F-150 Owners - II

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Comments

  • ckitchensckitchens Member Posts: 67
    Haven't had that problem on a new truck - yet - but look under there. Ford has put in a bunch of heat shields - even some that run the underside of the cab. I have had that one in particular make the most awful noise - solved it with one little screw in the right place into the bottom of the cab. Just a thought - could be a lot of things.
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    Could be the heat shields on the muffler/resonators.
  • steven10steven10 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 1997 F150 that has been recalled 5 times for various reasons. I know Ford is trying but this is a pain. the other problem I have is 3 times in the 2 years since I purchased this vehicle the platinum spark plugs have become fouled out, causing the truck to shake and stall. This causes the check engine light to come on and then I head in for servicing. It is now out of warranty so I have to pay for all of the diagnostics. My question is does anybody else have this problem with their truck? I am just venting but I am getting really sick of this crap!!! It is my third and probably last Ford vehicle. All of them have had various problems. It is funny how my Japanese cars do not have any problems at all!!!
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    WOW, You sure have had more than your share. I had a 97 F-150 Lariat 4X4, 31,000 at lease end. The only problem was the famous lug nut fiasco!! Also have a 98 Exped1tion, EB 5.4L, 17,000 miles, only problem was rear wiper motor. Have a Y2K F-150, Sport 4X4, just under 3,000--no problems yet!!
  • smcpherrsmcpherr Member Posts: 114
    Sorry to hear about your probs, STEVEN10. I had a 97 F-150 for 46K miles, only problem was a brake line damaged by a flying rock which was quickly fixed. My 99 f-150, already with 12K miles on it, has not had a single problem, nor does it give any indication that it might be developing any problems. Still rock solid.

    Had some snow in Wisconsin last night. First good (although only a few inches) snow fall. It is always fun to (safely) pass other cars struggling to make it up a small hill. These trucks really behave themselves in adverse conditions.
  • smcpherrsmcpherr Member Posts: 114
    Has anyone replaced the fog lights in their '99 F-150 4x4? I don't often drive with then on, but when I do I really wish they were a little more powerful. I am thinking about upping the bulb wattage, I will probably need to up the fuse too. Anyone who has done this, any thoughts would be appreciated. Bulb types, places to get them cheap, fuse ratings and any other thoughts are welcome (Such as, and hopefully not including, NO! DON'T DO IT!, The increased wattage will cause a short circuit on a wire next to a throttle body, resulting in the production of a crater in the previous location of yourself and your truck.)

    Thanks
  • ckitchensckitchens Member Posts: 67
    I also have a 1999 F-150 XLT, 4X4, F-150 - loaded. It has 10,000 miles on it - so far truly no sign of any design/build flaws - other than a few spots in the paint. Took it to the dealer - will repaint, no problem - I said I'll think about it. The original paint is tough - gravel roads and now sanded/salted highways - have had a hard time upsetting the factory/hard paint. Hope I can continue this praise down the road - I like to think Ford trucks will run 150,000 miles minimum with scheduled maintenance. Until my 1998 Ranger, that had been the case.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    "smcpherr",
    I have a similar question. I would like more light also, was wondering if anyone had replaced the fog
    bulbs with driving light type bulbs. Looking for part number and results if it was done. Also , like you, if there is a good reason for not doing it I want to know. Don't want to be part of any "smoking holes"!!
    Bob
  • billgiffbillgiff Member Posts: 16
    I have a 99-XLT-Sports package, is there an after market fog lamp kit that will fit in the round bumper openings.
    Also having problems maintaining straight line tracking while the truck is traveling under windy or slanted road conditions, it seems to have a greater than normal resistance to maintaining the straight line, can the power steering be adjusted in any way. (Have 275-60 X 17" stock tires)
  • kjpkkjpk Member Posts: 8
    Is there someone out there who is familiar with the following problem:
    1992 F150 4x4 4.9L Engine with 5 speed manual transmission. On cold mornings, if the clutch pedal is held in the depressed position for the duration of a 2 minute traffic signal, the clutch goes away and the pedal will not spring back. I then have to lift it up with my foot and pump it several times to get the hydraulic action to return. Once it warms up, no problem. I have topped off the fluid in the system, and have had the air removed by bleeding.
    Is this a problem with the Clutch Slave Cylinder?
    Where is it located? Can it be replaced without an entire clutch job? How much should it cost to fix? The clutch itself does not slip at all and does not need to be replaced.
    This vehicle has 110,000 miles and has been VERY dependable. I plan to drive it another 100K. I am hoping that I will not have to drop $900 for a new clutch and slave assembly. Any help or insight from a Ford mechanic or someone familiar with this problem would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    You can get the fog lamps from Ford. They are shown in the Ford Truck Accesories Catalog, and are supposed to integrate with the factory wiring.
    They show a price of $333.33!!! No problem with my Y2K Sport 4X4 maintaining a straight line, and I have been in some very high winds (Colorado mountains) so sorry, can't help you there.
    Bob
  • keith24keith24 Member Posts: 93
    I've been truck shopping for awhile now, & am in teh process of narrowing down choices. Here in Central Arkansas, I've noticed these full-size, 4x4 Sport Ford trucks. Are these a dolled-up F150 XL, or what? What does the "sport" package include?

