I know most of you feel your truck is better than the 97-03s. But what do you think about the pre 97s. Just the fuel injected ones- 300, 302, 351, 460.

1988+ 351, 300, 460s
Late 1985+ 302s

I'm getting the same highway fuel mileage with my 302 bronco as the 4x4 5.4 Supercrews. And I only paid $1000 plus about 800 in parts.

And I'm pretty sure the older fuel injected trucks can out wheel your newer trucks. The intake tube is higher up and they don't have coil packs.

Not trying to start a flame war, I'm a ford fan all around.

I just know some of you think your newer truck is untouchable.

 

My truck has a lot more power and capability with towing/hauling than the 96 and older F150s. It is also more comfortable inside, and its quiet (or was, before mud tires and exhaust).

But the main concern for me is safety. These new trucks are a HELL of a lot safer than those older ones. It makes me feel very comfortable knowing I'm riding in one of the safest vehicles in the country.

 

Reliability, capability & comfort

 

Oh yea, the 04+ can tow alot better. The older f150s are only rated to tow 7k lbs with the 351/e4od. The older ones also got drum brakes in the back. Which suck imo, but they are fairly easy to swap to a disc setup.

I'd say the body and frame is painted better on the 04+ too. Which would keep rust from starting for a long time. You should see how much rust the floor gets on the pre 97s when water leaks onto the floor. Within a couple years you have rust holes starting.

The 04+ might be safer for the passengers with a better designed cab. But the fenders are pretty thin. Body damage would be a lot worse on the 04+. I hit a deer with my 1990 and all it did was give the passenger door a wave.

 

Anyone who prefers the pre 97 models have clearly never experienced a 2004+ F-150. I also see a bunch with rusted out bedsides over the rear wheel and the fit and finish leave a lot to be desired.

 

Do the old trucks have boxed frames? I was pretty impressed when I bought my 05 and looked under it to find that they were in fact boxed.

Coming from both IFS and TTB designs, I prefer the IFS for the street, and TTB for the dunes/sand. The TTB sure was fun offroad, but it wore the tires like crap with a long travel setup.

I agree with mSall about being comfy inside. The new trucks just feel like they are put together nicer for comfort and less noise.

 

whoa whoa whoa, who say's the +04's are better than the 97-03's!!!!

 

The '04+ F150 is the greatest F150 Ford has ever built. In terms of performance, load carrying capability, comfort, refinement, safety.

The older trucks were good; the '04+ is better. And when the '09+ is released, the '04-'08 will take a backseat to it. Thus is progress.

 

Not if your tall......It has a very tight cab compared to my 03

 

The 04+ trucks are rock solid tough as nails!..............

 

Not in looks.



I like the pre 97 F150s over the 97-03 bodies but not the current model. these are the best looking trucks on the road.

 

 

how tall? the 04+ feels like a lot more cab space than 97-03 series. thats just what I felt. I'm only a little over 6'3" though.

 

Pre 97's in prime condition are quite sweet for sure, I've seen quite a few examples on this board. But those are very hard to find these days. The 97-03 were just ugly imho. I love my 04 though, ride quality and comfort can't be beat. I don't wheel, I just drive to and from work sometimes (when the weather is bad) and I tote my dirt bike and street bike around. The pre 97 could do all that I ask of my truck, but mine does it so much more comfortable and with a smoother ride.

 

Couldn't disagree more with this statement. The '03 gives the illusion of more room because the seats are softer and you sit lower in them. I had an '03 for 2 days as a loaner while my '04 was in the body shop and I just couldn't get comfortable in it. I'm 6'2" and I felt like I had been poured into that '03. The '04-'08's have firmer seats and you sit higher in them. Of course everyone has their own definition of roomy, but for me the '03 at least wasn't a place I'd like to be on a long trip.