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F-150 Owners

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Comments

  • alexrodalexrod Member Posts: 11
    Goodluck with your new truck. You're lucky it fits in your garage! I had to buy a Cover-it garage because it's too long(or garage too short) Enjoy!
  • kDUKEkkDUKEk Member Posts: 10
    Ladies and gentlemen of this board:

    For a year-and-a-half I have owned a 1991 F-150 XLT Lariat 4WD Standard Cab Long Bed. I paid $8900 for the vehicle.

    I now have nearly $15,000 invested in this truck to keep it running. I have replaced one fuel pump, the starter, and the entire engine. I have had the radiator rebuilt at the same time as the Ford 302 Reman was installed.

    The truck had 104,000 when I purchased it used. I'm at 118,000 now. The F-150 is now in need of a new transmission. I know the automatic 4x4 tranny is one of the most expensive to buy (new, used, and rebuilt).

    The question I have for you is: Can I do absolutely anything about salvaging the money I have wasted on this truck? Can I writhe Ford Motor Company and ask them to buy this vehicle back as a lemon? Or can you tell me I'm simply over my head in debt and ignorance? I can't imagine being stuck with this junk for a long time.

    Thank you for your time and help.

    Duke
  • signasigna Member Posts: 26
    Buying an 8 year old truck with over 100,000 miles is always a crap shoot. Your dice didn't roll so good...

    Nothing you can do. Buy a better truck.
  • jefferyjeffery Member Posts: 2
    I've heard that F-150's are having problems with their torsion bar's. Can anyone tell me what they know about this problem or if Ford has a recall in progress? A friend of mine had his go out and a whole line of F-150's were at the dealer with the same problem.
  • alexrodalexrod Member Posts: 11
    What is the Torsion bar? (sorry for my ignorance) How would one know if it needs repair? Or is it something that if it broke I would know for sure?
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    The torsion bars are what function as the front springs on certain trucks. They are used on the newer F150 4X4's but I think the 4x2's use coils? Anyway, if one broke, you'd certainly know it, 'cause one side of the front end would suddenly drop all the way down. There has been some discussion of broken torsion bars on http://www.f150online.com

    HP
  • browntruckbrowntruck Member Posts: 1
    What's the trade-in value and market value on my 1983 F150 XLT with the following:
    165,000 miles
    3 spd trans w/ Overdrive
    4WD
    no a/c, power windows, locks, mirrors
    w/ power steering & brakes
    AM/FM radio
    Body in good shape
    6 cyl 4.9L engine
    sliding rear window
    Long bed
  • GTRocksGTRocks Member Posts: 48
    I have a 99 F150 XLT. Love it, but for one thing. It whistles over 55mph. Faint, but very annoying. Coming from the front end somewhere. Might even be the antenna?? Anyone else seen this? Weatherstripping around the windshield? Mirrors? Anyone....bueler...bueler...

    browntruck....I went to www.kbb.com and said that I was trading your truck in (what the dealer should give you for it). You'd get more if you sell it privately. If I understood your options correctly, I get $1550. You should go there yourself though, and play with the options to make sure I got them right. It is also geographically dependent, so you'll have to factor that in (I'm in MD).
  • nuwonuwo Member Posts: 63
    What is the trailer towing capacity for the 4.6 V8? Edmunds says 1,700 lbs which is pretty low. The Ford brochure says 6,000 lbs for the 4x4 extended cab, which seems more reasonable. I'm hoping that it's close to the latter.
  • xl_1228xl_1228 Member Posts: 29
    1,700 pounds?! That doesn't sound at all right. My 97 S/C 4x4 4.6 automatic pulls my 3500 pound trailer no problem. And I'm sure it could do the 6,000 pounds the Ford brochure says.
  • AirwolfAirwolf Member Posts: 142
    Just got a letter from the dealer in Tampa, that my truck was built early, and is due to arrive 3 days early, on the 12th!!! Therefore, it may even be early enough to arrive today. Can't wait! It's so close I can almost touch it.