    Also, have any of you folks had any trouble out of your F150s? I'd like to get an ext. cab, if the budget will allow, but will probably wind up with a regular cab. My must-haves are 4x4, auto, v-8, (prob. 5.4l) & the off-road pkg. with the 17" wheels & tires. I'll probably go ahead and get the XLT, for the upgraded seats, but power windows & door locks are not absolutely necessary.

    Thanks for the help!!


    keith24
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    The "Sport 4X4" is basically a trim package. Includes 17" Aluminun Alloy Wheels, color keyed bumpers, Sport 4X4 decal, and Sport Cloth seats, the fabric has a diffent design in it than all the others and is only available in Dark Graphite. Also Sport 4X4 is only available in 4 colors, White, Black, Silver, and Bright Red, and no two tone. I got it because I wanted the 17 inch aluminun wheels and didn't want to pay the extra $ for the 4X4 Off Road, and I wanted a different look which I got with the color keyed bumpers. The XLT includes much more than upgraded seats. I personally wouldn't go any lower than the XLT, but that is me. If you go the XLT route make sure you order "508A" includes Air and four wheel disc ABS at No Charge. I don't know if that is automatically included or not so need to specify it. The extended cab is also worth the money. Once you have one you won't want anything else other than a crew cab. Good Luck with your selection.
    Bob
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    I would get all option codes for truck and research price right here on edmunds or go to carpoint,and offer $1.00 over dealer invoice,don't pay msrp especially if you are upside down on your trade.
  • g8trg8tr Member Posts: 77
    Do you really think a dealer will go for $1 over invoice? I am also considering a XLT reg. cab with the 4.6L and 3.31 rear end. I may have trouble finding that combo so the price of the truck comes into question with availability.

    A local dealer told me that if the truck was under 300 miles away, they would drive it back to the dealership. I think that is bad news and would rather have it "trucked" in. Any opinions?
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    My dealer gave me mine for Invoice, plus they gave me the molded mudflaps and installation, so yes, they will go $1 over. I don't see anything wrong with them driving it from another dealership 300 miles away, it is done all the time. When they make dealer trades, they don't load it on a truck and take it to the other dealer, they drive em. I know some folks thatare retired and make pretty good extra bucks doing that. So if it has 300 miles on it, you still have 35,700 miles of warranty left!!
  • page62page62 Member Posts: 30
    Mestizo, go down I-35 to Bluebonnet Motors in New Braunfels. They have F150 XLTs with everything you describe except the "Sport" package for $20,195. (Captains chairs, CD, auto, 3.55 rear end...loaded!) We test drove it and liked everything except the V6, so we ended up spending a couple grand more for a similarly equipped model with a 4.6L V8 (no special V6 package discounts, not an advertised truck, etc.)

    g8tr,

    If you're getting the 4.6L V8, go with the 3.55 rear end. The 3.31 just isn't going to give you the same get up and go. You won't regret it at all!
  • mestizo1mestizo1 Member Posts: 1
    Thanks for the info! Was this price for the extended cab? Invoice for these guys appears to be around 20k, so I thought my original deal was pretty decent. I was going to offer 19500 and go from there. I figure if I can keep it around 20, I'd be okay. I'm not sure of a way to get around being upside down on my trade, so I'm trying to lessen the blow as much as possible! I'll head down to New Braunfels and take a look. I'll keep you posted!

