I've had my (new to me) '99 F150 Lariat 4WD, 4DR for less than 1 week. I purchased it in immaculate condition. It appears to have all of the options, but how do I know the mechanics of this thing?
I've seen reference to 3.55 LS gearing, ORP, tow package...etc. The tow package is obvious (I think I have it...but how do I know it's not just a bar w/well installed wiring??).
If I submitted a VIN to tell me...who would I submit that to? Ford? Do they respond?

I'm new here...so be gentle

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...my first "big" truck
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat
4WD, 4DR...absolutely stock (I guess)

 

Hi and welcome to the site!

Well for the gearing, you can crawl under your truck and check out the little tag on the rear pumpkin (rear differential). I'm not sure but maybe the sticker on your door sill will tell that too?

ORP is the off-road package which includes heavy duty shocks, rock guards (under the gas tank is the most obvious one). Your Towing package should also include a cooler for your transmission, check around the front grill... You should see another small radiator!

Another thing you could do is pick up a pamphlet from ford. Well I hope I answered some of your Q's?

Anyway have fun and don't worry we are all gentle here

take care

 

Welcome! Don't worry about asking questions - that's how you learn!
As for the gearing, I know that you can find the code on the door sticker too - if I remember correctly, I9 means 3:55 Limited Slip & H9 is 3:55 NON LS.
Look at the top of this page - you will see the word search. Click it & type VIN in the lower 1/2 & it should pull up the VIN decoder here.
If not let me know & I can try to find it for you.
Good luck with your truck! Have fun & bye!

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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4 Reg Cab/LB
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

 

Hey welcome to the board! I think it's the other way around though Cowlady, 19 is open and H9 is limited slip.
Don't exactly know how else to tell if it's just a good job of putting the hitch and wiring on, you might just have to find another on a lot and compare them. There is several posts on here somewhere about decoding you VIN number to get some info.

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'97 F-150 Lariat SuperCab 4X4

• White/Silver, 4.6L, Auto.,Open 3:55
• Tinted Windows/Bedmat/Toolbox/Lund Bug Deflector/Ventvisors/Extra Horns
• 265/75/16 BFGoodrich AT's on polished 16x8 AR-136's
• Cat-back Dual Exhaust (Straight pipes with big chrome tips)
• Black Polar Bear Grille Guard
• Cranked Torsion Bars for 1" Lift

 

murfster, here's a link for you:

http://www.autovantage.com/CarSummar...=F%2D150%2F250

hope it works!

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1999 Ford F150 Lariat RegCab shortbed 5.4L 3.55LS Towpkg Line-X
15.714@85.21

 

You've all been great! Thanks. I will now begin my investigation...I have all the Sherlock tools to do it with.
I'll post my findings...and "lessons learned" on the investigation.

Thanks again...!


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...my first "big" truck
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat
4WD, 4DR...absolutely stock (I guess)

 

After reading your VIN number and some more information you have posted i would say absolutely without a doubt you h ave a Ford.


just playin hope you find what your looking for
jim



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97 4x4 ORP 4.6l
flareside supercab
rear blackouts
westin step bars(black)
side window louvers
lund shadow wiper cowel
true duals 5 in tips
k&n F.I.P.K
17in' wheels 265/70 Bridgestone dueler A/T's
ventshades
tinted windows 5%

www.f150world.com/southernthunder