I am looking to buy a 1997 F150 XLT/Lariat
4.6 V-8, Auto, 4x4, ext cab, short bed. It has 88k miles on it and I know nothing about the truck or owner. Though this website has been outstanding; I would appreciate any and all thoughts/info/wisdom; on this vehicle/motor/4WD systems.
Thanks Vince

 

My wife bought our F150 4.6L ExtCab 2W drive
w/lots of goodies while I was near death
after a M/C crash (a drunk took me out...)
She'd gotten to the scene 'just' as the
ambulance arrived. I was conscious. She
walked up, we exchanged concerns... then
she said.."We're buying a damn big truck!"
She did two weeks later!

We used the truck extensively during home
remolding. It drives excellently and gives
us 'fair' mileage (14-15 in town; got high
of 20.7 mpg on a long trip up north (N.CA.))
Orig. tires ran out in 29K and we replaced
'em with Michelin LTx MS. Have 50K on them.
No major problems at all (have not checked
for the door crack, will though) - using
Mobil1 at 4K each change. About to install
the AirAid, Gibson exhaust, SuperChip, new
shocks (Monroe Reflex) and new 265/75/16
Michelins.
Overall we've been very happy with the truck.
Buying it new, we were able to see everything
that was done (there were several recalls)
and we got them all taken care of.
Good truck.

 

Vince,

The 4x4 system is the same system being used on the current f-150s. The weak link is the vacuum actuator motor on the front differential. If 4x4 has not been used often enough it tends to seize. If you have the electric shift on the fly with time the shift motor tends to fail. If you have the manual shift on the fly, shift lever, the lever tends to buzz. There is a TSB that addresses this problem if you have it. The engine is a Windsor build so it is a little beefier than the Romeo Mustang version. Your truck will have the 8.8 inch rear differential so I would check it for leaks. If it has Limited slip I would remove the cover and have the clutch packs examined. Regardless a complete oil change, both differentials, T-case, tranny, motor, should be done as soon as possible. If you have the $$$ use synthetic oil. Look for rust on the bottom door lips and the tail gate lip. Look for the infamous door crack too. Check for signs of a rear window leak.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

------------------
00 F-150 XLT SC Flairside 4x4 4.6 w/5spd 3.55LSD
Warn XD9000i, skid plates, Draw tite class III,
Rancho RSX Reflex shocks, MAC 8.8 Axle Girdle
BFG 285/75 R16 MTs,
Borla Cat Back, Headman Headers,
Custom air intake system with modified
air box, Ported Throttle body,
Shortened MAF sensor tower,
K&N air filter,
Superchips

 

Vince:

I had good luck with 4.6's. They sure don't have near the torque that my 2000 5.4 has. If you're not intending to tow a lot, I'd sure check the gears, no less than 3.55's, and check the trans fluid for color and the "burnt" odor. It may have towed a lot.

You should be able to get an "oasis" report showing all dealer work, at least>

Good luck,
John



[This message has been edited by JHerron3 (edited 03-20-2001).]

 

My 97 F150 4x4 extended LB 4.6L has just short of 160,000 miles on it. If the truck has been taken care of, you will be fine. As with any vechicle, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. I am a big fan of oil analyst tests.

 

The 4.6 is a good decent engine, so long as you aren't always looking to be the fastest guy out there. Reliability counts for a lot too, and that's where this engine has excelled. To date, nothing has gone wrong with the engine on the truck. I finally got around to replacing the plugs and wires a few weeks ago at about 119,000. Regular oil changes and all the different filters beng changed a regular intervals always helps if you can learn anything about the history of those. Other problems noted to date:

1. Rear diff seal leaked at ~30kmiles, replaced under warranty. No problems since.
2. Chrome bumpers rusted after one winter (salt, salt, and more salt). Bad electroplating was the cause, replaced under warranty, no problems since. (Now 4.5 years old)
3. Right tie rod end broke at 119,000 miles. Diagnosed bad left tie rod end and bent right inner tie rod also. Gotta love pothole season... My own fault for not inspecting more regularly to catch before one broke. Just glad I wasn't flying down the freeway...

Other than that, I have the infamous door crack(s) also. I have not had (surprisingly) the tailgate or door rust problems to date. I replaced the shocks around 110k miles - old ones were in pretty sorry shape. I've had one brake job and am on the second set of tires, which will be replaced before next winter. Brakes will need to be done in the next 15k miles.

Hope the info helps a little - high mileage may be OK if the truck was taken care of OK.

JMC- Just curious how you knew it was a Windsor 4.6 - Mine is a Romeo 4.6 and I don't see anything in the post about the engine plant! Did I miss something?

------------------
1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, Penda bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, 280 lbs. of traction sand (ahh, winter in the great white north! ), and 119,000 miles and counting!

[This message has been edited by gopher (edited 03-20-2001).]

 

i bot my 97 4.6 xlt used too. it had about 50,000 miles and i knew nothing about the owner or the truck. believe it or not, this was mt first p/up---have owned a new 81 blazer and 87 cherokee chief. my 4.6 has been almost trouble-free. it now has 115,000 miles. since recently finding this website, i have installed f/m delta 5, superchip, bbk 75mm th/body, edlebrock ias shocks(they suck--wish i had gotten bilstiens), and a/f one fipk. runs great...always use mobil one/purolater one. I LOVE THIS DAMN TRUCK!!!

 

Thanks for all of the great responses. I am an avid BMW fan and this site and its members rival my bimmer motor heads. excellent/thoughtful/technical/fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Outstanding.thanks again
vince