Well after doing my homework and reading almost all of the posts on this site (about 6 hours), I made my selection. 97 Black supercab 4X4 with 30k miles. I went for the 5.4 cuz of the piston slap issue. As others have said, I can't roll the 17's from a stop, but nice power at highway speeds. Only problem I see so far is that the cd changer wont read from the 3-6 slots. I bought the warranty just in case, do't laugh, (and because I can cancel it for a prorated refund) so I think they can fix it. Otherwise, it looks and feels awesome. I am selling my 95 silverado outright, hope it will make a dent in the 20K I had to pay for the truck. I think mods will follow soon, but just getting a feel for what I have so far. Wife wants new wheels (chrome and bigger) and low profile "car" tires. I want mudders but she has the best taste usually. Anyway, thanks to all who visited here and helped me in my selection. Great site!

------------------
97 supercab flareside 4x4, 5.4, cd changer, captians chairs, bedliner, hard cover, 17 in rims

 

Thanks for the welcome. Unfortunately, didn't plan it that way.. just didn't read closely enough. I read about the problem on the 4.6, but now I am glad I got the warranty. I read how it is not really common on the 4.6 but it can occur. So how much more does it occur on the 5.4? What do you guys think about the "low profile car tires" anyone know where a pic of one is?

 

Welcome to F150online! You'll learn a lot about your truck from this place. Enjoy your time here and with your truck.

Do a search in this area on Piston Slap and read up on it. The 5.4 is the engine that can have it, but it's relatively rare. It's not all that common. Chances are, your engine is in the vast majority that doesn't have it.

 

Welcome to F150online!

I hope you understood that the 5.4L engines are the ones that experience this issue. The 4.6L has had very few occurances of "slap". Regardless, I'm sure that you will enjoy your truck.

How about letting the wife choose the rims (16x8") and you choose the tires (33" mudders)? Tell her it's a compromise!



------------------
1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, 285/60R16 Goodyear Eagle GT IIs and Prime #155 wheels.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

Maybe he planned it that way. He bought the extended warranty so if there is a problem maybe he gets a new engine?



------------------
97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, Windsor 4.6, Magnecor 8.5mm wires, Bosch Plat +4s, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs,Energy Suspension Polyurethane Front Sway Bar Bushings, 265 70 16 tires, Rancho RS9000 shocks