Hello,
I'm new to the forums but have been a ford truck owner since I could drive. I'm thinking about buying a 1997 f-150 ext cab 4X4. The only concern I have is the 160,000 miles. They are only asking $5,000 for the truck and other than the miles it looks good. The truck drives very nice and still has lots of power. Will the engine last a while longer? I don't have the money to do a rebuild right away. Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

Think about this. Ford started putting the 4.6 in the Crown VIcs in 92 or 93, how many taxis are there out there? Most of them have over 400k on them... I'd say 160k isn't a problem.

 

How well it was maintained as well as how it was driven will ultimately determine the life of the engine. You can always do a compression test on it to gauge engine health.

*Is there a receiver hitch on it with evidence of lots of use?

 

Cowboy is right, IF it has been well maintained and not abused, it could last quite a while longer. If you are buying from a dealer, try to negotiate a warranty.

 

There is no hitch on the truck. He says it was serviced regularly. I didn't know that the engine was used in crown vics, thats pretty impressive that they will go for 400k. So you guys think its a good buy? It's also a lariate. I didnt metion that. Thanks

 

im running right at 210 now on mine. Only hickups where driver error..

 

I am now on the upper scale of 190,000 and just regular maitnance with no sign of giving up. I have seen some 4.6 liters with 600,000 and 700,000 miles and runs perfect on the original engine.

 

Hello- Welcome to FTE! I have moved your post to the specialized forum we have here for your question. Check out the list of tech forums we have here. There is a wealth of information and expertise here to help you. There are a number of links in my sig below to help you also. Have fun!

 

The company I work for has about 10 4.6 f-150 trucks. Some are over 300,000. My company truck has 140,000 miles on it with no problems. Since new I have used amsoil and go 1 year or 24000 miles between changes. At 6 monyhs or 12000 I change the filter and ad the quart drained out with the filter. It will use about a half quart in 12000 miles.

 

Thanks Guys, I was really hesitant to buy this truck because of the miles but it's such a good price. You have helped me determine that the mileage isn't as big a deal as I thought. I have a 1993 f-150 4x4 now that I will try to trade in, so wish me luck. Thanks again.

 

i work in a lube shop and i see a lot of 5.4 & 4.6 with over 200k all day

 

142K and still going on my 99 4.6L F150. I've heard this motor is real good as far as reliability goes, it lacks in the power dept though. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and haven't had oen problem yet, everything else on the truck will go before the engine does.

 

$5k for a 97 lariat 4x4 ext cab, I'll take 2. The blue book is almost $12k.

 

The newer 4.6L engines are made out of aluminum, not cast iron. This includes the block and the heads. Don't expect much more than 100K miles. You can get this mileage if you change the oil and filter every 3,500 miles or so. Aluminum, even the newer super alloy types, just doesn't last/wear as good as cast iron.

 

blue,

it is obvious you know little about these engines. so don't comment if you don't have the facts. don't spread misinformation. the cars use aluminum blocks with cast iron liners, the trucks use cast iron blocks. both will last the same amount of time. the heads also use steel seats. the piston never rides on the aluminum , so durablity is not a issue. 250k is easy to do.