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Old Jul 15, 2006 | 11:18 PM
  #1  
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Wanting a....

I'm now looking into getting maybe a f150, single cab, stepside short bed. I can't afford the lightning, and I need gas mileage so a supercharger wouldn't help.

My question is, what is the main problems with these of the 97-03 year? It seems I can only get the 4.2L v6 with the 5 speed manual. How good is that v6? Pretty peppy? Can I get a v8 and still have a 5speed and a single cab, short bed stepside?

Thanks for any input!
 
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Old Jul 16, 2006 | 05:33 PM
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You can get a 4.6L with a 5-speed. 99-up seem to be a bit better, better cylinder heads and a better looking front end.
 
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Old Jul 18, 2006 | 10:52 AM
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I'll have to look into that. How does the 4.2 perform though?
 
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Old Jul 18, 2006 | 12:14 PM
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4.2 is ok for everyday driving with occasional hauling/pulling duty. mine has 95000 on it and gets about 18mpg. the 5-speed is the weakest link. it is made by mazda and isn't made for racing or abuse. if you don't get crazy, it should last a long time. overall i am satisfied. if you opt for extended cab or 4x4, i think it bogs it though.
 
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Old Jul 18, 2006 | 12:17 PM
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I want a single cab, short bed/step side. I won't be towing anything. So it sounds *like it'd work.
 
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Old Jul 18, 2006 | 12:24 PM
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Also, after 99 i think they redesigned the intake or head gasket or something. my suggestion, get a 2000 or newer if possible. check out the 4.2 forums for more info on this.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2006 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Ben34
if you opt for extended cab or 4x4, i think it bogs it though.
I didnt think the 4.2 was available with the 4x4 package...

The main question...is what are you going to do with this truck? Daily driver with bed just in case you need to haul something? The 4.2 is perfect for that.

My dad's company truck is a '04 Heritage 4.2...and she's got more than enough power for everything he uses it for.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 07:14 PM
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just wondering

is a regular cab the same thing as a supercab? or is that an extended cab?

~guitaristman10
 
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 11:09 PM
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A supercab is just another saying for extended cab.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 06:41 PM
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Keep in mind, a 4.2 is a pretty big V6. I work with a carpenter who has a supercab shortbed 4.2 5 speed, and uses it to haul 450 lbs of tools and equipment daily. Even with that weight and a V6, it'll get up and go. The 4.2 is a pretty peppy motor.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2006 | 11:37 PM
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I have a 2000 ford F-150 supercab shortbed 4.6L V8. and ya it can haul and its faster than 80% of the cars and trucks in my city. its great. and im making it even more powerful and tons of low-end torque. its my little project.~Trent
 
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