Okay, not sure if this is in the right forum or not, but here ya go. I was curious if the 1997 Ford F150 was a good truck. My question for that is because as you can tell, 1997's muffler came in front of the back tire, and they changed it back to the old styler in 1998. May seem like a stupid question, but it seems like I'm always seeing 97's going for cheap, and I wonder if there is something wrong with them. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

Tell it to the Webmaster!

The exhaust was moved because it was discoloring the right rear wheel. Other than that, the truck has gone through minor changes for the last five years, most good but, some bad.

Older trucks by rule sell for less.

 

I would say that the 1997 model is a very good truck. The reason that the exhaust was relocated behind the rear wheel in the 1998 (and subsequent) models is because the hot exhaust was causing piting, rusting and discoloration issues in cold weather climates on the rear wheel. Call it a design flaw, but not a mechanical flaw. My '97 (for sale ) has run flawlessly for 60,000 miles.

Just a couple of theories on why you are seeing a lot of 1997's for sale:

I don't know the actual production numbers (I am sure they are on this board somewhere) for the 1997 model, but it did sell side-by-side with the 1996 model for almost a year, so perhaps there are simply more 1997's out there? It is possible that some 1997's are also reaching the end of their 5 year loans, so owners are looking to sell them and move on to another F150 (like me).

Hope that helps...I am sure that someone can tell me if I am way off here.

 

Wow, thanks for the responses guys. Don't think I am degrading the 97 series, but I just saw a substantial price difference between it and 98. On the 97, can you put flow masters or something on it where the exhaust comes out the back like other trucks, which would stop the discoloration??

 

Matt, to answer you last question, just about any exhaust can be made to run out the back. Just need some extra tubing bent. This will stop any discoloration of the rims.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Ford issue a TSB or soemthing on the 97's to replace the exhaust with the one that goes behind the rear wheel? I had my 97 in for service once and the service writer asked if I wanted to have it replaced. But since I had a Borla exhaust at the time, I didn't replace it.

 

Ok, so how much do you think it would cost to have the muffler running out the back? Thanks for all the responses.

 

if you wanted to change the whole system, like changing to a performance muffler, and getting chrome tips and everything, you could have it done for less than $270 out the door. if you just want the exhaust exiting behind the tire you could probably find a place to do it for around $75 or less (?).

 

My 97 was absolutely flawless. Build quality was much better than my 2001. Wish I had it back.

 

Ive had my 97 for a year and no problems yet.

 

It was a TSB on the tailpipe, not a recall. Those of us who never visit the dealer or hadn't found this website yet quickly passed out of the warranty phase without noticing any problems. I still have the tailpipe in front of the wheel. The only problem I have had is cosmetic - the lug nut cap changes to a greenish grey after about two winters. Hasn't been a real problem to worry about.

I think the price difference on the '97s vs the '98s can be partially be traced to the '97s being made for nearly two years on the intital run so they simply have more miles and more time for dings and what not.

Also the 5.4 wasn't upped in power till later than the '97 models. (235 hp to 260 hp) Not as much oomph may also factor into the price, just a theory.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a '97 F150 if it looks like its been well taken care of. They are great trucks!

 

I had a '97 and mechanically, after the recalls were performed, it was flawless. It's now owned by a young family and I see it running around all the time. Still looks to be in great shape. The 4.6L engine was bulletproof and never had a lick of trouble. Smooth too.

I turned it in for a '99 because the new model had moved the inside door handle up higher, it got 4 wheel disc brakes, and the 4th door.

 

are you saying that one of the reasons you bought a new truck was because the door handle was up higher? any particular reason why?

 

I'm not positive, but you might noticeibly loose a little performance on the dealer tail pipe extention, if you buy one with a 4.2 V6. I Didn't have my 97's exhaust extended for that reason.
Of course, an aftermarket exhaust could make big improvements!
A 4.6 V8 would have been my prefered choice for 97 if one was available...
Whats your cost?..

 

Wow, thanks a lot for all the help guys. I'm happy to be a Ford lover. Not many kids my age really like Ford, but I'm sticking to Ford, cause to me, it's the best truck. I am probably going to spend around 10,000 on a truck when I turn 16. I don't really plan on getting a V6, so I guess the exhaust coming out of the back won't hurt resale value? I'm glad to hear it won't be much to change the exhaust around, and glad to hear such great things on 97 models. Again, thank you guys!

 

I've had no complaints thus far on mine, with the exception of the plugs and wires. You don't, a least I've noticed there are fewer 97's than 99 on up. I keep the truck spotless and clean that I even get comments from time to time along the lines of "Thats a 97...wow, looks brand new"

By the way, does every 97 have the stock exaust out the side??