F-150 Owners

kirkpama · June 1998

RonB,

I just sold my 1990 F250 with A/C and I never once had to do any work on my A/C or add any freon to my A/C unit. It would freeze you out of the truck on the hottest of days.

bogieman · June 1998

To avejoe, etc......I have a new '98 F-150 w/ 4.6 L & 4 spd auto trans and 3.55 rear w/ limited slip differential. I have only 1100 miles on it and ave about 16.5 MPG....but no hiway driving yet. It seems to slip into OD about 54 MPH and I run at about 60 MPH at about 1700-1800RPM.
Probabl;y be a few weeks before I can really get it in a short trip on Interstate and see how good it can do.
Bogieman

dconte · June 1998

I am looking to buy the F150 XLT with 4wd. How do any of you like yours. What is the real gas mileage like, what about maintaince is it higher then normal

tombrollini · June 1998

I am interested in buying a 95 F250 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel, auto, towing, cruise, Capt Chairs, XLT etc.

Can any of you give me feedback on how you like it, mileage, reliability etc. Also how much they are realisticly selling for.
Thanks
Tom

truckshopper · June 1998

I am shopping for just the right truck for me and my family . I need an extended cab with automatic transmision and sliding rear window . I am aperson who drives a vehicle for 10-12 years before finaly breaking down and spending the money on another . I realy like the idea of the Ford 150 4x4 ext. cab but do not know if this is the vehicle that will last me the next 10-12 years or should I be looking at other vehicles instead ? (Dodge , GMC , Chevy , etc.) I would appreciate anyones thoughts on the matter .

sleepr · June 1998

truckshopper...

If you like the F-150, buy it. The biggest "worry"
with this truck is the transmission. If you have reservations, I recommend the manual.

All of the new pickups are generally reliable. It's tough to call longevity unless you have access to a time machine, I guess. Todays trucks are alot more complex than 10 years back, brother. It's those sensors and widgets that'll kill ya.

I have a '97 Ford F-150 SuperCab 2WD w/4.2-6 and couldn't be happier. I did lose the mass airflow sensor(~500 bux), but it comes warranteed for 3 years...no prob! You too will have a 3 year warranty and can extend it to ~7 with a Warranty
Gold service agreement. Seven years should do it...just look in Smart Shopper for info on Warranty Gold.

One thing I really recommend...get the 5.4 liter
"Triton" engine. The mileage won't be alot worse than the six and you'll be able to move that 4x4
along ALOT better. The six is ok on power, but the mileage stinx and I would gladly lose 2 miles/gallon for more power.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

sleepr · June 1998

D'oh! The Warranty Gold info is in the FWI
(Finance, Warranty and Insurance discussion!

So sorry.

turbo2 · June 1998

Is the powerstroke as good as the Dodge Cummins diesel

cobra98 · June 1998

A friend of mine has a 198x F-250 with an Automatic transmission. I'm assuming that it's a C-6. Does anyone know if there were other transmission options for automatics? Also, out of curiousity, how much does the C-6 have in common with a C-4 from a car. He said his torque converter is slipping, and I have an extra C-4 transmission and was wondering if the torque converters are the same (C-4 from a car vs C-6 from a truck). Anyone know for sure?

cobra98 · June 1998

Incase it matters, the truck has a 351M engine.

Brutus · June 1998

I believe the 98 F-Series has the E40D auto tranny. I thought the E40D had been around for years. The new Ford Superduty trucks have a 4R100, which is beefier and can handle up to 500 lb-ft of torque.

darrinc · June 1998

1998 F-150's have 2 types of transmissions:
1) 4.6L gets the 4R70W
2) 5.4L gets the E040D.

1999 F-150's all get the 4R70W transmission no
matter what engine you get

Darrin

102770 · June 1998

I am interested in finding about pricing for Ford model F 250 and F 350 standard cab 2 W/D dually, 5 speed transmission, with a dump body?

Brutus · June 1998

I think you are going to have to call one of the dealers who specializes in making custom work trucks. Try to find a dealer in your area who specializes in large fleet sales. There are several large national dealerships that provide this service, such as Meadowland Ford. Definitely, do not talk to a salesperson outside of the fleet department unless the majority of the truck sales at that dealerships are custom work trucks.

sunset · June 1998

jjson,

I had the RHINO Guard bed liner sprayed into my '89 F-350 right after buying it. I just sold the truck a week ago and the bed liner and bed were as new. I hualed all of those things that you mentioned, never so much as chipped the liner. From The weather extremes of San Diego, to Iceland, and Florida, it held up perfectly. I was extremely pleased and would highly recommend a spray-on liner for anyone that is really going to hual things. I don't know about Line-x, but Rhino Guard is TOPS to me. Take care. Sunset

jjson · June 1998

Sunset,
Thanks for your thoughts. I am still debating what to do, but leaning toward spray-on liner from all the comments I've received.

