Thanks to all for the help.

Back to the issue of front grilles. Is the 4x4 style grilles available for 4x2? By this I mean ones without the chrome trim.

 

I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think only the Work Series and XL trucks came with the chrome grills. Again, I'm must guessing. I know the Lariat has color matched grill surrounds. I don't think the painted/vs chrome grill trim is a function of whether or not it's a 4x4 or 4x2. I think it's a function of the trim level of the truck.

The major difference in the fronts of the trucks between the 4x4 and 4x2 models is the bumpers. The 4x2 models don't have fog lamps or the cutouts/caps for the fogs if the lamps weren't installed. The 4x4 models, in addition to the fogs also have the front tow rings that the 4x2 lacks.

 

Thanks, Dennis.

Well, I think it might take some time to find what I want. I have a feeling a '99 might be more affordable in a couple of months when the 2002s come out.

If I can find a low mile '97 4x4, I might go for it. But my goal is to get a '99. Here's what I am going to shoot for:

'99 XLT Flareside SuperCab 4x2
Auto transmission
V8, 5.4
Captains chairs
Power windows & locks

I'd love a bedliner, running boards and other goodies but can always add on at a later date.

Any other options not standard with the '99 XLT I've overlooked?

 

I talked to my salesman the other day. I traded in my 99 F-150 XLT SuperCab 4.6 auto, 3.55 limited slip, all power, keyless entry, appearance package, tow pack., pretty much every option except captains chairs, power seat and autolamp. They gave me 18,000 on trade and sold it for their asking price of $21,200. It only had 24,000 miles on it. It was sold about 5 days after I traded it. He said that the used V-8s are hard to come by right now.

I have a friend that bought a 97 Flareside XLT 4.6 loaded with 39,000 miles on it for $12K. He got a great deal, the truck is mint. The same dealer that sold my truck has a 97 Lariat Flareside for $19,995 with almost 50K on it.

It seems that you need to be in the right place at the right time.