I have a choice between a 97 F-150 Lariat 4x4 with no rust and 96,000 miles 5.4 L or a 2001 xlt 4x4 off road and 121,000 miles 5.4 L. I tow a 6,000 lb trailer every weekend for 50 miles or so, play in the mud a little bit. I plan to throw a body lift and 33s on whichever. What you think?

 

if it were me id go with a 1978 f-150 long bed!

 

The '01 has 30 more HP stock, thats what I'd get if you could afford it. The only neat thing about the '97 would be if it is a reg. cab, reg. cab Lariats are quite rare.

 

I would probably get the '01. It might have a little bit more miles, but if it was taken care of then it should last at least 200,000 miles. It also depends on which one is in better shape, unless the '01 is rusting pretty bad, i would still get it. If you get a 3" body lift, you could fit 35"s. I got 32" on my 2wd and the 2wds are lower in the front than the 4wds.

 

I had a '97. As much as I loved it, the interior is updated as well as the body (i.e. bumper and grill) starting in '99.. There is almost nothing available for the '97-'98 (before the intake plenum mod for the 30 extra hp). You can't get any tuners for it, only chips. As well as starting off 30hp in the hole for the '97, you will find tons of stuff for the '99 and up due to the minor design and engineering differences. Plus regardless of the miles, the '97 has had an additional 4 years of weatherbeatinng on the paint, rubber, trim, bushings, interior and hoses.

I would go the '01. As long as it doesn't look obviously worse than the '97 you will be tons happier with the post 2000 model.

Just my .02, I hope this helps.

 

Edge has tuners that work on a 97, or so i've been told by dealers.
I have a 97 and i've been looking at tuners for it.

So don't let that influence your decision, there are tons of aftermarket products for a 97.

check mine out sometime at
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2296432