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F-150 Owners

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  • cobra98cobra98 Member Posts: 76
    Do you like '4x4 decals' on your truck? Mine doesn't have them ('85), and I'm glad. To me, 4x4 is something that lets me know, as a buyer, that it can go better in the snow. So why do I want to advertise it? Do people like trucks that advertise/brag that they go better in the snow? Personally, I don't like it. The reason is that 4x4's have a much higher theft rate than 4x2s. I'm sure that the decals are some sort of marketing and sales hype, but I was just wondering if people 'enjoy' them. Just curious.
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    I too wanted this package, since I wanted 17" wheels, but alloy, not chrome steel ones. I had my dealer check on availability, and he said ford told him that we could place the order the first week in november. I hope he's right, I'm already drooling with anticipation!

    HP
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Autosite now reports the 94T and 94S (sport pkgs) will be avail on Nov 2. Cool.
  • raguragu Member Posts: 3
    I shopping for a 99 Lariat fully loaded with the 5.4eng, and 3.55 limited slip. All the local dealers can't touch the $400.00 over factory invoice the internet sales quote I received from a dealer 50 miles from home. Is this too good to be true? Also how will the gas mileage be with the 5.4 as the 4.6 Lariat fully loaded will be weeks away from arriving. The tires are now General and look pretty lousy compared to the Goodyear's of 98. Can the dealers exchange them for Goodyear's of another truck on the lot? Please let me know as I want to decide ASAP. Thank's for the help.
  • BrutusBrutus Member Posts: 1,113
    If you don't want the 4x4 decals, you can ask the dealer to remove them when he is prepping the truck for you. My dealer did it for me at no cost.
  • george15george15 Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a leftover 98 F150 Lariat. Since purchase I've been battling with the dealer over a vibration problem thats affected by high speed and on asphalt. After numerous battles with the service department they brought in the area field service engineer from Ford. They have now concluded as of yesterday, that the vibration is not repairable, even though they installed a damper between the frame rails in front of the rear bumper. The dealer has advised they will contact Ford on Monday 10/26 and get back with us. Have you had a similar problems? Please respond asap.
  • ThauThau Member Posts: 25
    Good evening.
    Dirlton, thanks for the info. I now understand that the available colors(Wht,blk,b.red,sil) for the truck is dictated by the decal. This is really too bad, as I have wanted deep wedgewood blue. By the way this is going to be my first truck. I probably go with the black one.
    HP. I don't particularly care that much for the decal either. I would be very happy if they let me have wedgewood blue with the package but without the decal.
    Thanks to you all. I have learn a lot about F150. At least in term of getting the optional items together for my order. I probably will put my order in early next week. Again thanks a lot. I will let you all know what I have decided on.
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    Thau: The colors noted are what colors the DECAL is available in. Decal color presumably is tied to the truck color in the same manner that interior color availability is. You can still get a dark blue truck. If you can get them to yank the decal off it's not going to matter what color the decal they are yanking off is. Good of you to allow me to practice up on dangling infinitives however.
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    george15
    I think there are some posts in this discussion area about strange vibrations on the f150. search this website thoroughly.
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    ragu,
    I recieved my '99 F-150 Lariat last week. What a sharp truck, Black over Gold!
    I have the 5.4 L with the 3.73 Limited Slip. I now have 4oo miles and the 1st fill was 22.6 gallons for about 356 miles = 15.7mpg. Not bad considering I did not keep a constant speed(trying to break in). However, that was mostly highway miles. My Lariat came with Goodyear tires (I did order the Off Road package that has 17" tires). I would think $400 over invoice isn't bad. I got mine for less, but have bought and refered many others to my dealer over the years, he treats people GREAT!!
    GOOD LUCK!
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    jison,
    Wow, I thought that 2-tone was not avail with the offroad group. That is good news, as it means that maybe I can get silver over blue with the sport pkg! (similar limitations have been noted on some sources regarding sport and O/R pkgs).

    Did you have to do anything special to get that combo?

    It did not make any sense to me why color would have any impact on chassis eqpt, but I'm only going by what I have seen on the net. (If FMC had a decent website, that provided useful, detailed info, these questions would be easy!)