    thanks again,
    mestizo
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    I purchased my F250 light duty 4x4 XLT supercab with the 5.4 and 3.73.the sticker was $31.555. I got it down to $26000 plus at time I got $750 rebate and 5.9 financing for 60 months. Take the time to do your research and also research your trade value and also check for rebates and low finance offers, you can do all that here at Edmunds.Never take first offer,Its always good to know the #s before you go in.
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    If they want to shop the local or extended area dealers, that is not a bad way to go. Sounds like you have a good, agressive dealer - that is not a bad thing. If they find the truck just like you want - by the way would seriously go with the 3.73 gears if you are going with the small V-8 - just simply ask who is going to get it and drive it back? In my case - going thru Autobytel - the salesman went and got mine and drove it back himself (about 60 miles). He also complained that the tires needed to be rebalanced - all before I showed up to pick up the truck. I ended up with a good new dealer and truck I just love (F-150, 4X4, off-road, 5.4).
  • page62page62 Member Posts: 30
    Definitely Supercab and all that other stuff I mentioned for $20,195! The best thing you can do with regard to your trade in is to be prepared with a Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com and/or NADA quote. I'm surprised Bluebonnet doesn't advertise up in Austin. They own the San Antonio market!
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    just installed my superchip, could not believe the differance especially the transmission shifting truck is definately a lot quicker.If any of you are interested I can email you the distributers #.My email is barlitz1 @msn.com
  • g8trg8tr Member Posts: 77
    on pricing and rear end ratios. I spoke to a dealer in central Fla. and he would sell an XLT reg. cab, 4.6 w/ 3.55 at $100 over invoice. Not too bad and if my local dealer won't talk the talk, I'll take a little ride and save the $$$. I'll keep you posted. As soon as GM gets me a check for this lemon, I'll be ready to make the deal.
  • smokeydsmokeyd Member Posts: 8
    I have been debating whethor to go xl or xlt on
    this page and want to thank those that advised me.
    Anyway, the local dealer made it easy, by
    discounting xlt 4wd this weekend under invoice! he
    says he will sell the vehicle for 194 under his
    cost- including dealer holdback. this includes the
    500 cash to the buyer, but it is a real good deal.
    I think, I will be paying about 25489 for a xlt,
    4wd, 5.4, auto, floor mats,, 3.55 lsd, trailor
    towing pkg, offroad equipement group, ac, and cd -
    list of 30,390 .. anyone else seeing deals like
    this?... smokey in san antonio, tx
  • nuyawkrnuyawkr Member Posts: 13
    I recently purchased a 2000 XLT 4x4 with the off road package and 4 wheel ABS...my question is, does that mean I have disc brakes all around..I remember the sticker in the window on the truck saying rear drum brakes..does the ABS option supersede the drum brakes for discs?
  • smokeydsmokeyd Member Posts: 8
    You have disks brakes all the way around, you should be able to see the rotors to verify
    smokey
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    I got a similiar deal on an F250 xlt sc 4x4 with 5.4 and 3.73,sticker was 31555.got for $26000. Truck has been great just installed superchip and would highly recommend it, also just got my nerf bars for quad cab paid only 165 from summit.They wanted 265 at my local supplier.If you are looking for any aftermarket mods post it here I have been shopping aroung for 3 weeks may be able to help you,also waiting on cat back and K&N fipk due any day from ups.
  • smokeydsmokeyd Member Posts: 8
    Glad you got a good deal too. I just wonder whether there is a undisclosed rebate to dealers to get them off the dime. I mean I shopped for 6 months, and never got near the deal they offered this weekend.

    I am looking for a bedliner and nerf bars. The dealer wanted 299 for a 'ford bedliner with a warranty' I know my brother got his from the dealer for 180 last year so I passed for the time being. My brother in austin is looking into the spray in rhino liners and the drop ins.

    How many miles on your truck? what did the superchip do for you? What kind of milage are you getting?

    I want to get a KNR, my brother did that along with a high performance muffler for his '99 xl 6cyl, he got it to 18 mpg and is pretty happy with it. i will prob. wait a few months to let it break in a bit before i try out the knr.
  • dj116adj116a Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know whats the deal with the window cracks people have been claiming to get on their post 97 F150's? Is it a problem with all their F150s or just one with auto windows? Does Ford have a fix? I dont want to pay good $$ on a truck with cracked doors!!