    Sorry, just thought I'd let everyone know. So far:
    Order 12/28
    Vin 1/6
    Build Date 1/26-2/1
    Delivery Date 2/12

    Cheers,
    Ryan
  • eurocareurocar Member Posts: 12
    Hi I'm new on this list. I've got a '93 F150 XL w/300 straight 6, 4spd + OD, 3.08 rear axle. We love this truck. Just spent some cash on a few cosmetic mods: ie repainted black with black bumpers, steps, side rails, custom bar grill, and moon visor. Unfortunately all that fun stuff was, of course, followed by replacing the clutch, radius arm bushings, ball joints, an axle joint, . . .well you get the picture. There's not much left and it'll be almost new.

    One thing I've wondered about that maybe someone will know, is why the manual tranny on this truck is rated so much lower for towing than the auto. The auto is rated for, I think, 4500lbs while ours is rated for 2000!! And I've heard more stories about burned out autos than manuals. I always assumed the manual transmission would be more rugged. Do you think they're just worried about clutch wear? We occasionally pull a horse trailer with it (exceeding the rating) and once it's on the highway we're fine, but the 3.08 axle is a bummer when going through stop and go traffic.

    Anyway I'm glad to see this list. These are fun trucks.
  • pogo7pogo7 Member Posts: 7
    My '94 150 short-bed is the same; 300/6, manual, 3.08 rear. Recently got a 2000 lb. camper, and belive me, coming through a snowstorm after deer hunting in the NOrth Maine Woods, it's all the pair can do to remember how to behave as a pair. Great on dry, pavement or dirt. But the physics of snow changes everything dramatically. It might improve w/ having the brakes on the camper hooked up, but that's irrelevant uphill or on a flat. Looking now for a newer 150, partly for more creature comforts - air & auto - partly more hauling power.
  • pogo7pogo7 Member Posts: 7
    Followup to previous: I've also got a 1600# pop-up that I haul in milder weather. Except for uphill the truck doesn't even know it's there. Even the one time I got caught in a snowstorm back in the woods. That 400# makes a huge difference.
  • nuwonuwo Member Posts: 63
    I guess that I've got the same question. For example, the brochure says that maximum trailer weight with the 4.6 V8 and manual transmission is 2,800 lbs (4X4, 3.55 axle ratio), whereas it states a 6,000-6,500 limit for the automatic transmission. I plan on occasional towing and want to make sure that I have enough truck. Do I need the automatic?
  • timkentimken Member Posts: 4
    Never thought I'd buy a truck, but rode in a friend's 94' SVT Lightning, and suddenly realized that you CAN have both...I've waited a couple of years, envious of my friend, and wouldn't you know, Ford realized they had a winner. I've now got one of the few to be made '99s, and can't quit thinking about it....it is driving my wife insane.

