well as luck would have it, after getting the 98 out and about, the engine decided it wasnt enjoying life. started knocking pretty bad from the lower end. one of the bearings is going. luckily im gonna sell it back to my work where we will auction it off...but after i tear out all the front end work i just did.
found a great deal on a 2000 xlt sport 5.4 4x4. its got 200k but has a new motor thats only 60k miles old. gonna do a big switcharoo with the ball joints and tie rods, wheels and tires and ill be good to go.
here she is...