I'm thinking about buying a 97 F-150, with either a 4.2 or 4.6L engine. doesn't really matter which one to me.
just want the truck as a daily driver. i want a short bed, 4x2, either standard or extended cab. I plan on lowering it 3/5 and doing a few minor appearance things to it.

Anyway, is there anything i should look out for when going out to look at trucks? any certain recalls?
which engines had piston slap? any other problems?
which engine would be more reliable for me? and for the 4.2 auto or stick? Thanks! - Josh

 

I'm not sure, but my 99 4.6 auto has ran great and only had to replace a belt tensioner. No pings, and gets ran very hard.

If you found a 4.6 5-speed, it would run very good.

 

well im not sure how they are after they are fixed but i would steer clear of the 4.2 esp the 97's. Even without all the leaks i just dont think its enough engine for a truck that size. I have faith in the 4.6. One of fords better creations. The 4r70w is also supposed to be a really good transmission but i really cant say one way or another.

www.leakingfords.com

Oh and the milage between the two is suprisinly close, making it a negligable factor, IMO.

 

Guess i'll try and go with the 4.6L then. I'm trying not to be too picky so i can find one around here relatively easy, but i am kind of partial to V8's

1985 5.0 V8
2000 5.4 V8

might as well throw in a 1997/8 4.6 V8


thanks for all the info, and keep it coming

also never realized you could get a 4.6 with a stick

 

I think 98 was the last year with a stick. With the 5 speed, you can run the 1/4 in 15.5 with bad tires.

 

I would have to disagree with grinomyte, we have 1997 & 1999 F-150's with the 4.2 V-6 which have been very reliable for us. Yes I've replaced the problem gaskets on my 1997 BUT that's all I've done to it since it was purchased in April of 1996.

 

So far I have only had 2 F150's and both of them happen to be V6's. I wanted a V8, but they were slightly out of my price range. A 2000 and a 2002 and so far no problems from either. The 97's did have alot of problems with gaskets. To me, the V6 is not a bad engine, but others would disagree with me on that. You already have the Harley, so power probably would not be a major concern.

Try driving one of each engine and see how they feel to you. The 4.6 does have more power than the 4.2, but get what feels right to you. If I could go back to when I brought mine, I would have gotten the V8.

 

I have the 4.6 5spd (they are still making them.) and I really like how the engine runs. Likes to rev, very smooth. 17mpg. Also have been reading good durability reports on several forums. Good luck....

 

I'm not to sure, but I do know that the two '97 4.2L engine swe have at work both required replacement shortly after 100k miles. I have a 4.6 in my truck and feel that, after driving the 4.2's at work, the 4.2 would be a major disappointment for me. At forst it seems to have just as much power as the 4.6, but then, right when you need it, there's not more power available. Take a 4.2 out and pull a few hills, try to pass anither car at WOT, just imagine what your 5.0 would do. The 4.6 can do it much better.

 

Go with the 4.6!! We have a 97 Lariat with 177,000 plus miles. Everything original except EGR valve, battery, belt, tires, brakes, fluids, and ??? I don't remember, but you get the point!

 

oh and im not to sure but i think every 4.6 for the most part has piston slap.

 

Every 4.6 ?

 

i believe it is every single 4.6 or every single 4.6 between certain build dates. Ive heard this before from a couple people but i dont have a source and i heard ford denies, hopefully someone that knows more can chime in. But yeah what i heard was, every 4.6

 

A lot of them do, but our 97 Lariat by some grace of God doesn't. My 01 does from time to time, but the Superchip seemed to help.

 

I don't have any piston slap. Unless I just don't know what it sounds like. I think I would know.

My 4.6 has been very reliable. I am happy with the power, and was happy before the SC. I think the 4.6 is a great motor in a truck that won't be used to move a lot of weight.

I don't know much about the 4.2 but I am of the belief that a V6 is a bit small for a full size truck. I'm sure it can do the job, I just think it's a lot of work for it.