I have a tough decision on my hands. A friend of mine wants to flip keys for trucks. Here's what I got: 1997 F-150 5.4L 4x4 Extended cab, Lariat, nerf bars, bullbar, 305/70/17 buckshots, true duals w/ xpipe with 211,000 miles. A beautiful truck especially for miles and age. The trade is a 2002 F-150 4.6L 4x4 Crew cab, XLT, nerf bars, new mastercraft ats, black ext., xpipe w/ a big quiet muffler with factory exit with 179,000 miles. You may wonder why he'd flip keys since the KBB is $3000 more than mine. Reason is he traded a ranger for the 02' and has a f250 crewcab so he wants an ext cab and really likes mine. I do need a crewcab but I love the looks of mine and I know my truck. Any suggestions might help. Will the 4.6 make a big difference on power pulling and with larger tires? Thanks

 

the 4.6 is an excellent engine but 179000 miles is an aweful lot when not totally sure of the trucks past maintenance. the pi 4.6 was a decent engine, not the best for heavy loads but it can get the job done. you wont have near as much bottom end torque though. i would look for a lower mileage truck personally. its hard to tell. i like the way your truck looks alot, so personally i would keep yours for now and keep looking but its your decision. if your really considering the truck then go over it first, check the suspension, steering system, driveline and fluids, look at the trans fluid and engine oil, frame for rot and damage, etc. you would definately be regearing the 4.6 with bigger tires.

 

Thanks man, I agree with you on everything, but the only upside of the trade is that I will be getting a truck worth $3,000 more and the crew cab. I would have 3k more to sell or trade on something lower mileage.

 

After driving a Scab with a 5.4, a Screw with a 4.6 - even a PI - will feel like a dog. Regear and custom tune will be necessary.

 

if it were me NO WAY unless a 5.4 came with it

 

Pass on the deal. If I were you, I would only trade your NPI 5.4 truck, for a 3 valve 4.6. The 281 is a great engine, but you would be taking a 50 lb/ft hit.

 

if it were me NO WAY unless a 5.4 came with it

 

What he said!

 

Hate to go against the crowd but you would be getting a truck that will have a lower chance of spitting out plugs. The 97s had tranny probs too.

It is 6 years newer and a screw to boot.

Yes you will lose some low end but gears would fix that easily.
The only way to know for sure is to drive it and see if you like it. If it works for you and it is as clean as your truck then go for it.

 

I would trade and sell then get the better one I really wanted.

 

If you had your truck since it was new, & kept up with the matenance, you just may get another 100K out of her!

 

<<<< owned two screws with 4.6 and I will not make it three I gaurntee.

 

id keep your truck! you know its past and maintenance. both are basically higher mileage trucks so i see no point. keep yours

 

Wow, some good replies. I drove it Saturday before I knew it was a 4.6 and as soon as I let off the gas I said "it's gott the little v8." I realize I'll lose power and torque but doesn't the 3k more in value not push towards the trade since I could get more for it if I traded again. What a tough choice. BTW, what year did the 4.6 get the 3 valve? what does the 02 4.6 have?

 

ive got 178K miles on my motor close to 20K now with the blower on it and its not even burning any oil.