, and the kind of no-nonsense dashboard that holds up to job-site abuse. This is not a luxury truck — it's a tool. And for buyers who need a reliable cab-and-chassis platform to build upon, that's exactly the point.

Ford F350 Reliability and Ownership

What Owners and Mechanics Say About the 7.5L F350

The 1997 Ford F350 with the 460 big block has a well-earned reputation among fleet managers, mechanics, and truck enthusiasts alike. The 7.5-liter engine is known for its simplicity — it's a carbureted-era design updated with fuel injection, and it responds well to basic maintenance. Parts are widely available and affordable. Many mechanics consider the 460-powered F350 one of the most straightforward heavy-duty gas trucks to work on from this era. At high mileage, buyers should budget for typical wear items: seals, cooling system components, brake hardware, and transmission clutch inspection. A pre-purchase inspection from a trusted heavy-duty truck mechanic is always recommended at this mileage level — but don't let the odometer scare you away before you know the full picture.

Why Buy From You First Autos in Costa Mesa, California

You First Autos, located in Costa Mesa in Orange County, California, puts the customer experience at the center of every sale. Buying a high-mileage working truck requires transparency and honest conversation, and that's exactly the approach you'll find here. Costa Mesa is a hub for Southern California's contractor, construction, and trades communities — and the team at You First Autos understands what buyers in those fields need from a working vehicle. Stop by, ask the hard questions, and see this truck in person before someone else does.

Financing a Used Ford F350 Near Costa Mesa

Financing a high-mileage commercial truck can feel complicated, but You First Autos works with a range of lenders to find solutions for buyers across the credit spectrum. Whether you're a sole proprietor looking to add a work truck to your business, or an individual buyer who wants a capable platform to build out, the finance team can walk you through your options. Buyers throughout Orange County — from Huntington Beach to Irvine to Santa Ana — have found workable financing solutions at You First Autos. Call 714-329-0861 to discuss financing before you even step on the lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1997 Ford F350 with the 460 V8 a good buy?

For the right buyer, absolutely. The 460 big block is one of the most durable and well-supported gas V8 engines Ford produced. If the truck has been maintained and passes a mechanical inspection, it can continue to deliver reliable service for commercial or personal use.

Is 250,000 miles too many for an F350?

Not necessarily. Heavy-duty trucks like the F350 are engineered for high-mileage commercial use, and many reach 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. The key is knowing the service history and having a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and chassis before purchase. Mileage alone doesn't tell the full story.

What does the cab-and-chassis configuration mean?

A cab-and-chassis truck has no factory bed — it comes with a cab, frame, and drivetrain but is designed for a custom body upfit. Common upfits include flatbeds, service bodies, dump beds, utility boxes, and more. This makes it extremely versatile for contractors, municipalities, and commercial operators.

What is the towing capacity of a 1997 Ford F350 with the 460 V8?

The 1997 F350 with the 7.5-liter 460 V8 was rated to tow well over 10,000 pounds when properly configured — specific capacity depends on axle ratio, rear end configuration, and the installed equipment. It remains one of the strongest gas-powered towing platforms from its generation.

Where can I find a 1997 Ford F350 cab-and-chassis for sale near me in Orange County?

This specific truck — a 1997 Ford F350 Regular Cab & Chassis with the 460 V8 and 5-speed manual — is available now at You First Autos in Costa Mesa, in Orange County, California. Call 714-329-0861 or stop by to see it in person.

Serving Costa Mesa and Surrounding Areas of Orange County

You First Autos is proud to serve buyers throughout Orange County and the greater Southern California region. Whether you're coming from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Fountain Valley, or further out in the Inland Empire, this truck is worth the drive. Commercial truck buyers from across the region regularly visit You First Autos in Costa Mesa for quality inventory and straightforward deals. Costa Mesa's central location in Orange County makes it easy to reach from virtually anywhere in the Los Angeles Basin or surrounding counties.

Contact You First Autos Today

Don't let this rare 1997 Ford F350 Regular Cab & Chassis slip away. Trucks like this — big-block V8, manual transmission, cab-and-chassis configuration — are increasingly hard to find, and this one is priced and available now. Call You First Autos at 714-329-0861 to ask questions, schedule a test drive, or start the financing conversation. You First Autos is located in Costa Mesa, in Orange County, California, and the team is ready to help you put this workhorse to work.