Howdy folks,
New to forum,

I'm going to look at a 97 F150 XLT this weekend. What do I need to be on the lookout for when I check the truck out? Appreciate any help you can give.
thanks,
Cliff K

 

Just look at everything like you would for any vehicle. You never know what the previous owner did to it. So just look everywhere. Check for puddles under it. Drive it, listen to the sounds of the truck not the radio. See what works and what dont. I.E. check the wipers, horn, cruise , ect.....

 

If it has a slider, look for mildew or stains in the headliner.
Hit the backwindow with a waterhose if possible and look for water running down inside the glass.

Crank the spare down a bit and back up, chronic failure spot if not maintained.

You know about the door cracks, right? Search 'door cracks'. 99% have them, so that shouldn't be a show-stopper.

 

"What do I need to look at when buying 97 F150? " How about a Silverado? J/K!!!!

I just bought the same truck about two months ago now.

My biggest PITA?

1. Make sure all the keys match and fit all locks and ignition. I found out mine had been stolen and new (cheap ) ignition and drivers lock had been changed. Three different keys and none work very well so I am in the process of all new ignition and lock cylinders to match one key. Not cheap.

2. Have the spark plugs pulled and make sure there are NO repairs done such as, a helicoil. I found one on mine and feel a little cheated about it. Not sure how long it will last so I cross my fingers whenever we go for a road trip towing the boat. That's not the feeling I wanted when I bought this truck but oh well, it's mine now.

3. Drive it around and check that the temp gage is steady and not too warm. Then check the oil for water (milkshake on the dip stick) and the radiator and overflow for oil intrusion.

4. Check all gauges to see that readings are good and correct. Oil Pressure, temp, voltage, etc.

5. Make sure it tracks straight and no big rattles or grinding or knocking or funny noises. test the brakes.

That's it from me besides whatever everyone else is saying.

 

I check the tranny fluid too, make sure its nice and red.

Couple things I MADE DAMN SURE OF when I was test driving trucks.

Throw it in four wheel drive (if equipped), I'd say about 70% of the trucks I test drove had non working 4x4.

Make sure it drives strait and there isn't any play, slop, or shaking in the steering

Check the shocks. I wish I would have looked at mine better. I discovered that 2 of them are leaking within the first couple days I've had the truck. The others aren't far behind and I still haven't replaced them. The ride just keeps getting worse and worse.

I have a funny story about leaking windows. A few years back I was test driving a car out of some shady little dealership and the dealer was adamant about going through the car wash right away. When we did water starting POURING in through the back drivers side door. We got out of the car wash and parked quick, shut the car off, and the starter was still engaged! 2 mechanics finally got the starter to stop, and got the car to start again. We took it on the highway and the guy insisted on turning the radio up. Needless to say, he didn't make a sale. Watch for activity like this from a dealer or private seller. Don't let him try to wow you with the stereo, listen to the truck

Good luck!

 

I knew the basics about buying used. Just didn't know anything about ford trucks. all my blue oval experience is cars. actually both the trucks I've owned have had bowties on the front.

appriciate the heads up on the door cracks, would never have known to look as the truck looks great. only done a once over as it was parked in shopping center lot. going sat for test drive and crawl under. its 2wd, SB, extended cab, looks like it's never done any towing - no receiver hitch and bumper has no ball and no marks around hole. 4.2L w/ 5-sp.

If there's anything else funky about the breed you can remember, drop me a line. Otherwise, enjoy your Easter.

 

What I did when looking at my truck: Take a buddy, girlfriend, wife, whatever. Let them climb around the cab push buttons, play with the radio, make sure all the things work that would drive you nuts if they didn't. While they're doing that crawl under it look at the rear spring shackles, make sure they're intact. Check if the lower ball joints were ever replaced, they'll have grease fittings if they were. If they weren't replaced you'll probably need them. Peak at the manifolds and check for broken studs. Ask the owner not to warm it up for you before you get there, exhaust leaks at the manifold will reveal themselves only at cold start, not after it's all hot. Oil dipstick tube could be rusted away. Along with the points others had made, if you point out EVERYTHING you could get it cheaper than you thought.

 

The 97 and early 98 4.2's had bad lower intake gaskets. If you buy it, plan on replacing the intake and front cover gaskets on general principle. When they fail, coolant gets into the cylinders and hydrolocks the engine. The clutch slave cylinder is internal, integrated with the throwout bearing, and often won't even last as long as the clutch. I had to replace mine at 64k. Expensive job due to labor, the tranny has to be pulled to get at it.

 

Make sure to run the heat and smell the vents for anti-freeze smell.
If you smell anti-freeze, chances are the heater core is leaking, the whole dash has to come out to replace it. Be aware though that the smell can linger in the ductwork for a while after it's been repaired.
If the heat doesn't work, chances are it's leaked and has been bypassed.

The Blend door is another common problem, if it's bad you won't be able to adjust the temperature between hot & cold.
Drive the truck, if the temp changes by it self, that's another symptom of a broken blend door. Again the dash has to come out for repair.

Check that things light interior lights, power windows & locks, etc, work correctly.
The GEM module controls these things and water leaks from the windshield are known to damage the GEM.
Look for water damage/corrosion in the fuse panel under the dash, water damage or wet carpet on the driver's side.

The door cracks are common, and seem to be less common if the truck does not have power windows.