EMSTER · June 1998

Does anyone know when pricing for 1999 F-150's will be available? I am currently trying to order a vehicle but cannot obtain pricing from the dealer I have been talking to or the Edmund's site. The dealer does not know yet what the price increases, if any, will be for the 99 models. I am reluctant to place an order without a definitive number.

Brutus · June 1998

You might start checking the Kelley Blue Book site periodically (www.kbb.com). When the 99 Superduty pricing came out, Kelley Blue Book had it posted on their site 3-4 weeks before it was posted here. Kelley Blue Book had a little more detail also.

eyemsb · June 1998

does anyone have dual exhaust on their F-150? I'm thinking about getting it for mine, but the exhaust system starts out as two pipes with two catalytic converters, then comes together in a single pipe. That's where the O2 sensor is and I was wondering if dual exhaust would screw that up.

eyemsb · June 1998

I guess I should mention that the year model of my truck is 98. Sorry about that.

EMSTER · June 1998

Thanks Brutus. No luck there just yet. It is somewhat unfathonable to me that there is any period, yet alone weeks, where a major corporation like Ford would be unable to provide information to potential customers to order a vehicle. I can understand the necessity to stop the production line and re-tool. But they have effectively cut off their dealers hands whilst continuing to advertise heavily on tv etc??????

gpickett · June 1998

I have 1995 F150 4x4 with auto hubs and manual 5sp trans, 36k, am on second set of hubs...seems like then fail every 18 months. Any other people find
similar problem?

Also, have overload springs on the rear, and rarely have the think loaded so that the springs
are compressed against the rubber stop. When I hit a bump I get a horrible clunk noise. Any suggestions?

kDUKEk · June 1998

Ladies and gentlemen:

I have had the opportunity to hear a wonderful (to me, at least) piece of news at a dealership where I work.

I was told that the next sheetmetal update for the F-150 will be very similar to that of the Super Duty F-Series! Is there any truth to the rumor whatsoever or is this person fooling?

I love the F-Series, but the light duty lineup looks like s**t.

Thank you.

Duke.

blsamoo · June 1998

I have a 97 F150 Supercab XLT 4x4 that has exhaust pipe sticking out front of right rear wheel is there any one out there that has discoloration of center cap on the wheel? And what can be done to prevent further destruction?

joecav123 · June 1998

hello everyone, i have just taken delivery of a 98 xlt extended cab 4.6 v8. first tank mileage 17.5, second tank 18. its auto trans, 3.55 limited slip rear. f.y.i. all. love the truck, plenty of power and comfort.

kinder · July 1998

Hi All, I'm looking to buy (lease) a f150 xlt. I've been doing my homework by reading this page. My question is this, I went buy the dealer again to compare the sticker break down againest the Edmunds optional equipment check list. The "Preferred Equipment Package" is listed as a manufacturer's discount in the Edmunds list, but at the dealer they still had a price of $1520! What gives? Also, all the trucks on the lot have the off road package on them, can say to these guys 'give me the off road package for free or order a truck from the factory for me!" ?

kinder · July 1998

more thoughts before I jump into the F150? Most of the trucks on the lot are xlt's with the off road package and the 'Preferred Equipment' side rails, yada, yada, yada...bottem line MSRP of 28K - 30K. How much should I pay and know that I got a good deal? Next to my house this is the biggest purchase I've ever made and I'm scared S%$&*less! I'm considering leasing the truck to bring the payments down. the dealer is advertising a 39 month,2767 down, payments of 269 with a residual of 19081. It's tough to know what to do. Consider the payments and add the cost of insurance, I was quoted 1000 a year and I have a perfect driving record! Lease payment and insurance, never did I think I would have to pay 500 a month to drive a pick-up! Welcome to the brave new world! Anyway I will greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice. regards, poor and Naive

Brutus · July 1998

I believe that the discount reflected in Edmunds and Kelley Blue book is reflected in the fact that you already paid for the option. Notice that there is a difference between the base price of a Lariat and the base price of the XLT. If you buy the Lariat, they give you the option to get the leather, etc. If you choose this option, they then give you discount because you have already paid for some of these options in the base price of the Lariat since the Lariat includes some of the package options as standard material. My guess is that the dealer is not trying to pull a fast one on you. If you write down all of the options exactly off the window sticker of the truck, it should match almost perfectly with the numbers in Edmunds and Kelley.

