Well, the time has come. I've got a new 2010 F150 on the way, and it's time to say good bye to my 97 F150 SC 5.4 Lariat Long Bed 4X4. 244K on the odometer, she's been the finest vehicle I've ever owned. Started to show a bit of rust this past winter, and the new trucks are just too awesome. So I pulled the trigger, and am sending this old girl on to a new life somewhere.

Single most expensive repair in nearly 15 years? Alternator from a dealer at 103K. $389.00. No motor work, no tranny work. Balljoints, brakes, and tires is all I had to do.

Hope the new F150 serves me as well as the last two. 500K+ in 29 years! That would take me to 2025, and 3/4 million miles!

 

Awesome, congrats on the new truck. Hope you get the same mileage out of her. Don't think you can't swing back in, and say hi to us 97-03 folks, we're not to prejudice.

Oh yea, don't forget pics

 

congrats on the new truck. post some pics of the new one when/if you visit the 97-03 section. glad to see that your old truck gave you such a good run.

 

big upgrade in the safety part, we'll see in time how the reliability is of them

 

That makes me want to cry, or throw rocks...can't tell, Pretty sure I paid 129 for a lifetime reman and bout 15 mins to swap out. Glad to see the truck did what it should for you. Hope the next one does too.

 

Hope the new F150 serves me as well as the last two. 500K+ in 29 years! That would take me to 2025, and 3/4 million miles![/QUOTE]

That is very impressive

I miss my 97 Lariat Scab sometimes too and the only thing that makes the pain go away is getting in my 04 Lariat Screw. Brother in law just picked up a 2010 and it makes my brain hurt. I want, but cant justify as i dont drive my truck very much.

Just wanted to give props for taking advantage of the fact these trucks will last if they are takin care of and avoiding the temptation to buy a new one every 4 years too.

Congratulations

 

Yup, made me cry, too. Normally I doo most work myself, but I was out of town, and kinda screwed. Happened to be a dealer just off the freeway, and I literally coasted in to his lot. They tried to charge me for towing. They pushed it about 75 feet into the bay! They literally had me by the nads. Oh well, I guess I can't complain too much. They did give me some coffee while I waited.

New truck will be delivered Monday or Tuesday! Then I guess the For Sale sign goes in the windshield of the 97. Last one I kept around for 4 months before the wife told me to get that truck out of the yard!

 

Here's a pic of the old girl. Man, that is one long truck!



And a peek at my new best friend. Check out the windshield!

 

That is some impressive miles on the 97 and congrats on the new truck. I see you went with basically the same color scheme too.

 

Yep. Too many black trucks out there! My wife could take it or leave it. But then, I don't recall ever having any input on the color of her cars!

This color combo always looked good to me. If they had the forest green, I might have gone that way this time. But I like the dark red. All 3 of my F150's have been the dark red. My 83 had the white sides. That is still my favorite looking truck.

 

how'd the leather hold up in the 97? what'd you condition it with? I have 151k on my 00...just did my first COP on it today.

 

i was thinking the same thing, lol

 

If ya have an issue like that most auto parts places have basic tools they'll let you use. My alternator went out in the Mach i in a small town here in Utah pulled into a checker borrowed there tools took it in they tested it and sold me a new one. For that car I think it was $75 all in there parking lot. right as they were closing to. had to hustle.

 

Held up pretty well. No tears at least. Obviously, the driver side shows a bit more wear, but they are all together, and not worn through. Not sure if you can see in this pic or not.





I use Maquire's leather cleaner and conditioner a couple times per year. Seems to keep them from drying out.

Here's to the 97-2003 F150's!

 

I use the same leather conditioner....glad to see how well it worked for you. The ford leather is pretty nice.