I need a truck. I need it for work to access job sites and for towing my camping trailer and for general hauling duties. I currently have a 97 Expedition that I purchased 2 years ago and fixed up. Its currently down for the count needing a bunch of work again. I don't really need something that big and I really don't need all the space and hassle its giving me.

I have the opportunity to and am considering the purchase of a 2000 F-150. Its a regular cab, long box version with the 4.2 and a 5-speed. Now, my ideal truck at this point would be a 97-03 F-150, extended cab short box with a 4.6, 5-speed and 4WD. I have no idea how common this configuration is or if it was even ever made. In the meantime, I don't mind picking up something that will suit my needs until I can find what I'm looking for.

I have driven before (on a regular basis) 1996 versions of the above-mentioned truck, both with an automatic and a 5-speed. I had no issues with the 4.9 in the power department and the 5-speed version seemed to be a bit more powerful. In fact, I only ended up selling the 5-speed 96 because it started costing too much money to keep going and I was finding the cab just too small after driving the Expedition. I get the impression that the 97-03 regular cab is a bit roomier than the 80-96.

In the end, I have no experience with the 97-03 V6 trucks and need some feedback. I know that when it comes to the V6 people either love it or hate it, so have at it.

 

The 4.2's are great trucks and very reliable just like the other motors, but don't expect to see the same kind of power that you had with your old 4.9

 

Its not like I need to have a wad of power anyways. Unless, of course, its a hindrance for hills on the highway. If I have to downshift to third going up a hill with my camper I won't be impressed.

My dad had for a stretch a 94 GMC with a 4.3 and a 5-speed and that thing couldn't get out of its own way. I do think, however, that it was because there was something wrong with that truck and nothing necessarily characteristic of full-size trucks with the 4.3.

 

The 5 speed is only rated to tow 3500# with 3.55 gears, 2000# with 3.08 gears. If you want to tow heavier than that, look for an automatic, those are good to around 5000#.

 

My V-6 Automatic has no problem pulling my son's CJ 6 Jeep, It has a few mods on the jeep that make it weigh more. Still no issues pulling up hills even running the A/C. However I don't usually use the OD when towing it.

 

Ha, its only a tent trailer anyways. Nothing to it.

 

Then you should be fine! Mine tows a 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer full of crap just fine, even with the bed full too.

The only engine work that's been done on mine in 138k miles has been plenum gaskets and isolator bolts. If you can spin a wrench and read instructions, you can do those yourself no problem.

The 4.2 doesn't have as much low end torque as the old 4.9, but it winds a lot higher and will leave the 4.9 in the dust by the time you hit 2nd gear. The 4.9's horsepower was in the low 100's, the 4.2 is 200-205. The way it drives, it *feels* like it has a small V-8. My son in law has a 98 4wd extended cab short bed with a 4.6 auto, and I can beat him both off the line and high end.

The standard cab is a lot roomier than I expected.

 

I'm still waiting to arrange an a good once-over for the truck and a test drive. Its owned by a company and one of their employees took it home for the weekend. I checked it out at his house yesterday (owner told me where to go) but employee wasn't home. Left a message, waiting to hear back.

 

Alrighty, I managed to get another good look at the truck today. My dad came with me to give it a good once-over as well. He couldn't find any major issues with the frame (I was told it had holes) other than the rear-most cross member looks a little haggard but is an easy fix. The cab corners need a patch and it most certainly needs a rad support. But these are not major issues for me as they can be easily fixed. The ad for the truck says it has 267k km's when it actually has 167k, bonus! I was able to hear it running but unable to take it for a test drive as its pretty much out of gas and the filler neck is disconnected at the tank (they're taking it back to the shop that forgot to hook it up tomorrow). In the past 2 years it has had a lot of work done to it, including a complete exhaust including manifolds, PS pump, water pump, serp belt idler pulleys and adjuster, left ball joints, etc. It even has working A/C. I'm going to wait until they have the filler neck fixed then take it for a good test drive but its looking like I'm going to get it.

Now I just need to find a buyer for my Expedition...

 

Got it! Just brought it home. Better/more pictures after work.