I don't know squat about leasing, but if you choose to purchase, you should be able to negotiate a deal a few hundred over dealer invoice. That should be thousands below MSRP. Under no circumstances should you have to pay more than $1,000 over dealer invoice for a 97 or 98 model. If there are rebates available, you may even be able to get the truck for below dealer invoice. You can rebate info from this site also.

As far as ordering, I think it will be tough to get a dealer to order a 98 for you since the 99s will be out in a few months. Unless he is low on inventory, he will be more concerned with clearing the current inventory to make room for the new 99 models with the four doors.

KCRam · July 1998

Kinder - the package discount is always listed at the very bottom of the sticker, right before the grand total. It will usually say something like "Discount Savings: $1000", and when subtracted from the package price at the top of the sticker, will equal what you see in Edmunds and KBB.

tvt60 · July 1998

I test drive a '97 F150 Supercab Lariat 2WD with full power options and leather and some extras. Carmax wants for $20,995 sticker firm.
I basically love the room and smooth ride. Do you think I am paying too much. The truck has 19k miles. Also, CarFinance approve an installment loan at 8.35% which 1.15% lower than the dealer gave me.
Any suggestions??

lwf · July 1998

tvt60,

That's about $600 more than I paid for a brand new (0 miles) '98 F150 XLT which sounds like the same vehicle minus the leather. I had posted this info once before, but if you are asking this question, I presume you didn't see it. I could have gotten it for less; however, I didn't because the dealer I got it from is only a couple of miles from my house. I didn't try to dicker when I recognized that his asking price was only a few hundred over dealer invoice. It seems to me that most people that bought one in 1998 and reported it these postings paid between $20,000 to $21,000 for a 2WD F150 extended-cab XLT with auto transmission. I don't know what the extra cost for the leather-interior that comes with the Lariat would be, but that should be easy for you to find out. Hope this helps.

Brutus · July 1998

tvt60,

Has Edmunds posted 1997 Used Car Info? If they have, I would find the used value of the truck with 19,000 miles on it. The goal would be to pay no more than the value identified. $21,000 sounds a little high for a 97 F-150 2wd with 19,000 miles on it.

You might also compare it to the dealer invoice cost of 97 or 99 new trucks with similar options. Ford is probably offering rebates (or will be soon since the 99s will be out in a few months), so you should be able to pick up a new one for around dealer invoice.

rexallen · July 1998

97 F-150 SC XLT 4WD Auto W/0D 5.4 Eg. CD Player,A/C, Camper towing, Limited Slip, Tilt, CC, Tutone paint and 8810 miles. $21,000. Is this A fair price. Also has aluminum topper and nerf bars

jetn · July 1998

I want to know how satisified people are with the Ford F150 Supercab 4x4 I'm seriously in the market and I'm debating between this and a Z71 please advise!! Thanks

dja1 · July 1998

Hey,Am I the only one who has had bad luck with my f150. I have a 95 sb 5speed. Ihave had the tranny
worked on 5 times. Igot the truck 19000 now 42000 They wereworking on the tranny then. Since then I've been back for the same problem. Popping out of gear & grinding going in. I've always had a ford. A little leary. Going back to the dealer next week. to trade it in.

fwood · July 1998

So talk to me about 4.6L vs 5.4L. I now have a
Chevy 1500 with a 350 Cu In and I like the get up
and go. How do the new Ford engines compare.

Airwolf · July 1998

Sounds like a good price, since it includes the nerf bard and topper. But still, I'd offer a little less to get them to take it. But another question is, why is that truck for sale? Something that cherry shouldn't be for sale already... it would make me suspicious.

rexallen · July 1998

Airwolf,
The truck belongs to a friend I know and he bought the truck and 6 months later the company he works for bought him a Ford F-350. He never uses it anymore therefore wants to get rid of it. I also would like to give Ford some kudo,s as I purchased a '89 Ford F-150 used and when the paint started to peel I called Ford and they told me to take the truck in for an estimate. I took it to my nearest Ford dealer and they sent the info to Ford and about a week later the dealership called to set up a date to have the truck repainted and they did a reaL NICE job and also painted it two tone which the truck wasn't two tone before. It was one color with graphics. This ensured that I would stay with Ford forever. I had a friend that had a Chevrolet Suburban with the paint peeling and he was the original owner at they wouldn't paint his unless he paid part of the cost. Needless to say he is now a Ford owner and will stay with Ford's.
rexallen

