1997 f-150
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
My 97 f150 4x4 is now at about 143k. I have put well over 200k on every ford I have owned. To date only had to deal with minor tune up stuff. I really think your situation will be directed by how the other owner(s) have taken care of the truck. Mine was a fleet truck- Almost all of the miles were highway. Doens't take away from anything but I would rather buy one with a lot of HWY miles than someones tired old work truck.
Make sure you have a qualified tech take a quick look. Heck for about $100 there are certified pepole who will come to you to do this, you don't even have to move the truck from where it is.
Good luck
Make sure you have a qualified tech take a quick look. Heck for about $100 there are certified pepole who will come to you to do this, you don't even have to move the truck from where it is.
Good luck
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids Linn
I bought a '97 , 4.6, 100,000 mile a year ago. No problems that routine maintenance haven't taken care of . If the price is right go for it.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I bought my 97' in July '02 with 111k on it, 1997 F-150 ext. cab Lariat with the 4.6 auto and 3.55 rearend. I've absolutely loved it but the previous owner did very little in maintenance so the past year I've sank quite a few fistfulls of cash into catching up.
With a tuneup, and pretty much a whole new front suspension and steering system, it runs and drives like a champ. I can go into detail if you need to know what all I've replaced. This morning she proudly rolled over to 149k miles.
With a tuneup, and pretty much a whole new front suspension and steering system, it runs and drives like a champ. I can go into detail if you need to know what all I've replaced. This morning she proudly rolled over to 149k miles.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I bought my '97 SC,LB 4x4 in May. had 101K on it. Did a tune up for about $150 - hoses, belt, plugs, wires (4.6), oil, filter, K&N clean kit. The only other things were a set of brakes, a starter (never 4-wheel in water and mud past your floor boards!), a heater core (the reason I got the truck dirt cheap). Soon it needs a new set of 315/75R16's, but that's to be expect and I am going to change the diff oils because the rear has a leak and I have been in some major mud and water. Oh! last sue . The previous owner had a new tranny put in it. The papers from the dealer say the overdrive band was cooked, my guess is towing with O/D on.
Moral to the story- most everything done to it was self-inflicted. I bought the truck after working at a Ford dealer. The trucks that need work had over 300K miles or were beaten or not maintained.
Moral to the story- most everything done to it was self-inflicted. I bought the truck after working at a Ford dealer. The trucks that need work had over 300K miles or were beaten or not maintained.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: so Cal
I just traded in my 1997 F-150 XLT 4.6L, it hadd 110,000 miles and no problems. I had been towing with it so there was a little shift hesitation but I purchased a Chip mod which resolved that.
Last edited by Racerguy; Nov 13, 2003 at 09:55 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Whitehorse, Yukon, CAN.
Howdy,
I purchased our f150 with 60k on it and have put another 40k on with no trouble other than some electrical gremlins like wipers that have a mind of their own and intermitant interior / door ajar lights. other than that all i've done is routine maintenance.
great truck altogether
see ya
Bob
I purchased our f150 with 60k on it and have put another 40k on with no trouble other than some electrical gremlins like wipers that have a mind of their own and intermitant interior / door ajar lights. other than that all i've done is routine maintenance.
great truck altogether
see ya
Bob
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, Indiana
Ive had my 97 4x4 SB for a couple months. Has 123K and only minor issues.
Rear brakes replaced already.
Needs springs...sits low left
needs shocks.....they are original
front tires....already bought 2 nice toyos for the rear
Other than a cluck on take off if i goose it, and some lifter rattle it runs and performs perfect.
It looks as if it reasonably maintained.
Rear brakes replaced already.
Needs springs...sits low left
needs shocks.....they are original
front tires....already bought 2 nice toyos for the rear
Other than a cluck on take off if i goose it, and some lifter rattle it runs and performs perfect.
It looks as if it reasonably maintained.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I like this post...I bought a 97 F150 4.6 auto 4X4 Longbed in August with 42,000 miles on it...other than oil changes I've put a K&N intake on it, serviced the tranny and replaced the filter, and drained and filled the transfer case. The vehicle now has 49k on it and I'm planning on flushing the radiator before summer comes. Is there any other maintenance you guys can recommend right now? I was planning on doing the plugs and wires at 60k.