I recently got a 97 F150 and in looking at parts catalogs for cat back systems I see "fits 98 - 03" and some parts are 97 only. What is the difference from 97 to 98 that would make parts fit a 98 - 03 but not a 97? I have the exhaust exiting in front of rear tire from factory, is that the whole diffence or am I missing some thing?

 

Thats just it, ford changed the system in 98, so if you have the style that exits before the tire, you will need a kit that is specifically for the 97. magnaflows application shows 97-03, but i would call magnaflow to make sure before ordering anything

http://jusnesmodified.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=430_432_438_449

 

With that being said - the infront of tire exit will not have the stock hanger behind the passenger side tire as found on the 98-03s. That and I believe the location of the muffler is moved slightly rearward on the newer trucks as well (a few inches at most).

The magnaflow kit may come with additional hangers and not use the stock hangers after the muffler - hence the reason for the interchangeability.

-Kerry