I don't know if this is the proper category to post this thread in, but it is definitely the most active, so I thought I'd give it a try. I currently own a '97 Lariat SC auto truck I bought new 4 years ago. I love the truck and have made several modifications recently to improve its performance/looks (Powerdyne supercharger performance still in question). The one thing I wish my truck had would be the 5-speed. As you know, Lariats with 5-speeds are very rare (non-existent after '98). I found the truck I want on the internet yesterday: '97 Lariat SC, flareside, 5-speed, etc. It just happens to be 3/4 of the way across the country from me. I don't have the time to take off of work to drive there, and if I did and wasn't happy with it after seeing it up close, I'd be very ill. Has anybody else purchased a truck over a very long distance (maybe sight unseen), and if so, what did you do to keep from being disappointed? I also have the problem of what to do with my auto truck. The manual truck belongs to an individual, so there is no possibility of a trade. My truck is paid for, and I'd hate to have another big payment until I got it sold. If anybody's got any good ideas, please let me know. Thanks!

 

Dont know why you would want to get a 5 speed and loose all your towing and hauling power of the automatic....but why not post where the truck is and maybe a member lives close by and they can go look at it for you. Then you will know either way if you need to go further.....Dave

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1998 F-150, SC/Flairside,oxford white 4x2,4.6,auto,3.55s,nerf bars,cls 111 towing,bed liner w/mat,atlas polished wheels w/285/75 R/16 BFG A/Ts (black side out),all plastics guards/bug shields,air raid/k & n filter, superchipped, duals out the back corners, flow master 3 chamber, snug top lid, f-150 online sticker back window-honk if you see me!!! Fabtech 3 1/2 lift .coverking dash cover, Lumi Logo's (front and rear), clear front corner lenses, muth mirrors,3" bullseye spindles, dash mounted CB, (TX Chapter requirement,lol),personalized license plates, Superlift traction bars.

San Antonio
DWESSELS89@AOL.COM

 

That's an excellent idea that DAVENSA gave you. You might also try a CARFAX search. If you go to see it, make advanced arrangements to have plenty of "look time", and a dealer inspection/certification.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Max has the idea -- how 'bout having the local dealership do an evaluation for you (on your dime) and use that as the go/no-go for your trip?

<A HREF="http://www.net-link.net/~n8jg/y2k/mvc-008s.jpg" TARGET=_blank> [img]//www.net-link.net/~n8jg/y2k/mvc-008s_small.jpg[/img] </A>


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Y2K™

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Well I happened to be living in Hawaii right now, and I found a truck in my HOME state of Georgia. I asked my parents if they would drive 3 hours to go look at it. After they looked at it they told me all about it. The dealership then sent me all the papers and stuff and I am the new proud owner of a 97 larait 4X4, step-side, 37000 miles.....

 

I would be willing to check out a truck for another member. That's a great idea.

seacrow