does anybody have any tricks or handy tips we all should no about our 97-03 f150s? anything, that could help a guy or girl out with there own truck or something we should no before buying. good , bad or otherwise.

 

always try the 4x4 if equiped

give it a good check over to see hhow much work it needs

 

I think you should always have an independent mechanic look it over before you buy. Lets face it, most people aren't selling their vehicles because they are perfect. That aside have them do a compression test on the engine, check the tranny and 4x4. Mostly the stuff that is going to cost big bucks if it goes wrong. It kinda sucks to fork over a hundred bucks or so right before making a big purchase but it could save you some headaches in general.

I'm not sure of any specific issues for the 97-03's but i'm sure that others here will if there are any common ones

 

Make sure the coil packs are good and the tranny doesn't slip...those are the two most common issues I can recall!

 

Ive got a 2000 never had any problems. 4.6 is awsome fuel mileage and with a few minor mods pulls damm good. K&N cold air intake, throtle body spacer, true dual exahaust ( 3" ). I love it.

 

When you did up the throttle body spacer was the difference noticeable? What brand of part did you use?

 

Before you buy - test the heater and the air conditioning. That also includes all the modes. (i.e.- Vent, Floor, Defrost, Panel, etc)

It sucks going out to a vehicle after 6 months of owning it, only to discover that the frost on your windshield won't clear because your defroster doesn't work. Or when it's 20 degrees outside and you discover that the heater you never tested only blows cold air. Been there, done that, it sucked.

 

thats true when i bought my 1997 truck i was testing everything and my dad was like WTF are you doin then i told him and then he felt like an idiot

 

Maintenance records are of a great help and represent the former owners commitment to the vehicle.

 

These trucks are notorious for exhaust leaks, the studs break off the head that hold the manifold on, so make sure it doesnt have an exhaust leak... thats what happened to me