    Thanks!
    DJ
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    I had a 97 Super Cab, power windows, 31,000 miles, no cracks. My Y2K 6,400 miles, power windows, no cracks. I work with a guy that has a 97 F-250 LD, 36,000 miles, power windows, no cracks. Seems some have them some don't. They can fix the crack, but what you really want is to fix the cause of the crack, or it will most likely happen again
  • sue43sue43 Member Posts: 3
    Warning all 1997 F-150 owners. If you received a recall to have engine gasket changed, beware. We had engine gasket changed and Ford service did not have correct tool to set timing. We brought truck back for service and truck never ran the same. Well a month after service a bearing blew in engine. The truck only had 40,000 miles on it. After much fighting with service Ford is replacing engine at their cost. FYI.
  • sue43sue43 Member Posts: 3
    Steven10 see message 85. I had similar problems with numerous recalls until finally engine blew a bearing at 40,000 miles. Once Ford fixes the problem we are selling truck and getting something else. This has been a three-year nightmare.
  • alleycat2alleycat2 Member Posts: 1
    I have a '99 f150 xlt with the sport package. I recently noticed scratches on the 17 inch cast aluminum wheels where it looked like the wheel weights had been. The service manager at the dealership said that the wheel weights did cause the scratches but Ford would not pay for new rims. I also called the Customer Assistance number but they were not any help either. Has anyone experienced this problem and if so how was the problem solved?
    Thanks for the help!!!
  • wsdepawsdepa Member Posts: 4
    I just bought a 2000 F 150 xlt off road. The
    sticker did not include the " heavy duty cooling
    and electrical" package. I noticed that the 5.4l
    engine has two little radiators at the bottom of
    the big one. Are these oil and trans coolers?
    Does the cooling and electrical package give
    anything else that doesn't already come with the
    5.4l? I hope this is the case since I plan to tow a
    trailer.
  • smokeydsmokeyd Member Posts: 8
    I will look into the parts in a few months after the truck breaks in. I got about 16.7 mpg on a highway trip of 220 miles and 12.5 around town this week, 134 mi. One of my goals is to get the mpg up. I am thinking of putting in synth oil and transmission/ differencial after 5K. Any ideas? My brother put a KNR air filter, and high perform. muffler on a 99 150 6cly and got 1 mpg pay off. He tried something recently, that is added to the radiator, that improved cooling seemed to jump it up 2mpg to 20 over all.. He is still testing this stuff out on a second tank full. He puts on 30K a year and really works at getting the most out of the truck.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    I can buy the mpg increase with K&N and high performanc muffler, but what is this stuff he is putting in the radiator that is getting him 2mpgs?
    Yes, I am skeptical, but am willing to listen i.e. read.
    Thanks,
    Bob
  • steven10steven10 Member Posts: 4
    Sue 43, WE finally sold our 97 F150. I was glad to get rid of it although I loved having a truck, it was my first pickup. It's too bad because if I would have bought the Chevy or Toyota I was looking at 3 years ago I would probably still have it, oh well. Good luck to you.

    Steven10
  • sue43sue43 Member Posts: 3
    I am looking at a 1998 F150 supercab, shortbed, 4x2 with a 4.6 V8 and a 3:55 rear end, automatic. My question is will this be enough truck to tow 5,500 pounds of horse trailer and horses with ease? Let me know.
  • page62page62 Member Posts: 30
    The 4.6 may tow 5500 pounds, but I wouldn't say "with ease." Go find a truck with a 5.4L engine. You'll be glad you paid the extra few bucks...
  • nuyawkrnuyawkr Member Posts: 13
    I have a 2000 XLT supercab 4X4 with 5.4/3.55..it developed two door cracks under the driver side window in one month of ownership and only 1300 miles. Truck is at dealer now for replacement door..but I'm not sure that is the answer. The dealership told me that they are unaware of any recalls, service bulletins or problems with doors. I've since started checking all F150's I see, and more often than not I've discovered door cracks..most on the driver doors..but I've seen some on both doors. The cracks are predominately above the curve of the lower right hand corner of the driver window. I've also contacted Ford Customer Service who told me that there are no open recalls or consumer notifications for my vin #. So it appears that Ford is not acknowledging a design flaw and basically have no advice for you other than resolving the problem at the dealership level. This past weekend I checked the used F150's on the dealer lot. Most were '99's. Out of the 6...4 had the cracks. One on both sides. This is rediculous. Some people have told me that it's no big deal and just worry about your engine and transmission. It bothers me, I guess it's the principle of the whole matter. If Ford is experiencing a problem they should stand behind their product and address the problem with some sort of "fix". I'm not sure I want to keep returning to have my doors replaced each time a crack develops..and what about when you are outside your warranty? If we are willing to make good on our obligation to paying on the loan..why shouldn't Ford be under obligation to provide what they are advertising..a Ford tough product and Quality is Job 1.?????????????
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    Agree with "page62", go with the 5.4L. I don't have the info infront of me, but if you can get a Ford Truck Catalog from your dealer the twoing capacities are listed, and I beleive the 5.4L is higher. Good Luck
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    Check out www.f150online.com for more info on the door cracks. I didn't have any on my 97 and none so far on my Y2K. 31,000 plus on the 97 and 7600 on the Y2K. Good Luck. I think Blue Oval News also has info on the cracks.
  • meredithmeredith Member Posts: 575
    The PICKUPS Conference has gotten WAY too big....

    it is unwieldy to manage, and difficult to use for "newbies". There is entirely TOO much topic duplication, so I will be doing some SERIOUS topic consolidation in the next few weeks, getting us down to not more than 2-3 topics per vehicle type, and ultimately down to 200 topics or less.

    THIS weeks consolidation candidates are: F-150's, Silverado's, Dakota's, and Dakota Crew/Quad cabs.

    In that vein, please consolidate this F-150 topic to Ford 150 Lightining and continue these discussions there.

    Thanks!

    Front Porch Philosopher
    SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
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