    The dealer is also not being quite as friendly as I thought. The first words out of the mgr's mouth when he overheard the salesman and I talking about the lightning in December were: "NO DISCOUNTS ON THAT ONE!!" I was shocked. I understand the meaning of supply and demand(am a stockbroker/financial consultant) by trade, but also understand the importance of making a sale, and especially of delivering exceptional customer service. It is now mid February, and they won't give me a price, only an estimate of around $30k, and have explained that they will only order fully loaded(which is fine with me, feature wise), but the overwhelming cockiness of these guys really burns me. If nothing else,Ford won't be getting the financing as I've pre-arranged with USAA. Covert Ford is surely going to lose the benefit of refferal from me, and I speak with a lot of people! Still, can't wait to get my first truck!!! -BT Austin,TX
  • timkentimken Member Posts: 4
    Oops...sorry about the length of my first post. Just glad to have someone to share my eagerness with! Happy truckin'....!
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    And I suppose you somehow held the view that car dealers are something other than the lowest form of life known to exist in the universe.
  • akjbmwakjbmw Member Posts: 231
    Actually, aren’t they like attorneys and politicians? We pay attorneys to do it to us. Politicians do it ‘cause they can and we accept it as part of the package. Car salesmen charge extra for the K-Y jelly as an “option.” ;-)
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    We better watch out lest the mindless twits from "salesmen are people too" get wind of us.
  • akjbmwakjbmw Member Posts: 231
    The car “salespersons” (I forgot to be politically correct in #643) who are likely to take offense are probably the ones not wanting to admit that some of their associates are “guilty as alleged.”
    Listen to me. You’d think I still lived in Marin County instead of here in Nevada! :)
  • pogo7pogo7 Member Posts: 7
    You tell them you research retail, wholesale, invoice, & hold-back figures. You know what your vehicle books for, both high & low. And they start in talking from the sticker price. If that isn't knuckle-dragging mentality I don't know what is.
  • sportpackagesportpackage Member Posts: 1
    How about this race. A 95 dakota extra cab w/ a 318 and a 99 f 150 supercab with the 5.4 260 h.p. and 3.55 gears.
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Who won?
  • mdc2mdc2 Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a 97 F150 XLT with the 4.6 liter V8 and automatic. So far I love this truck. It only has 9,500 miles and it is like brand new. I would like to hear about other peoples experiences with this particular model. Thanks.
  • jerrytjerryt Member Posts: 1
    I'm close to getting my first truck. Here is what I am looking at:

    Ford F-150 4x2 XLT Supercab Shortbed
    Harvest Gold (trying to keep it looking good in Indiana)
    4.6L V-8
    Automatic
    Rear sliding window
    Trailer Towing package
    Keyless Entry

    The dealer and I worked our way down to $22,000 from his opening bid of $22,900. It appears by earlier posts that I should be able to buy this truck for about $21,600 or so. What do you think?

    Since I am adding another vehicle and not trading anything in and do not have to have the truck, it seems to me to be a much easier approach than having to buy a car. My last Oldsmobile started having problems at 30,000 and continued until I got rid of it at 40,000 miles.

    What is a reasonable number?
  • ThauThau Member Posts: 25
    The price sounds about right. You are gonna love your truck. Good luck.

    dmc2
    I have almost the same configuration except for the 99 model. LOVE IT. Enjoy :)
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    Are you buying off the lot or ordering? You should have no problem ordering at $100 over invoice. That way you also get it exactly the way you want it. Think about leaving keyless out of the equation and put the money not spent towards an after market auto start/keyless system. There are several very good products on the market and auto start is big time worthwhile. Also decide your tolerance for mediocre stereo. If you like quality sound you will not be overjoyed even with what Ford jokingly refers to as "premium sound". If such is the case settle for whatever is the bottom of the barrel radio/speaker combo and then do it proper. Just my views. As Thau said, you are going to love the truck.
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    If you are getting the towing package for actual towing (and not just for the extra cooling/electric), consider spending a little more on the 5.4l V8. The power is awesome, and many people think the gas mileage is not too different than the smaller engine gets, particularly under towing loads.

    HP
  • lwflwf Member Posts: 223
    I have the 4.2 and at 205HP I think it's adequate, but I certainly wouldn't argue the point that the 4.6V8 would be even better from a power standpoint. If you are going to be doing a lot of towing, perhaps you should seriously consider stepping up. But if you are, in fact, buying this truck for towing, I'd suggest you reconsider transmission option. Depending on the engine and axle ratio you pick, the towing capacity with an automatic transmission is rated at from 2500 to 3600# more than with a standared transmission.
  • AirwolfAirwolf Member Posts: 142
    I just picked up my new truck yesterday. Drove it home from Tampa yesterday -- ~175 miles. Nice time to vary and breakin, on the state road. Didn't go the Interstate. Nice ride. A few light scratches and a rock chip (from a jerk speeding in construction) that will buff out are all the marks yet. For a few minutes I was PISSED at the rock, but then I thought of my new bumper sticker... "Offroad+Scratches=Building Character" Nothing profound (and I'm working on a better version) but what the hell! :) I'm happy!
    Cheers,
    Ryan
  • cwo4cwo4 Member Posts: 90
    I have the opportunity to buy a 97 F-150 Flareside 4X4, 5sp, XLT from a guy who is transferring to an overseas location where import duties will double his cost of the truck. It has around 15K miles and can be had for $13K. Sounds great, right? Here's the rub. The guy has trashed the truck. It has cigarette burns on the seats and carpets, a couple of scrapes on the rear wheel wells, never washed in the year and a half he's owned it, and I don't believe he's ever changed the oil or done any service checks. On the plus side, it's never been off road or used to tow or haul anything. It's a great deal, I think, BUT....... What do you guys think? Thanks.
  • ladyblueladyblue Member Posts: 326
    cwo4:

