I wasn’t exactly sure where to post this question but I’m hopping someone can help me out. I’ve decided it’s time to start adding a few after market parts to my truck. The first thing I did was run an AutoCheck on it just to get some starting point information and see if anything is different from what the dealership told me. All is well except I do not understand the model. I have what I thought to be a 1998 XLT 5.4 Extended cab or Super Cab (Three door) with power everything, electronic 4-wheel drive, off road and tow package, cloth interior. My report says under model: F150 Lariat XL/Super Cab/XLT. Does anyone under stand this? I have no Lariat stickers, nor do I have leather seats. I don’t know what else comes with a Lariat package. My truck is dark green with a green interior, which I was told is rare. Most are tan?

 

You can use this page to decode your VIN, but as far as I know there's no way to tell what luxury series you have from your VIN. You can only tell 2WD/4x4, how many doors/what type of cab, which wheelbase, and flareside/styleside.

Since your readout included all luxury series (XL, XLT and Lariat) in your description, I would venture to guess that it doesn't know. Ford may haev better records in their database, but they're not encoded in the VIN. You're probably correct that it's an XLT. Tell-tale signs are power everything with cloth seats.

If you want more information, you can probably contact Ford via phone. There's probably a number somewhere in your owner's manual.

As far as which upgrades to do, most people open up their airways first (intake and exhaust). These provided the greatest "bang for the buck" as far as power gains for money spent. Both TroyerPerformance.com and TruckPerformance.com have package deals for this.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the Info. I'll check out the two sites to get started. Hey I noticed you have dual exhaust. Did you have to remove your spare tire totally or just during install. I love the dual back look on the F-150 but everything I have read from manufactures just states that you MIGHT have to remove it.

 

I had to completely remove mine. I don't even keep it on the truck since I have a AAA membership, but if you don't I'd recommend you keep it in the bed. Once my tires get past half-worn I'll probably put mine in the bed. To avoid the tire shifting about as you drive you can either buy a mounting bracket (from various places) or try using bungee cord to anchor it in place, using one of the anchor hoops near the bottom of either side.

Alternatively, you could buy a system that surely will not require permanent removal. The manufacturer should know. Make it a condition of your purchase, and you can return it if it doesn't fit right. My spare tire almost fit. If you have the 16" wheels, yours may fit. Gibson (800-528-3044) should have an exact clearance figure.

If you want a piece of advice, though, go with a fully stainless steel system. Mine is aluminized steel, and I wish I'd have just coughed up the extra $120 in the first place. It will last longer, but mainly it looks a lot better. You can see the brackets where I mounted my tips (which cost an extra $40 anyway); this isn't so on the stainless steel version.

As to which company you ought to buy from, this depends on what you want. Flowmaster gives great sound but small power increase. My Gibsons aren't very (audibly) noticeable at idle, but give a nice growl during acceleration; and they gave a noticeable power increase. I'm not thoroughly familiar with any other brands, but I've heard Magnaflow and Borla also give good performance increases with a nice sound. Search this forum for more opinions/information.

I hope you find the product you're looking for. Happy trucking.

-Jeff