If your gonna get a 6, get a straight. There isn't much of a difference between fuel econ on the V6 and 4.6 V8. With the 4.2, it's kinda happy go lucky, hit and miss. About half the 4.2's out there will give you nothing but problems, the other half will run forever. My lower intake manifold cracked at 94K miles. Lost my slave cylinder at 74K miles. Lost my throwout bearing at 95K miles. The MAF and O2 sensors went bad at 104K miles. Had the plug wires short out on the valve covers at 79K miles. My clutch (which was replaced at 95K miles) has 30K miles on it and has been warped for 20K miles. My 4.2 has just been one of those plagued with problems.

 

Kelly Blue Book has your truck in excellent condition at under $4000.

http://www.kbb.com/ford/f150-regular...spec_group=opt

That's for a '98 4x4 XL regular cab 4.2 V6 manual short bed with the offroad package & A/C at 100,000 miles. For $6000 you should be able to find one in mint condition with 50,000 miles or less.

I agree with those who recommend the 4.6 V8. It gets nearly as good mielage with more power. Love mine.

 

My dad use to have a 97 white lariat extended cab long bed and he hated it. He went into the ford dealership looking to buy an f250 powerstroke (the good ones international made) and they talked him into an f150 with the 5.4 triton. It was lacking A LOT of power. It could barely tow a 24 ft pull-behind camper. He sold it after 4 years (2001) and finally bought an f250.

 

My father looked at going from Dodge to Ford but after he test drove the Powerstrokes, he went right back to the Dodge dealership and ended up with a Cummins equipped MegaCab.

 

Price varies by area... KBB isnt very accurate...

 

here in Iowa the XL and XLT packages are most purchased because they are cheaper... They are used on the job site and the farm so they are getting beat up... and most of the owners keep them until they die... there are only so many that match what you want and a fairly high demand

 

I have an XL that is 2WD. I've enjoyed it ever since I put the locker in the rear end, that made a load of difference off the highway down in the dirt and some mud (if it's something I second guess myself in the ability to make it through, I don't do it). The mileage I get with my 5 speed is not great but as it was my first road worthy vehicle (had a 88.5 Samurai with a 8" SPOA and 2" body lift prior to getting my license) and has only cost me close to what I paid for it in repairs, all under 105K miles. Other than that it has been a good truck, even when it doesn't want to run.