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As far as 1997 model F-150's go, what's the earliest date of manufacture anyone has seen on the door jamb stickers? The reason I ask is because the local mechanics here seem suprised that my sticker says "Feb 96".
According to Ford, there are two versions of the 1997 year model, one that is manufactured before 7/96 and one that is manufactured after 7/96(the regular production run). There are slight variations in the two versions. Be careful when buying parts for the 97(most aftermarket parts were made for the later version).
Mine says 02/96. I found a gem, one owner extended cab 4.6, 5 speed 4x4 off road package in the South so no rust, not even a door ding. I have only had the regular issues so far like the coolant leak in the #4 cylinder plug hole.
Mine says 02/96. I found a gem, one owner extended cab 4.6, 5 speed 4x4 off road package in the South so no rust, not even a door ding. I have only had the regular issues so far like the coolant leak in the #4 cylinder plug hole.
Yeah mine is same everything color, stickers and all with the exception mine is automatic and still has original factory rims. It was my 91 year old Dad's pride and joy since almost brand new. After he stopped driving, some family got ahold of it and used it hard as a work truck briefly so I have some repairs to bring back to former glory. The 4.6 just runs so well. Oh and I have diamond plate running boards Dad put on when he got it. It had the side mounted tool boxes, but family trashed so I took them out.
Last edited by WillieB65; Mar 18, 2026 at 09:31 PM.
Glad to hear that a few of them are still cherished and taken care of. I see a lot of that body style on the roads here in the south still but most are in "working truck" shape. The newest one could be, is 22 years old with the 04 heritage but most are 25 yrs old or more. As far as the 4.6 goes, that is a solid almost bullet proof engine in those trucks but it is under powered a little for towing. Everyday driving and small loads it does just fine though.
It seems all the "new" body lines are the same way
'84 T bird came out early '83 too
They start the next year's production by August
Same with early 64 1/2 Mustang that was a '65
Aerostar was the same way, came out early (July) 1985 as a 1986
