So I'm in the market for a "new" truck. I'm looking at the 97-03 trucks.
I'm lookin for an f150, extended cab or crew cab, 4x4, v8.

Now I'm VERY familiar with 92-96 F150s but not so much on 97-newer.

I've been doing research on the forums from Thanksgiving day to today but haven't found all the info I've been looking for

Were there changes or improvements over the years of this era? For example, cylinder head changes, maybe transfer case changes, things like that? I dunno.

In a nutshell, what should I look for? What should I stay away from?

 

Well maybe I can get some opinions.

I checked out a 2001 F150 XLT extended cab, flareside, 4x4, manual transfer case, auto tranny. It has 101k miles, paint is an 8 out of 10, engine and tranny run great. Its stock and very well taken care of.

Seller asking 8995.

What do you think?

 

Is it a 5.4 or 4.6?

Sounds like a decent deal but I would offer less than 8995.

Is it a dealer or private party?

 

Its a 4.6L

Its at a consignment lot so I'm sure there is some wiggle room. Its really a clean sharp truck. According to kbb.com, its on the high end but I also like "real world" opinions

 

sounds like a good deal, but I think you could get it for at least $1000 cheaper for being a 2001. ( my godfather got a 2006 f150 4.6l with 60,000 miles ext. cab with paint being a 9 out of 10 for 4,000 cash)


the engines when to a modular triton windsor or romero engines with dual timing chains97-98 had coil packs with wires making about 200hp,analog odometer,
99-03 switched to coil on plugs and the v8 engines made more hp as the year changed,digital odometer. and these were the most aerodynamic f150 so far.(that I know of) also suspension changed from I-beam to independent front suspension.

I know there are some more changes

 

I'd look for a 5.4 first. The 4.6 is kinda gutless "they" say..

 

Nick, facts like you posted are exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

Here is the actual ad but I did check it out in person too.

http://www.parknsellgalleria.com/det...d-7744873.html

 

nice, that truck really does look good.

I would try to lower the price and take a strong magnet and put a piece of fabric like a shirt and go all around the truck and check for bondo.

you want it to stick really good meaning no or very little bondo is present.

also check the roof drip rails for rust. only becuase my truck has rust there and its expensive to fix that.

 

Right. The 4.6L is more less a car engine. Shouldn't be in a truck IMO. Not one this heavy anyway. If you just like the looks of a truck, but don't really want or need all that motor, -look for one with a 4.2L.

If you want one that will pull it's own weight and more when need be, comfortably, -then the smartest move is to pick one up with the 5.4L. The 5.4L replaced the 351's (pre-97)and is a much improved design. Same mileage as the 4.6L, even better than when they get some miles behind them.

A truck with a 5.4L will cost a little more, but you get allot more truck for your money. Not just my opinion, -it's fact.

 

In regards to the bondo, are the flareside beds fiberglass like in my 2000 ranger? Also, there was no rust top to bottom. I eye balled the truck up close on sunday when they were closed.

As far as the engine, thinking long term, towing may be needed (boat to the gulf, mustang to the track, etc). Something I really need to consider.

My brother in law just picked up a 2001 lariat supercrew 4x4 w/ the 5.4 and its pretty stout!

 

Im not sure on the flaresides beds, but you could just like tap the doors then tap on the bed and listen for a difference. crawl underneath and look and stick the magnet from the inside if it doesnt stick then it is fiberglass.

 

One thing I like (and maybe its because I'm old school) but this truck has the manual transfer case. To me, its more assuring than a push button. Any opinions on those?

 

well im not so big on 4x4 but I think the manual transfer case is more assuring cus you know if its in 4H or 4L or back in 2wd, and the stick shift looks cooler.

I also have a 2004 ford expedition 5.4 4x4 and it has the **** switch so sometimes im not sure if its in that gear because I hardly use it, even though on my guage cluster it lights up either 4H or 4L

 

Carfax is worth the money! I will never again buy a car without one..

 

There's nothing wrong with a 4.6 - my son in law has a 98 extended cab 4x4 with one and it has adequate power. Gas mileage sucks.