    The F150 is a solid truck. I've just traded in my 97 F150 at 25000 miles without a single mechanical problem.

    The cosmetic damage shouldn't be hard to fix - some seat covers, floor mats and a good washing will take care of most of that. The paint scrapes also shouldn't be costly to repair.

    What I'd worry about is the fact that he hasn't change the oil or done any maintenance. The owner's manual recommends changing the oil every 5000 (I changed mine every 3000), so you're not TOO bad off but, if possible, I'd get a mechanic to look the truck over before I'd buy. There may be some serious engine wear if he drove it hard for those 15000 miles.
  • timkentimken Member Posts: 4
    I'm supposed to get my 99.5 Lightning in March...have a couple of questions for you experts out there..
    1) How should I "break in" a new engine...(has anybody done this with a factory installed blower?)...I have no idea.

    2)At what point will I be able to get the VIN for this truck...I put a deposit down in Dec. and the salesguy said they wouldn't even be able to put it into the system until Feb., which I verified that he has now that it's Feb..., Job 1 is March 1...USAA(providing financing) needs the VIN to release the cash....guess I'll just have to wait until it gets here?

    Thanks
    BT
  • jlc4jlc4 Member Posts: 16
    LB, what did you trade in on? Did I miss an earlier post? Good luck on your new vehicle.

    Oh, thanks for the infoe on the truck cap.

    jlc4
  • ladyblueladyblue Member Posts: 326
    jlc4:

    You're welcome. I had a leased 97 F150 4x4 ext. cab. My new truck is a Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Quad cab. It wasn't the Ford I didn't like, it was the Ford DEALER. Here is my new truck:
    <<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/ldembo6220/romance/index.htm">http://members.aol.com/ldembo6220/romance/index.htm&gt;
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    LadyBlue

    If you don't mind, I'd like to know what your lease cost (per month) on your F150 and how many miles you put on it. I've been contemplating the lease possibility here lately as i see all these great new trucks on the market, like yours....

    is your Dodge lease comparable?
  • AirwolfAirwolf Member Posts: 142
    Hey all. To anyone who wants to look, I've posted the new pictures of my F150 truck on my web site! http://www.gate.net/~airwolf Simply select My Vehicles, Old & New from the first drop down list. She looks great!

    Cheers,
    Ryan
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Sweet truck, Airwolf! The wedgewood blue was my second choice, it really looks great. Congrats on getting yours!

    HP
  • aaron8aaron8 Member Posts: 22
    ladyblue, sweet truck! i wanted a dodge quadcab, unfortunately, the dodge dealer couldn't, or wouldn't give me a good deal, so i got my 99 silverado instead. congrats on your beauty. i like the 4 doors.
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    airwolf,
    Good looking truck! It sure is easy being proud of these GREAT trucks!
    Wish I could show you a pix of my '99 Lariat Black/Gold Flareside, SHARP!
    Enjoy!
  • ladyblueladyblue Member Posts: 326
    Thanks, everyone!

