Well after just about giving up hope at all for a truck this summer, no nwe 250s or 150s were found. Got a Truck trader and found a 97 F150 XLT (loaded) with the LS 3.55 and 4.6 5sp in it. It has 65K miles on it but in excellent shape. We got it for 16K.

Thanks everyone for your opinions and encouragement. I do not wish anyone the same hassles and frustration we went thru to get a new truck.

On the bright side, modification start in the morning. Speakers, shocks, lift, gut the intake, etc.

 

Matt,

Your situation on a late model year order is normal. Generally the cutoff is about June 1st but much depends on the dealers allocation for trucks of that model year.

I was in the same situation as you ..... couldn't find exactly what I wanted on the lot during summer and no more oders until Ford released the order specs (about mid August if you want to see them physically)for the next model year. So, I waited for the '99 model year orders to open, ordered exactly what I wanted and had it in 5 weeks.

When my son odererd his '99 F150 4 x 4 in late May of 1999, some dealers had used their allotment for F150s for '99 models while another big dealer had their allotment still "open" for another week. This is a tough time of year to find exactly what you want on the lot, especially a 5 speed an a 4 x 4.

Good luck with your '97.

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)

 

But just don't throw me into that briar patch...

Just a thought, but have you tried to have a dealer find your 'dream truck -- the Automatic 4.6 4x4' and when he cannot come up with anything but a Manual 4.6 4x4 let him squirm and then help him out by taking that darned manual tranny -- at a reduced price.

What do you have to lose?

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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"

 

JMC:

I wouldnt recommend shifting your poor truck much above 5000 rpm. Our trucks arent making good power there anyway. I guess I was real lucky to have found mine on the lot. Only 30 miles from my house too.

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1999 F150 4x4 XLT BLACK ORP 4.6 5 SPEED 3.55
LUND HOOD SHEILD
K&N
FLOWMASTER SERIES 40 SINGLE OUTLET
PREMIUM SOUND W/CHANGER
CAPTAIN CHAIRS
PIONEER 6815's(for now)
SUPERCHIP
AIRBOX MOD
WAAG BRUSH GUARD
SPIRALMAX
KENWOOD 9015
SUPERCHIP STICKERS