RECENT FORD F-150 SUPERCAB BUYERS

mrgarcia

I have a superchip on my 1997 ford f150 v6 engine and let me tell you that it makes a huge difference on the performance. I can tell you that the truck moves alot better with alot more tork.

bobh12

The rear seats in my 97 F-150 Lariat were leather. If they weren't, they were an excellent imitation. I don't think they have changed that for 2000. I know the Super Duty Crew Cab folks say their rear seat is not leather, but you really can't tell the difference. My y2k F-150 XLT has cloth seats all around. I think they have really improved the seat comfort this year, not as hard as my 97 or my 98 Expedition EB. They also seem to fit better, I think they have curved the sides a little more.
Bob

hutch7

Does anyone know where I can find a copy of the TSB dealing with the door cracks that are appearing on the window frames of '97 and later F-150's? Ford wants to fix mine by welding the crack and I've heard that the TSB calls for replacing the door. Any thoughts?

penrose

I have a 1997 F-150 4x4 ex-cab,4.6, with only 15,000 miles on it. At about 5000 miles it started to make a funny noise as you would slow down. It sounds like a low pitched scrapping. Best way to describe it would be if you had a metal tool box in your truck bed sliding forward as you stopped. The noise comes and goes(sometimes I won't hear it for weeks). Something else strange is that the noise continues for a split second even after you come to a complete stop. It is also more prevalent when you stop on an incline. Had it at the dealers 3 times. They have pretty much replaced or re-calibrated the brake system. They checked the shocks and springs also. The truck runs and drives great other than this noise. Any ideas? Thanks

bheikkila

The rear seats in the 2000 Ford F150 Lariat SC are vinyl. You can not tell the difference by looking but the vinyl bench is slightly slicker to the feel than the leather front buckets.

ken69

The crack issue is real and I can even see the stress point on my Y2K Lariat. Check out the chat on www.150online.com. The TSB or something that looks official is reprinted at this site.

ken69

That web sit is www.f150online.com. Sorry!

barlitz

I've got a 99 F250 lightduty XLT 4x4 supercab shortbed with the 5.4 auto,sticker was $31550.got them down to $26000 and got them to give me an additional $6000 for my 99 lightning I traded in over what I owed ,plus $750 rebate and 5.9% for 60 months after reading some of your posts I think I did okay.The truck is bright red clearcoat with chrome rims and factory tonneau very nice truck.I'm thinking of these mods flow masters out the rear exhaust,superchip and K&N generationII airflow system,it should bump the hp close to 300 and tourque to 400lbs.What do you all think?

abrams

i'm considering an f150... will someone tell me, which side of the steering wheel is the 4x4 shift-on-the-fly knob on?
thanks,
matt

f220swift

It is located on the right hand side of the steering wheel next to the radio.

bobh12

Seems to me you got a good deal all the way around. I suspect you bought it after the y2ks hit the streets as you were quite a bit under Invoice etc. still a great deal. Let us know how the mods work out and if they do what you expect. Good Luck.

dberry

Get the Ford publication for towing and cross check it with their sales brochure. The HD series does not do this. The manual is not rated for any serious towing or payloads.

I thought this to be short sighted, but I noticed that both GM (1500) and Dodge (1500) generally also reduce ratings for manual transmissions 1,000 - 3,000 lbs below that of an automatic. Most of the axle ratios offered would be impractical for towing anyway.

ckitchens

That really sounds like a good deal. But, I guess in your area - they still had an inventory on these trucks. In New Mexico, these trucks sold like hotcakes during the summer. The dealers were literally sold out by June. So, congrats on finding a discounted 1999! I think you'll really like the truck.

rozen

I recently purchased an f150 supercab xlt.
it has 5 speed manual, air, cassette, cruise, tilt, power locks and windows, power mirrors, step side, polished aluminum wheels, bug shield on hood, 4.2l v6. It was used (1999) with 12,000 miles. I paid 17,995 total. Did I do okay or get ripped off?

barlitz

The truck is a great truck,there is a date of 8/13/99 on the engine and the dealer only had it for a few days before I bought, purchased in sept.I thought I was going to really miss the lightning but believe it or not that truck was in the shop almost every weekend for some minor repairs,I,ve got 1600 miles on F250 not one problem yet already had 1st check up.I was wondering what is the difference between an F150 and a light duty F250.I know I have an 8200lb towing capacity and a 7700gvcw, are they the only differences and also 99 was the last year for the F250 light duty.