Airwolf · July 1998

Well, if it's a friend, and his work bought him a new truck, then it sounds like a good deal. Personally, I'd never buy used, as I like the new warranty and you never know what the previous owner did. But if it's a friend you trust, then why not?
As for pricing, check out the used prices here, and at Kelleys Blue Book (kbb.com) and compare. You should offer within $500 of what he can get on the open market - hell, it's better than a trade in and you're a friend. I've found that KBB can offer better information on some occassions.

Cheers and good luck!!
Ryan
P.S. If you don't want it, maybe I'll buy it!

kristine · July 1998

I too would like to know how the F150 4.6 V8 compares to the 5.4. I will be pulling a 2-horse aluminum trailer with it (weighs 2300 lbs. empty), and want to know if I really need the larger engine. I only tow about 6 times per year. The truck will be my primary vehicle for commuting, so MPG is a concern. Which one would you buy?

joecav123 · July 1998

can anyone give me first hand infoe on synthetic oils i.e. is one brand better than another? i am thinking of going to it for my new truck. any infoe would be appreciated. thanks.

cobra98 · July 1998

I don't know, but I know my owner's manual for my car specifically stated to NOT use synthetic oil during break in. Just an FYI.

Airwolf · July 1998

Motor Trend this month (August 1998 on newsstands now) has a really good article on Synthetic Oils, Blends, and more. It talks alot about the type of oils, the history of synthetics and blends, and covers why you would use different kinds for diff. vehicles. It shows the diff. types out and while it doesn't TEST each one (in-depth), the article details a little about each one. As a reference article it's a keeper (or memorizer).
HTH,
Ryan

cclev · July 1998

I'm looking at a '95 f-150 XLT extended cab SB with 4.9 6-cylinder and the 5 speed manual - just under 43000 miles. It's for my 18 year old son to drive up the interstate to college.

Does anybody have an idea how good or bad the 4.9 six cyl and the manual have been? djal posted complaints about his 95 manual 5sp.

joecav123 · July 1998

Airwolf, thanks for the tip on motor trend and synthetic oils. i'll be sure to pick up a copy.

Cobra98, thanks for the reply, i've read my manual and it gives specs the motor oil should meet but it does not mention synthetics.

dja1 · July 1998

What's up ? I din't get any response to my problem
I have the 95 with a 5 speed manual tranny.
I got the truck about 15 months ago. It had 19,00
on it & was in the shop at that time. Getting
3rd gear syncros. Since then I been back 4 times.
After about 2000 or 3000 miles it start popping
out of 3rd. Grinding going into 1st from netural
grinding going into 3rd . Any body else have this
I friend of mine had the same problem but ford
replaced his syncros & he did'nt have any more trouble. Can any one tell me anything???
still waiting . Tried to trade it but they want to
give me less than blue book.

Airwolf · July 1998

Well, I don't know about your problem specfically, but it sounds like gears are chipping. I had this problem with a '96 Cobra. After about a year, the gears were hard to shift and were grinding pretty badly. I had them replaced under warranty, but they said it was from hard driving and they wouldn't replace them again. I said thanks, but if this car can't handle how I drive it, it's not a sports car!

SO, if you still want to trade it in, and they won't give you blue book, find out why. See if you can get within a few hundred dollars, and then see if they tell you specific things that are wrong, so you can fix them cheap. For exmaple, my floor mats in my Cobra have lost a lot of the padding. Looks like crap. If I spend $50 on new floor mats, I can expect about $100 more in tradein value (looks count!)
Good luck. And remember, someone else might always give you more for your tradein.

Cheers,
Ryan

Brutus · July 1998

Most dealers will not offer blue book trade-in value. They have a black book that they use, which is lower. It's not unusual for a dealer to offer about 20%-35% below Kelley blue book "good" condition trade-in value. If they offer you the kbb trade-in value, they probably made up for it on the sale of the new vehicle.

tcw · July 1998

Anyone know the date for deliveries of the 1999 F-150s?

Airwolf · July 1998

As far as I know Ford will start production this month, with delivers beginning in late August. That's the last I heard. If you ordered a '99 today, you'd get it about September due to the large number already on order.

Cheers,
Ryan

P.S. Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.

F-150 Owners

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