F-150 Owners - II
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Topic 143 F-150 Owners.
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Front Porch Philosopher
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Topic 143 F-150 Owners.
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Front Porch Philosopher
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kcram
Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
I know that having a limited slip can help pulling boats out of the water, but what else is it good for?
I don't plan on pulling anything, but I do travel thru quite a bit of mud every hunting season. Wish I could buy a 4X4 but I haven't needed it so far and don't want to spend the extra $$ for something I might get to use a few times out of the year. Will a limited slip help in the mud?
Thanks for any response.
I have not talked to my dealer yet, however, does anybody know if I can get the daytime running lights working? I see they are an option on Fleet Only Fords.
There is a considerable difference between the 4.6 and the 5.4. The 4.6 isn't worth the money if you ask me. It is one of the smallest blocks and unless you plan on using the sucker: save money and get the six or splurge and get the 5.4. My two cents.
Rocles: Thanks for the info. If I go with Ford, I think I'm going to go with the 5.4. I've found that flogging an underpowered engine (the 4.2 or 4.6)usually produces lower mileage than a bigger engine that can be driven more easily.
ALL: I just made a huge mistake. I drove a '97 GMC Sierra. It seemed to be well put together. Now I'm not even sure if I'll get a Ford. Most of this site deals with comparing '99 models. It seems that GM may have a slight edge in the newest trucks. What about 97-98? I want a 4X4, V-8 ext. cab with air and power locks/windows, and a towing package. Assuming styling and horsepower between the 5.4 and 5.7 are not an issue, what problems should I look for in these used trucks?
I'm also trying to decide on which engine to get in my 2000 F-150. I have been told that although the HP difference is not that great, the 4.2 is louder and not as smooth as the 4.6. The Triton engines also seem to be more technologically advanced engines (overhead cam, fail-safe cooling, etc).
I'd love to go with the 5.4, but, in my case, with a 30 mile commute each way to and from work (2 less mpg) and the almost $2,000.00 difference in price between the 4.2 and the 5.4, I can't seem to justify going with the 5.4. And that's not even working the V6's free captain's chairs into the equation.
Caseg1, you're not the only one confused!
I disagree with Roc's description of poor handling reports. Where'd that come from, Roc? That model of truck, they slightly lengthened the spring travel, for a little better ride, and they have the speed sensitive power steering. They also cut the turning radius down a couple of feet, a very noticeable difference from the older Chevy's. So in a parking lot, at slow speed, it is effortless to make quick sharp turns. then at highway speeds, it is nice and stiff and easier to keep dead on straight, especially over rough roads. the low speed power assist is VERY addictive, especially when you drive one for a little and then go back to your old truck. i think the handling of that model truck, other than braking, is better than any of the new trucks.
Yes, when compared to older Chevys, the handling was improved. I was comparing to Ford and Dodge. I have two 95 Chevy half-tons in my fleet and no crew wants them. Those guys and myself have noticed that the turning radius on the 95s are larger than the Rams of 96 or the Fords of 90. I'm only comparing my own trucks in my fleet.
cajun17,
Tough call. The problem with the 4.6 is that it is only @280ci in size. She is still a good engine but power is lacking when sitting next to the 5.4 engine. The 4.2 is a big six and has some decent power for one. True, I miss the days of the straight six like my 90s. True torque that today would surpass the 4.6 V-8.
My only point is that with the 4.2 six, you can knock down the price of the truck or add goodies. If you can forsee into the future-judge for yourself whether you'll actually need an eight or not. One of my foremen has an XL with the six and he has no complaints. He was concerned at first until his wife made him buy 1900lbs of river stone at a quarry for their house. He and his wife were in the truck as well, and he said that six had no problem hauling it 25 miles home. The only problem was braking--naturally.
Thanks for the info. The reason why I'm so leery of getting a truck with the smallest engine offered is that I bought a 98 Dodge Dakota with the 4 cylinder engine and have been kicking myself ever since! Now I can't wait to get rid of it. I swore I'd never make that mistake again.
Hearing about other F-150 owners with the six that are satisfied helps make my decision a little easier.
