When my search began for a new truck, I was seriously considering a V6. For mileage and cost reasons. However, after driving many V6's I decided to try a V8. Just to ease my mind, was that a mistake. I had a 23,xxx 97XLT, (V6, 2WD, A/T, Power everthing, CD player, bucket seats with the storage trays behind the seats, a bed liner with a color matched topper), all picked out. After I drove that 19,xxx 98 XL V8, I was sold. I had my wife come and drive it and she fell in love with the V8. Even though it didn't have the features the other truck had, the price was about the same. I bought the V8 and have not looked back.

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stock 98 XL, Reg. cab,4.6, Auto, Tow package, 255/70R16 on styled steel wheels,3.55LS, Black with chrome grille and bumpers! MODS: custom stereo by me, building speaker box was a !@#$%. K&N air filter w/ airbox mod, a complete keyless entry system.

 

Thanks Gaudenti for the info...

 

Here is a dyno graph for my 4.2L Auto STX...



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HotRodSix
'98 STX Flairside 4.2L
Best 1/4: 16.26 sec. @ 84.4 mph
Dyno: 180 rwhp / 228 ft-lb

 

I think Ford should ditch the 4.0L in the Ranger and use the 4.2L. It should be awesome.

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99 F150 XLT Supercab Towing Package 5.4L Auto Two Tone Med Toreador Red/ Silver Power windows, locks, mirrors, driver's seat. Cruise, tilt wheel Alloys, Michelins, ARE topper Superchip / 2000 Chevy Silverado Ext cab 5.3, auto, Tow package, tilt, cruise, power windows,locks,side mirrors, alloy wheels.

 

i could answer that 4.2L auto-RPM's @ 70 mph w/ 3.55 question right now but I'm having a brain fart and I'm not going to test it out right now b/c its raining. At 65 mph it sets right below (barely touching) the 2000 mark. I want to say at cruising on flat highway the rpm's are 2100-2300. But if this isn't answered by Friday answer then I'll tell you tomorrow night or Saturday afternoon - somewhere in between the 326 miles I'm going to drive in the next two days I'll take note of rpm's at 70, 75, 80, (85 and 90 if road conditions permit).

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'97 f-150 XLT V6 auto 3.55 silver reg cab flareside , 6 cd, Lariat floor mats, tonneau, ground effects, tint, glasspack w/ duals, new= ion optics fog lights, cracked windshield (thanks to a dodge caravan), 16X8 Eagle Alloys, K&N air filter (thanks Mudder). Future Mods= Billet Grille, driving lights, sunroof. the heartbeat stops here.
http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/ponysix8 http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/ponysix8/images/T004.wav

 

I don't know about the 4.2, but the 4.6 cruises @ 2200r's or so @ 75mph. That probably doesn't help you much though.

 

Bones~
The '98 STX is basically the same as the '99 Sport package. I believe the only difference is the Sport package comes w/ rear disc brakes while the STX's don't, at least not mine. The STX package includes color coded bumpers, 3.55 gears, and the 17in wheels from the ORP.

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Oxford White 1998 F-150 STX, reg. cab, flareside, 4.2, auto, 3.55s, tint, Prestige alarm, Bel radar detector, Pioneer CD player, 4 Polk 5x7's, Stull billet grille and bumper insert, Flowmaster exhaust, K&N airfilter, V-Tech Tailight Covers(painted to match truck) Clear Corner Lenses FUTURE MODS: To be completed by the end of december: 2in shackles, Billet Oval Mirror(featured in the online store), Steeda Emblems, Steeda Pedal Covers, 2 10 in Kicker subs, and a 600 watt Profile amp. GIG'EM AGGIES

 

Puddin: I haven't used this underdrive pulley myself yet so I can't say I'm positive it will fit, but the mfg says it fits and someone here (HotRodSix?) had done it and said it works. Don't know if the package will fit. I just want a crank pulley. You need a new belt with the underdrive pulley. I've got the part number somewhere.

I plan on installing the pulley early next year, I'll let you know how it goes...

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Danny
'98 F-150 Std., RC, SB, 4x2, 4.2L, 5-sp, 3.08, AC, speed control, rear slider.
Mods: Mobil 1 engine oil, Red Line MTL trans fluid, Edelbrock IAS shocks,
50 Series Flowmaster, K&N with airbox mod, electric radiator fan, Superchip

 

Regarding the ASP underdrive crank pulley...Yes it fits and the quality matches that of the factory piece. I installed it in 10 minutes and two days worth of trips to the parts store to get the belt length right (ASP told me 87" while it actually required 102").

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HotRodSix
'98 STX Flairside 4.2L
Best 1/4: 16.26 sec. @ 84.4 mph
Dyno: 180 rwhp / 228 ft-lb

 

I have 255/16 tires, and I show exactly 2000 on the tach.

Bob

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00 XLT V6 Auto Reg Cab 8' bed 4x4

 

Hot Rod Six- Thanks alot for the info. Do you know anything about the other package they offer on their website? It says something about an alternator, will this also fit? Thanks again.

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1997 F-150 Blue 2wd flareside hard tonneau speed grille and bumper insert blue headlights 4wd bumper w/ fog lights clear corners, think im gettin clear taillights that have finally come out for the flairside tailights for Christmas

 

HotRodSix,

What is the difference between the regular and the STX F-150's? Is the STX the 'Sport' package? Just wondering. Thanx for any help.

Bones

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2000 F-150, XLT,ext. cab, short bed, 4.6L, 3.55 limited slip, tow package.

 

To Doug Wilkerson: If yours has a 3.55 rear end, you're turning 2,500 rpm at 70 in 5th.
Can anybody report what an Automatic 4.2 with a 3.55 turns at 70?

I'd love to have a 6-speed to cut that back to about 1,600 rpm. That would improve fuel economy a lot. It would also cut into leg space for the middle passenger, though.

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Black 2000 SC short-box XLT. 4.2 V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 Limited Slip. Side steps, CD, remote entry, factory box liner. My add-ons: Older Windstar (driver's side) wiper blade - the one with the air scoop, because I don't slow down when it rains; "f150online" sticker and snazzy Tweetie Bird floor mats.

My second of the "new" F150s. Great trucks!

 

Puddin - When I talked to ASP earlier this fall (September) they only had a crank pulley available for the 4.2L V6. I am not sure what this other kit on their website is.

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HotRodSix
'98 STX Flairside 4.2L
Best 1/4: 16.26 sec. @ 84.4 mph
Dyno: 180 rwhp / 228 ft-lb

 

J_ROCK,

Thanx for the info, I had always been wondering what the benefits of the STX were.

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2000 F-150, XLT, 4X2, Ext. Cab, S/B, 4.6L, 3.55 L/S, Tow Package, Power Everything.

Future Mods: K&N FIPK, Performance Chip, Exhaust, Spray-on Bed Liner, Nerf Bars, Billet Grill, White Faced Gauges, Suspension Lift, 35 Inch Tires, Fiberglass Fenders, Pre-runner Bumpers, and Probably Lower Gearing