Hey guys. I have ran across a guy wanting to trade his 1997 F150 Supercab shortbed 4x4 4.6 XLT for a older F150. So I told him what I have (1989 f150 XLT Lariat Supercab shortbed 4x4 Solid axle swap 4.56 gearing and 351w) and he wants to trade.

What do yall think? And are there any particular problems with a 97 f150? And do yall know what kinda mpg I can expect from the 97, alot better than mine?

Mine:




His:

 

First, in my opinion and experience with both model trucks, you'll experience a big drop in torque and power. That won't be such an issue with you in the level South Carolina terrain as it is for me here in the mountains. Secondly, the nut holding the EGR tube to the exhaust manifold inevitably rots off and leaves you with a very troublesome and irritating exhaust leak that is not very easy to fix. Also (and this might be his motivation to trade down almost 10 years), the heater core replacement on these trucks is a nightmare (it's about an 8 hour job involving an almost complete dash removal among other things). I did mine last fall, and those of us who have done it think there should be some sort of monument in our honor somewhere. Test drive that truck and make sure all heating/cooling functions are working properly (the blend door also breaks). Once you have it warmed up, turn on the AC and put your nose in front of the dash vents. If you smell anti-freeze, walk away unless you're willing to do the repair or pay Ford close to a grand to do it for you. Finally, I did a pretty extensive tune-up on mine this past summer. I checked my mileage yesterday--just 13.5 mpg here in the mountains. In my opinion, those are the biggest issues I've faced.

 

I'm getting alittle tired of the lifted truck. Lol. I am looking for something to have 35s and roll on. Everything is supposed to work, Of course i'll put it through the motions first to see for sure.

I'm not the biggest fan in having to remove the dash but im not extrenely worried about the heater core issue. My dad is a mechanic for Santee Cooper, and been through all of the Ford classes taught be ford.

Thanks man for your input youve helped!! btw his truck has 200 thousand miles.