I just saw the 04 F150 commercial on TV that stated the 04 could wade 24 inches of water. I don't know if the 97-03 F150 had a specification like this but...

Last spring I was at a fishing camp in South Georgia. I had to drive in and the road was covered 4 inched to 1 foot with water. Three days of rain later I was ready to leave and the average depth was half way up the door with a few holes that covered the grill. I was following my father-in-law who was in his 03 standard cab FX4. He kept his truck in 4x4 the entire way and led me by 100 yards while we went through about 4 miles of this mess. I have a 4x2 with limited slip and had no problems then or since.

I was probably way over the "recommended" depth but the river was rising.

 

A previous expierience comes to mind. I was doing alittle off roading and came up on a ditch known to fill up with LOTS of water. I decided what the hell and went through at a hurried rate of speed. The water was about up to the top of the wheel well and completly dry inside. Now....on another adventure, I ended up stuck in the middle of a rushing wash but only alittle higher than the door and water came trickling in. About an hour later, after Border Patrol failed to pull me out, a tow truck made it to my location. Just thought Id share that.