I appologize if many of my questions are answered in other threads but I have already spent about 2 hours reading threads trying to get my questions answered and I really have to get to bed for work in the morning.

I am considering buying a 1997 F-150 Super Cab SB 4x2 with a 4.2l V6 and and auto trans. The truck has about 150,000 highway miles on it and it needs and exhaust system and brakes all the way around. The little old lady who is selling it is asking $4999 for it and I think I might be able to get it for $3500-$4000 considering the work it needs. I have some questions to consider first though.

1. Whats the story on the leaking gaskets, can I check for them before I buy? How easy/expensive is it to fix if needed?

2. I am used to driving big V8 4x4 F-250's and I am looking for a roomy truck to take back and forth between indiana and ohio and pull my jetskis for about 2 years till I can upgrade. Is this a good choice?

3. What kind of real-world mileage can I expect out of this v-6.

4. Whats the cheepest and easiest way to bump up the mileage and performance?

5. Anything else I should consider before buying this truck or any suggestions on a better model for me to look for?

Thanks
Rich

 

1) Most Of These Early 4.2' Had There Problem Around 80k Miles And The End Result Was A New Engine. Check For Any Coolant In The Oil.

2) The F150 Is Not As Big (interior Wise) As An F250, But Still Has Enough Room. The 4.2 Will Pull Your Skis Without A Problem.

3) I Get 16.5 Out Of Mine And I've Had It Since It Was New. Others Will Tell You Up To 22 - 23mpg. (i Have A 5.4l 4x4 That Gets 15mpg)

4) You Can Get A Cold Air Intake, Exhaust, And A Chip. Round About $800.00 Dollars And The Most Popular Mods.

5) If You Like It, And Its Clean, Get It! I Like My 4.2 And My 5.4. They Each Have Their Purpose.

 

Good advice above.

1) Not always a new engine required. My gasket leaked on my 2000 at about 155,000 miles. I got off easy - $400 for news gaskets, installation, the intake bead blasted inside, new thermostat, new PVC valve. A portion of the gaskets is visible. Not sure what the factory gaskets looked like, but a Ford service guy might be able to look and see. Also, if the gaskets has been replaced by a Ford dealer, I believe they can find out via VIN number.

2) A 4.2 is a good match for what you describe. Should work just fine for pulling jet skis. What rear end does it have? Check the "axle code" on the door jamb sticker.

3) There is a good thread here about gas mileage. Do a search and you should find it. I get 16 city and 19 interstate (running 70-75 mph)

4) A chip is good but you have to burn premium fuel. $150 will get you a MAC intake kit and a few hundred will get you a decent aftermarket exhaust system. Underdrive pulley is another option. But honestly, there's no such thing as "cheap horsepower' - at least not in my world. I don't think you'll need it anyways. If you just WANt it, look for a 5.4.

5) $3500-4000 still seems a little high to me - considering the potential gasket issue and the model year. Heck I'd sell my 2000 for that much and it already has all the goodies and gaskets replaced!