How to tell if 1997-2003 is a 5.4 or 4.6?
 

It seems like all the trucks this model just have a Triton V8 emblem. Is there anyway to tell what motor the truck has without looking under the hood? I know the knew ones will say Triton V8 (4.6) or either Triton 5.4

I dont think just by looking at one that u could tell if it has a 5.4 or 4.6 in it.
On my 99 f-150 the only ways of telling would be either to pop the hood or look on the sticker on the inside of the drivers side door;There might be a way i dont know about though.
John

99 f-150 ext. cab
rear steel buper..grilleguard w/4 KC lights
tool box..bed linner
dual exaust..K&N air intake...

Sure...look at the VIN through the windshield. The eigth digit of the VIN is the engine code. 6 is a Windsor built 4.6L, W is a Romeo built 4.6l, and L is a 5.4L

lol.

OK, 1997 f150s-can't tell at all, 4.2, 4.6 nor 5.4 apart (all of them have the f150 xlt or xl logo)

1998-2003- 4.2L's are still the same as the 97's (no v8 emblem obviously) You still are not able to tell 4.6 or 5.4 apart though-From 99-03 they just have a triton v8 emblem)

i dont even have a triton v8 emblem, and the truck came from the factory with a 4.6.

I believe Lariat model comes with 5.4L as standard. As for XLT, flip a coin. :rolleyes:

look at the rearend. all 5.4's come with 9.75 rears. its sort oblong shaped and non symmetrical. the 8.8 is like a circle with 4 flat spots at top bottom and sides. symmetrical.

I have a lariat with the 4.6 it was the standard in 97

Well I don't guess there is any of telling just seeing one drive by. I have an 04 4.6 and I hear how everyone says don't get a 4.6 in the new boby style get the 5.4 and I was just wondering how many old bodystyle were actually 5.4s.

If it has "Triton" on the side, under the F150 sign, then it is 5.4L. Also check out the rear diffs. 5.4L's are bigger (physical size) than the 4.6L.

This is just my opinion and what I have observed.

Oops.... I must have been thinking of newer models. Didn't know about this. Apparently, not many 5.4's in earlier models than later models.

Look at the tailpipe and if you see pure gas running out of it, it must be that gas guzzling 5.4L! just joking

Rear diff is the only way I know of to tell the difference. My 97' Lariat ext cab had the 4.6, my '99 Lariat has the 5.4 but from what I hear the '04 and newer Lariats have the 5.4 3V as standard equipment.

ive seen some 4.6 emblems on 04 and 05's. havent seen one with a 5 spd yet though. edit, dont know about 4.6 in the lariat.

1997 4.6L ONLY HAVE PLUG WIRES AND COIL PACKS. THE 5.4L HAVE COP's