bobh12

If I remember correctly the main diffences are heavier suspension, and bigger brakes, on the 4X4 the hubs are different. There may be a couple of others also. I ead in a post here somewhere quite some time ago that the sheet metal on the light duty F-250 is thicker than on the F-150. Not sure I believe that one. Still think you got a great deal, and that you will love the truck. I had a 97 F-150 4X4 Lariat, loved it, lease was up and now have a Y2K F-150 XLT Sport 4x4 and love it even more. Good Luck with your truck.
Bob

dberry

The nameplate for 2000 models was discontinued, but the payload and 4 body configurations are still available. The frame is also heavier. It is most visible from the rear axle back. You can get more information at the Ford website.

bobh12

I forgot about the heavier frame. "DUH" Excellent point.

bobh12

The location of the 4X4 switch on the F-150 is really not next to the radio. It is to the right of the steering column and to the left of the "Fan" switch.

pizzadude

Hi fellow F150 people...

I have a Y2K F150 with the 5.4L V8...unfortunately this isn't available with the manual tranny, so i have one of these automatics. I'm 23 and have never driven auto until this. I like it but i miss the fun of the cluth: spinning wheels at will, chirping between gears, etc.

Can anyone tell me if they have shift kits or if anyone has ever had one installed on their f150?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Pizzadude.

jcraychee

I've had my 2000 f150 4x4 off road for 3000 miles now and I go to start it the other day and it makes this noise that would wake the dead. You know that sound that a starter make when it's going bad. It seems a little early for that I'd say, has not done it since. Any body know what might have happened??

modvptnl

Any body seen my cat? He likes to sleep in engine compartments where its warm.

ckitchens

Where I live it could have been a cat with a new haircut, a mouse that will now be hard to determine, a chipmunk with most likely the tail still in pretty good shape - or even worse a really big rat. I have learned over the years - once is not enough to worry about. I would suspect there is hair or blood somewhere around the fan. I have a 1999 F-150 (5.4, automatic, 4X4) that has already been started in 15 degree weather several times - no problem at all so far.
(I keep D-CON under the hood if any of my vehicles are parked more than 24 hours.)

lng1

own a 1997 2wd xlt supercab styleside. has a
rattle under the bed that sounds like a tamborine.
most noticeable over speed bumps or highway
joints. driving me crazy. any ideas?

jeepers6

I had a 97 that needed a new starter at 2000 miles .It only made that sound a few times but the dealer eplaced it w/out question. That tells me they know it's a problem. Never heard it again . Have a 99 now and no problem mechanically but the paint on the hood is cracking.Check out f-150 online it's great. the link is in this borard somewhere

mbull

I'm thinking about making my next truck an F-150. Can someone please tell me the difference between the styleside and the flareside?

firsttimer2

I'm a long time Ford pickup owner. Have a '84 Ranger 4x4 with 215K and its been great! Its time for a new F150 but I've never purchased a new vehicle. I'm looking at the 4x4, auto,XLT, pretty much loaded. Sticker is around 30K for the 2000 model. What can I realistically expect to get them down to?? Am I better off ordering exactly what I want or buying off the lot?? Any imput would be GREATLY appreciated.

caddpro

The Flairside has the little steps right behind the cab molded into the side of the bed. Sportier look, cool tail lights, $900~ more than the styleside.

WB

caddpro

Go to www.edmunds.com/newtrucks/2000/ford/ and print the base price and the options. If you have a dealer in mind, go directly to the fleet sales manager, don't mess with the "Lot-Lizards". Otherwise make a list of exactly what you want and email it to the dealers around you. You can get their email address from their website. The Ford website has a dealer locator buy city or zip. Around Atlanta, Ga no more than $100.00 over "dealer invoice", got mine at invoice.

uofmbob

supercab or wait forcrewcab have 3teenage children .more room 150 or250 cabs. best price which model

jcraychee

I have a little over 3k miles on my F150 4x4 off road with the 5.4 lt. engine. My gas milage with mixed freeway/city driving has been a little under 13 mph. The sticker said 14-17 which isn't that far off epecially since I drive pretty hard. Does anyone else have some milage numbers they want to share or have suggestions on how to bring it up a bit. I'm thinking about a K&N air filter. I don't want to try any computer module stuff - big waste of money on my last truck, needed to run premium gas & I still could not tell any difference except the ping ping noise the engine made.

