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?

What he is trading me:

 

I've seen some rust issues on my friends 97 and another 98 that I am replacing the pass side rocker on. I'm not sure if it is a widespread problem, But I'd thorougly inspect.

 

The biggest problem with the '97's is that they're so ugly!

 

I don't think the 87-91's look any better, but you know how opinions are.

The 2 guys I know have the 4.6 with high miles and no major engine problems.

 

Yes, Bashby, to be serious for a minute, other than the spark-plug removal problem which has given the 4.6 such a bad rep, I think it's a pretty good engine.

Looks are definetly in the eye of the beholder, I prefer the 80-86 over the 87-91, and would put the 92-96 third, but the 97- F150 just never grew on me.

 

Here's my biggest problem...

Atleast. Your 89 won't fold like a tin can

 

well 97s have torsion bars. torsion bars really suck for towing. the actual springs in the older vehicles handle towing better

 

my personal opinion, keep what ya got

 

head gaskets

 

351 would hopefully make more power than a 4.6

 

I am kinda getting tired of the lifted truck and was wanting something just to put 35's on and roll. And something with alittle better mpg

 

And the 97 has 200 thousand miles

 

take the 35s off and regear and it will gi help the bet better mpg, i help the local school and we got curtains and stands for prom maybe 300 pounds in the bed. the truck had a 4.6 and the thing redlined trying to go up a hill, i live in the nortwest ia, sw mn area and the hills arn't that big. the school driver said he hated it and guess what they had before, flatnose ford with a 4.9

 

If I get the truck I'll run 4.56 gears in it eventually. I know first hand experience how bigger tires rob power and mpg. Lol.

 

False. Unless you have a trailer hitch hooked to the front of your truck and tow in reverse, the front spring type won't have an effect. All these trucks use leaf springs in the rear. If you plan on using a plow, however, a solid axle leaf set up is the best bet.


Horsepower or torque? The 5.8 made (at its peak) 210hp and 325lb ft. The 4.6 (for 1997) made 220hp and 265lb ft. Less torque yes, but more horsepower. Aftermarket tuning will be far easier with the OBDII truck as well.

It's your call. I'm personally not a fan of the 97-03 body style, however the modular engines hold up fairly well. Access to things like spark plugs and oxygen sensors on those trucks sucks though.