Now I know why you had concerns. I can't blame you, a four banger just doesn't cut it for work.
Just saw my buddy with another load @2000 lbs when including people and that engine pulled it like nothing. Just don't do it a regular basis for if you were, I'd get an eight.
I think I've made my decision, the six. I truly appreciate the help.
I'll let ya'll know how it turns out.
Checking Edmund's prices it is only $680!
Plus the factor of selling it in a few years - what will the resale price be? Jest askin.
As for resale, I don't think the extra $$ I'd get for resale will cover the extra $$ I shell out for gas. My commute for work is almost 55 mi roundtrip. If, however, I had a need for hauling, I could definitely justify paying the extra money.
http://arrowaranch.com/truck/crack.html
ladyblue
Community Leader/SUV Conference
I have a 98 lariat w/5.4 and towing package and I get a vibration at 25 mph and 65 mph and figured it was from the composite fan blade,if anyone has another idea please let me know. have 12000 miles on it and love the truck other than that
FRCUDD: As for the 25 mph and 65 mph vibration, this does not seem to happen on my 5.4 with tow pkg. I get a slight tingle in the (plastic) gas pedal at slower engine speeds that is only annoying after a hard day on the feet!
N4LQ: I do have that weight on my pipe as well, and actually tried attaching a similar weight temporarily in different places but this had no effect. It is just that the truck is kinda noisy in a general way mostly around town (highway is pretty quiet) thru the floor at ~1500to 2k rpms mostly, but it IS a truck with no insulation below the cab floor, and my last one 5 years ago was a 64 F250, which REALLY was loud! I might just be overly sensitive, since I was driving a '84 5.0L Crown Vic wagon before this. My brother is a long time sales guy at the dealership that I bought mine from and said to come in a take a couple of test drives to see what other similar optiones trucks are like. Maybe only my imagination.
DOES ANYONE IN THIS COLUMN WANT ME TO CHECK OUT ANYTHING NEXT WEEK LATE WHEN I GO TO TEST A COUPE OF OTHER TRUCKS? I'LL TRY TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO WHAT FORD CALLS NVH (NOISE-VIBRATION-HARSHNESS) THINGS. I also want to check out if others rev up so high when they start. Mine really boots it as it catches, or at least sounds like it. Goes to around 2k rpm or so it seems. Probably all are that way what with the computer EFI and such?
The only other question I am checking out is the high gear clutch lockup speed. It's 42 mph on my truck and this does not allow very good around town lite load mileage. But this, too, is probably normal, since a truck needs the available torque. I've ordered the Helms book set, but it is way back ordered.
Just rambling. Thanks again, all.
Charlie
I have owned the 4.6 and the 5.4 in 4x4 models and was happy with both. However, when in 4wheel drive I hardly notice any power loss with the 5.4. And the gas milage is getting better every day with my 5.4. I personally would not want a v-6 in a full size 4x4. Just not enough usable power.
Only my opinion. Good luck!
I don't know of a website that does that and I sure looked. Another option is to use the pricing information on this site, it will show all available options and invoice and MSRP prices for the model you are interested in. You can also go to http://driveoff.com. You don't have to buy, but can configure the vehicle you want and get a psuedo window sticker to print out that shows all options you selected and all standard equipment and will give you invoice and MSRP for that vehicle. You can find that in their Auto Library,
hope this helps you out. Good Luck
I have a '99 F-150 w/5.4L and just had the engine replaced, 11M Miles. The Dealer said they had another F-150 with 13M Miles in at the same time and Ford said replace the engines. I was prompted to take my truck in due to a slight oil leak above the starter. Dealer thought it was the head gasket. When they called Ford, Ford said "forget replacing the gasket, we will send new motors."
Anyone else have or hear of this?
I did notice a small stain on the garage floor, however, it was so small I thought it was from the moisture off the air conditioner. Then I occasionally noticed a slight burnt oil smell, so I thought I better look under the truck. I saw a small trail of oil that dripped onto the exhaust pipe, thus no floor stain and smell of burnt oil. I was surprised that Ford replaced the engine, more to it then they appear to tell the dealer!