ckitchens

The EPA on my truck - sounds identical to yours - was 13/16. I suspect if I drove it really hard around town it would get about 13. But, I do drive it hard on the highway (80+ mph for a long way) at high altitude in New Mexico and see a consistent 16 to 17+ mpg. One of the things you need to consider - the engine is very new still. I have had a lot of new Ford trucks and I my experience has been - the engines are never really broken in well until about 10,000 miles. So - you have a ways to go yet. My truck has just turned 10,000 miles and I think it is getting a little better gas mileage, just recently. (The good news is in spite of the tight engines and long break-in, the engines tend to last a very long time.)

gadkins1

The tamborine sound one reader described (some refer to it as a jingling sound) is a washer on the shock absorber of some Ford vehicles (mostly light trucks) that loosens and makes the slight jingling tamborine sound. No harm comes from this. No vehicle damage will result.

stan11

my 2000 XLT 4X4 Supercab. It took about 10 weeks from ordering to delivery, but the truck is worth the wait. Buyers in the Sacramento/Placer/Nevada counties should contact www.placervilleford.com for a wonderful purchasing experience.

bobh12

Have a Y2K F-150 4x4, 5.4L, Auto, 3:55LS, just under 3000 miles. Have seen lows in the 14s a couple of times, mostly in mid 15s have seen a high of 17.3. No freeway/Interstate driving, two lane mountain roads, some city and small town driving, some 4x4 on snow covered roads and climbing 10,000 mountain passes. I live in the mountains in Colorado and make a round trip to Denver once a week.

I agree with ckitchens, mileage on the 5.4L seems to increase after about 10,000 miles. I saw it on my 97 F-150 and on my 98 Expedition. Good Luck

bobh12

Has anybody replaced the fog light bulbs with bulbs for driving lights? If so what were the results, and the part number of the bulbs?

wpgresham

Ford seems to play games with their rebate program. Locally, rebates of $500.00 were being offered in late November, 1999. I ordered a new F-150 Supercab with 5.4L v-8, automatic transmission. The rebate fine print stated v-6, 4.6L, manual transmission. Now the new Millennium ads run on all TV channels do not show a v-6 requirement and the Southeastern Ford Dealership market ads on all TV stations show a rebate of "up to $1,000 and 3.9% financing for 36 months." When I asked the dealership about why I was offered only a $500 dealer incentive plus 3.9% financing for 36 months, they said Ford is not offering the rebate, yet these ads run continually each night sponsoring the local news. When is the consumer ever going to get a break and when something is offered, it is required for the dealer to give it to them without excuses, small print, or sidestepping? Anyone out there with any suggestions? I have to pick up and arrange financing for my new vehicle on 1/7/00. Is there anyway to force the dealer to honor the marketing ads being run on TV? I called Ford Motor Comapny and they will not even talk to the consumer except through a Consumer Assistance Center, which will not discuss the rebates issue and say it has to go through a dealership. Cache 22. The dealership says contact the Customer Assistance Center. Anyone else been run through this mill also?

dasi

I just picked up my y2k 150 xlt flareside. I've noticed that the interior and cargo lights do not stay on for the few seconds after closing the door like they did on my 97 150.Does anyone know if this is something Ford has eliminated for 2000?

ckitchens

My 1999 F-150 XLT 4X4 extended cab does have the interior lights stay on for a few seconds. But, I think it is part of the security system. Maybe if you don't have the security system, that is why your's are not staying on. Plus, mine has the auto light function - headlights can be set to come on at dusk, stay on for about a minute after the engine is off and turn themselves off. I suspect one of these options is what keeps the interior lights on for a few seconds.

blume1

I have a 99 f150 SC 4X4 with the 5.4 v8. The truck has 4400 miles on it and I have been noticed a sort of rough idle "shiver" when at idle -- even when the truck is totally warmed up. you can feel this through the steering wheel, seats, and the dash (if you put your hand there). I had the truck in for it's first oil change at 3000, and the dealer said he could not detect anything. I am ready to take some time off from work and go to the dealer and drive a like vehicle (maybe same or more mileage) has anyone else felt this shudder or quiver. The truck runs fine otherwise, except for
I am beginning to feel I am not getting as good of mileage as I am reading here -- HELP -- Thanks, Mark

bobh12

My Y2K F-150 XLT with factory security system interior lights go out when I close the door also, do not stay on like my 97 did. Also Autolamp option for Y2K the driver can no longer set the delay. It is set by the factory, lights stay on for about 20 seconds after ignition turned off. Definitely not a better idea!!!

