Well I have been on this forum a while over in the powerstroke and IDI section.
I had a guy offer to buy my F350 for what I payed for it last saturday.
I have been driving an expedition (2009) for work at the sheriffs office and decided to get one as a personal ride since I liked my work Ex so much.
I have been looking for a blue one for a while and couldnt really find one in good shape. Out here towards Amarillo, most of the vehicles are either priced really high or have been abused by farm/ranch use.
I found this one in dallas and am picking it up tomorrrow (6/26)...its the motor, exterior color and interior color I have been searching for.
He is asking $2700 which is a pretty fair for the year model/mileage IMO
Im not sure what future plans are...maybe a ranch hand front, slightly larger tires (maybe), CB, etc

Details:
1997 XLT
5.4 (like my work exped)
4x4
163K miles
leather seats (would rather have vinyl everything)
3rd row seats
keyless entry

Here are some pictures!

 

i like it but why not a 2000 and up since they have more power?

 

Looks nice, good color. Can't go wrong with a ranch hand and bigger rubber. BTW the 5.4 went from 230hp to 260hp in '99.

 

Definietly hold out for a 99 up with updated front end and PI heads.

 

I always assumed there was a power difference but didn't know for sure.
If I had found one like this that was newer and in my price range I would have jumped on it.

agreed! especially out here in the panhandle...we have deer, hogs, etc EVERYWHERE out here...a ranch hand is a wise investment.

To the guys w/ranch hand front replacements....is it hell on the front alignment? should I just get a grill guard? I have a buddy who has an 01 F150 w/RH replacement and he is always having to get his realigned or it eats tires.

I wish I could but I doubt I could find the price/color/options I want in the time-frame that I need to buy a vehicle... I have been looking for this one for about 3mo.
btw what is a PI head? police interceptor?
Im off to do some searching on the intarwebz!

I did a fair amount of research before deciding on an ex...looked at common issues, usual failures, etc.
Hopefully this one isn't a lemon lol

 

i know that i just said 2000 because its got a bigger center console and no antenna amongs other things

Lol no, its Performance Improvement heads

 

Well I bought the truck yesterday. I visited the parents last night, took a nap then headed home about 2am this morning.
The truck has a few issues that need to be addressed but for the price I payed, I expected as much.
Issues:
HVAC valve is inop. I have only HOT air on the front panel. (rear works great cold/hot). I figure I will go ahead and install a new heater core while Im in the dash anyway.

Motor has a miss (slightly at idle), none at light throttle and a larger miss when strong throttle. I figure it needs new plugs and COPs.
It tossed a code (CEL was on) but I haven't had a chance to plug up my reader. I got back in town, parked the truck, changed clothes and came into work...Ill pull the code when I get back home tonight and see where she is hurting.

Missing a bushing on the pass sway bar link

I think the PO disconnected some speakers (for some of his Subs) I dont have much in the way of bass sounds as the setup sits now....I also saw on the radio settings the sub section was cranked way way up.

The PO pulled the factory radio which has the 6disk changer in the console (changer still in console) and replaced with a single dinn unit (single CD)...the install is really crappy and I pretty much hate it. The screen is REALLY bright/distracting and plays these cheesy grayscale videos while music is playing (videos of boats racing, cars racing, flags, etc)....I am going to pull it ASAP and re-install the factory setup so I can use the console CD changer.
Im not sure which dash unit that is (or which years will fit) but Im sure I can find a thread on here somewhere. I also wouldnt mind installing a different ford radio (either single CD, tape, etc and not using the CD Changer...I hear they aren't too reliable)

I would really prefer one with USB plug or cassette (for my Zune)

Maybe this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-F-Serie...9ea279&vxp=mtr

or this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-05-Ford-E...ht_3369wt_1159

or this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-05-Ford-E...ht_3369wt_1159

 

Also build date of 9/96 (Michigan plant) and 3.73 LS rear