Seems like all i read is about the 5.4's having head gasket and piston slap issues but seems like its mostly 99+. Anyone had these issues with a 97?

 

Well when you get to a forum like this thats pretty much all you are going to read anyway...most people come here to solve whatever problems they may have.

So dont let that fool you.

I have a '97 5.4, and it does get a little piston slap on cold mornings that lasts about 30 seconds, but otherwise no problems *knock on wood*

 

is it loud, really noticeable? what does it sound like?

 

Honestly I havent listened to it from outside the cab.

But yes it is pretty noticeable from inside the cab (windows down). But once the RPMs get down to about the 800-700 range, I usually start driving. By the time I am at the end of the street (100 or so feet), it is usually gone.

It's kinda hard for me to really describe it...you could say it sounds slightly like a knocking sound. You know it when you hear it

By all/most accounts though, it wont affect engine life.