Today I looked at a 1997 Ford F-350 Crew Cab with a 7.3 engine. It has 205,000 miles and is priced at $6,600. It’s one of my dream trucks, but I am concerned because it shifts hard. The gear change is abrupt rather than gradual. The owner mentioned that a shift kit was installed before he bought it, which is supposed to reduce the “slip” in shifting, but it feels like it jerks into gear. The transmission fluid looked clean and free of metal shavings. I’m not sure if this is normal or if there’s an easy fix. My brother-in-law, who has owned a few of these, says it’s normal, but I would like to hear other opinions on whether this is a good deal. The truck is in good condition overall, the interior is great, and while there are a few rust spots, the owner is including two brand new fenders. I really want this truck, but I am unsure if I should go for it. Any advice?
If a shift kit was installed, that’s normal. Shift kits typically make the shifting process quicker.
Although I have heard that, I’ve never really driven anything with one installed. Just gave me the shakes. 
It will if you have never felt it in action before. 
It seems like a fantastic value, and from my experience, automatic 7.3-liter vehicles frequently seem like they recently had a transmission replaced or are about to do so or occasionally both, But that wouldn’t deter me from purchasing it.
All I needed to confirm was that it was a typical occurrence. I appreciate your advice.
I purchased one with a hard-shifting Jasper E4OD, and it broke into all neutrals after 10k miles. To be fair, I bought it with 450k miles on it, and the previous owner didn’t speak English, 
so I am not sure if it had a shift kit or not.