    My F150 gets its final bath tomorrow and goes back to the dealer on Thursday. As much as I love my new Ram, it's sure gonna be hard saying goodbye my old truck. I hope whoever ends up buying it gets as much enjoyment out of it as I did.
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    Chief Warrant Officer? I'm not sure how badly the truck could have mistreated (mechanically-wise) in so few miles, assuming there is still oil in it. Certainly not the best situation but these vehicles aren't THAT wimpy. Figure out what it would take, dollar-wise, to repair cosmetics, do a compression check/look-see and return to ground zero. If you're squemish, buy it for 12-throw a grand into upholstery/buffing/oil change/etc. and sell it for 18. There's one born every day.
  • ladyblueladyblue Member Posts: 326
    cdean:

    I wasn't ignoring your question, just trying to figure out the best way to answer it. It's hard to compare the leases on my F150 and my Ram.

    The Ford was a work-series, with the only options being automatic and air conditioning. I paid close to MSRP minus a poor trade-in, which only covered TTL, fees and a deposit. The lease was for 24 mos. at $495/mo. If I wanted to finance the residual at the end of the lease, the dealer said it would take me another FIVE years at the same monthly payment. I would have ended up with a 7-yr-old truck that didn't have all the options I wanted.

    The Dodge is an SLT, fully loaded. I paid $500 over invoice minus a $1000 deposit. The lease is for 36 mos. at $485/mo. Barring any major mechanical problems, I will probably want to buy this one at the end of the lease.

    Both leases gave me roadside assistance, gap insurance, and no nasty lease-end surprises.

    So you see, it's like comparing apples to oranges. A lot had to do with the dealership, what they were willing to do to get me decent financing, and my own lack of knowledge then vs. what I know now.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    Thanks for the info, Ladyblue!
  • ladyblueladyblue Member Posts: 326
    Said goodbye to my F150 last night...it was harder than I thought it'd be. It looked so good after it was detailed that I hated to part with it. I had it cleaned up before turning it in to avoid hassles with the Ford dealer, and I'm glad I did. There was a slight scratch on the driver's side (darn shopping carts!), but they were so impressed with the overall appearance of the truck that the guy let it go. He also said they'd probably keep it to resell, so I may see it in my travels some day. Goodbye to a dear friend.
  • AirwolfAirwolf Member Posts: 142
    Thanks for all the nice comments on my truck! It's a beauty, and I love her. Now I have to save all the money for my toys...
  • woodman3woodman3 Member Posts: 1
    I have a '99 F150 XL 4.6 V8, Tow pkg, 3.55
    man trans, extended cab,long bed less than 30d, old 1300mi and I love it! 2 problems I have are
    1. on a dirt road 10-25mph over rough parts the doors seem to vibrate too much like I did'nt shut them all the way. (rattle) Anybody else have this problem? 2. when I am in 3rd or 4th geer and i let off the gas pedal and start to coast then push back down on gas there is a slight delay before the truck starts to speed up ? I just wanted to get some input to these 2 questions before I went back to the dealer. My salesman for you OLD redskins fans was Charlie Taylor ! Nice guy, bad knees. thanks for any input "o wise ones"
  • cubicubi Member Posts: 1
    Why don't you look at the topic "3rd door "creaking" in 1996-1998 Chevy pickups" ?

    I have 99 Lariat and It is creaking also. I took it to the dealer and re-adjusted the driver side's extend cab door 3 times already, the problem is still exists. I probably will print out the answer from the above topic and show it to my Service Manager ...

    Good luck.
  • hydroboyhydroboy Member Posts: 3
    I recently ordered a 99 f150 supercab XLT and wanted the factory installed tonneau cover, but the salesman said that the cover is currently "unavailable". He said I could do an aftermarket cover, but I have heard that these are not as good as the factory ones. Does anyone have experience with tonneau covers? Also, does anyone know where I can find info on how much the covers improve gas mileage (due to lesser wind resistance). Finally, can both a bedliner and a cover be installed on the truck. I noticed that bedliners extend over the lip of the bed, and didn't know if this interfered with the cover.
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