Hello guys im new here, i could really use some educated experianced advise on what to look for im going dec 4th tmro afternoon to buy a 97f250 w/ 5.4 101xxx what should i look for on this truck new to ford had alot of jeeps

 

Any help greatly appricated

 

I don't even know what a 1997 F250 looks like.

 

For that year just. A little bigger than 150 heavier frame ect. I really need info on the drivetrain 5.4 dunno the trans someone help before i go look at it today

 

Louie - glad to have you with us but we ask that you not post multiple threads on the same subject throughout the forum. It can cause confusion and clutters up the forum when threads appear in sections that are not appropriate for the subject. I deleted the one that had no responses and merged the other with this one because this seems the appropriate forum.

You probably have not gotten any useful replies because there's nothing really specific to tell you. The vehicle needs to be mechanically sound. If you are not competent to judge that yourself, have a mechanic you trust look at it.

Good luck - approach this purchase with an eye towards "what's wrong with it?" rather than "how much I love it and want it".

- Jack

 

The 1997 5.4 is the non PI head engine, meaning it puts out less HP than 99+. I would guess it has the E4OD or 4R100 transmission which is a pretty good tranny. You'll want to ask if it has ever spit a spark plug (google it) and how it was repaired. If was helicoiled, be prepared for a repeat. I'd ask what oil and filter was used. If they weren't using 5W20 and an oil filter with a silicone antidrainback valve, the engine will not last as long as long as it could.

The 5.4 is a good engine IF well maintained and never overheated. My stock 4R100 transmission (almost the same as the E4OD) went over 200k before I transplanted it to another vehicle.

My point with my previous post is that this is primarily an F150 site, so you should have specified 7 lug F250 LD or 7700.

 

Should be a solid truck, as mentioned ask about spark plugs and maybe exhaust manifold studs.

The 5.2 2v should have specified 5w30 I believe.

-Steve

 

If it's got a 5.4, it's a F-250LD - same thing as the 97 F-150 but with some heavy duty upgrades. If it were a F-250HD, it would be the old Super Duty body style, and have a 351, 460, or diesel.

5W30 was the original spec oil, later revised to 5W20. Either is fine.

 

I've always preferred the 5W30 but then I still change my oil and filter every 3000 miles or so.

 

Like mentioned they were a fill in stopgap using the new '97 F-150 body style to hold over the lack of F-250 in '98 when the '92-'96 body style F-2/350 that carried into '97 ended and the "Early '99" Superduty series came online.



Heavier frame, semi-float Sterling rear, no V6, either a 4.6L with the M5OD-R2 or E4OD or 5.4L with the E4OD, and lil' bit odd duck 7 lug wheels.



So around '99 or so they renamed it the F-150 7700 to not get confused with the Superduty series and as far as I know still make them with the current body style with 7 lugs. I know in '04 the only way to get an 8ft bed with an extended cab was to get the higher GVR half ton with 7 lugs.



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