ckitchens

The main thing that I have read that I do not like about the Y2K F150 is the increased comfort of the rear seat (more rake) which does not allow for the seat to fold down? Maybe that is wrong - have only read it a few times. For me, sure do enjoy that room with the rear seat folded in either or both positions. If I wanted car-like comfort in the rear, would have bought an Expedition. Can't help much with the interior lights - except according to my manual on the security system - they are part of the security system. Now, my system is a Ford system installed by the dealer (or rather their designated accessory installer) and it is programmable. Maybe the option on yours is not turned on. I have reprogrammed mine - did not like the lights blinking and the horn chirping when I turned it on and off - and sure did not like the starter kill option - I live in the country.

bobh12

The rear seat on the Y2K folds up, not down like previous years. I don't like it either. With the seat folded down it gave a nice flat surface, great for tool boxes, small dogs etc. I think witht the seat folded up (Y2K) you lose some room.
(My opinion) My security system and Autolamp is factory installed. relative to Autolamp the book says, the delay is set by the factory for approx 20 seconds. I don't like that either. I can set the delay on my 98 EXPY and could on my 97 F-150, that thumbwheel switch does not exist on the Y2K.

john977

I'm looking for a F150 XLT Styleside 4x4, short bed. I've priced one out with the following options: electronic 4x4 shifting, offroad package, towing group III package, and AM/FM/single CD for MSRP of $30,940. The best offer I have is $26,252. Is this reasonable? I'd like to buy, but the color of all things is wrong so I might order, but have been told the wait may be two months or longer. Thanks.

ckitchens

Maybe we should be more concerned with consumer clinics? I think my truck is a nice balance between what I really need and what I really need to make it do. I would complain to Ford - personally, don't like the autolamp option - I know how to turn the lights on when I need to - leave mine set at zero most of the time. There are times in the mountains early in the afternoon that it is a nice thing - but, when else? Good luck with your Y2K - I expect it is probably better in every way - maybe just a little too better in this situation? I really think you'll learn to love your new truck - I have to really nitpick to find a complaint with my late-1999 model.

bobh12

I really do love the truck and look at the things I mentioned as minor irritants, nothing major. The performance, comfort, 4th door, etc. is far superior to my 97 which I absolutely loved. Just wish they hadn't done a couple of things they did. I I had to do it over again, knowing what I know now I would still buy the same truck.

ckitchens

If something happened to my truck - I would go out and buy another one just like it. I guess you can't give much higher praise. And, the fourth door is truly great - have never had or even dreamed of such convenience in a truck. And, granted I only have 10,000 miles on it - but it lives on rough dirt/gravel roads. So far, not a peep in terms of noise from the 4-door arrangement.

delcam

Wish me luck folks, I finally ordered my F150. Dealer tells me 6 to 8 weeks. I paid invoice for it. I ordered a 2000 F-150 4X2 SC SB SS XLT with the Automatic, Limited slip, and B3G package whick includes keyless entry, CD player, and a little bigger tires at no cost. Invoice ended up at just over $21000.

Hopefully it will come in as ordered sometime in March. Thanks for all the posts in the past, they gave me the information I needed to go in and know exactly what I wanted to order.

I'll post when it comes in to let everyone know how it all worked out.

mogul62

I bought a '99 F150 4x4 Sport with the 5.4L in Feb. of '99. 1500 miles later in the month of March it was in the shop for the first of seven times. I reported to the dealership what sounded like a pulley had gone bad. Over the seven visits they have replaced various pulleys and the belt every time. After contacting Ford the dealership kept my truck for 2 wks while tracking a "special belt" to alleviate the problem. The belt can not even be purchased in my area. Has anybody else ran into this problem, and does anybody know if I can classify this as a lemon?

ckitchens

Have had one experience that was similar - with an alternator bracket on a new Mercruiser engine on a new boat. The dealer worked and worked, had some special brackets made (which worked) and now they are easily available - although the fix worked and haven't needed to replace the sucker in a long time. At least your dealer is trying to work with you. If there is a special belt needed and available - I would take great pains to find out who makes it, what the difference is and where am I going to find it down the road. Chances are the dealer will have it in stock next time you need it. I have a 1999 F-150 loaded, 4X4 with 5.4 - manufactured 5/99. Never had a problem with it at 10,000 miles. I wonder if your truck was built during the transition from the first version of the 5.4 to the newer version. Anyway, I doubt you can get a lemon law buy back on this. Just try to do your own homework on this 'special belt' - I would bet Gates already makes. it.