    HP
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Oops, sorry jjson, misread yer name...

    HP
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    hawkpilot,
    The only thing I had to do to get the two tone paint was order it and pay $162.00!
    If you go to www.kbb.com, you can find a good price list and the paint color combos and restrictions. It says lower two tone is not available on XLT with Off Road(55R) or Sport Group(94A),(I have a Lariat). Why Ford has these limits is beyond me! Give us what we want, right?
    Hope you end up with everything the way you want.
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Ah, Lariat is the key word. I guess since I'm getting the XLT, I neglected to note the lariat was allowed to get this combo. Interestingly enough, some of the online sources mention only the exclusion with 55R, and not with the sport group (which is either 94A or 94T, depending on where you look). Thanks for the post, and for clearing up my confusion. Enjoy that Lariat, I can't wait to get my truck!
    HP
  • dunbartondunbarton Member Posts: 46
    For those interested from reading previous posts,

    Ordered new F150 XLT Super Cab Aug 18 and arrived 5 weeks later to the day (Norfolk Va, to NJ). Dealer told me eight weeks, could be sooner, and I appreciated this straight answer.

    Salesman said that after the 1999 model year gets rolling, the wait will be closer to 8 weeks or more.

    Don't know what the wait is now but an early order helped after learning 1999 pricing. One Lariat came in in 3 weeks!

    My mileage with 4.6 V8 auto 4 x 2 on first tank was 17mpg over 350 miles open highway/in town 50%. Second tank was 16 even around town, short runs. This is not a work truck but my pleasure vehicle. I would think I could get 19-20 mpg on a nice long highway trip at 60 - 65 mph using the cruise control.

    You will do several mpg less with a 5.4 from a friend who has a 1998 5.4 under the same conditions.

    In recent years I have found the estimated gas mileage on the window invoice to be VERY accurate.

    To date, after having it almost a month, I have not ONE complaint, either mechanically or cosmetically. Since this is my first pickup ever, I have nothing to compare it against.

    From my experience, I wouldn't give this vehicle up for all the tea in China but I can reason this out better in a couple years.

    Just wish Ford would give more choices for the Lariat leather interiors rather than just tan or gray. I would have bought one.

    I believe the 4 x 4 decals only come with the "Off Road" package and are omitted on 4 x 4s without it. Dunbarton
  • signasigna Member Posts: 26
    Hi all,

    A few questions:

    I just ordered my first Ford vehicle this weekend, an F-150 4x4, SC, Lariat, flareside, 5.4l, auto, buckets, esof, trailer. Does Ford or anyone else offer comprehensive shop manuals for this truck? I've had a few Clymer manuals in the past, and have been generally dissapointed :-(

    My dealer expects delivery to take 6 to 8 weeks. Sound reasonable for this truck?

    I didn't order the slider on this truck, since I've never used on my current Chevy. I know in some Ford trucks you don't get tinted glass without a slider, but the dealer insists this is not the case with an F150 Lariat. (Privacy glass is listed as a standard feature on the Lariat, but they don't specify *which* glass!) I'm gonna be an unhappy customer if my truck comes through with tinted side windows and a clear rear window.

    Thanks!
  • phkckphkck Member Posts: 185
    Should be no worries. My 97 without the slider window has tinted glass. And you will love the engine (5.4), hate the mileage. Only problem I ever had was a defective battery that gave out at 20 K. Replaced under warranty.
    Have fun, paul
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    signa,
    I have a '99 F-150 Lariat Extended Cab with the 5.4L, Auto, Off Rd., 3.73 Limtd Slip, Trl Tow, Elec Sht on Fly, Flairside and LOVE it! I did not order the sliding rear window (and glad I didn't). The rear side swing out windows and the back window are tinted. My order went into Ford 8/13 and the truck was delivered to my dealer 10/9.
    Welcome to the FORD family!
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    phkck

    what kinda mileage are you getting with your 5.4, and what gears do you have? Just curious. I haven't heard a whole lot of mileage reports are your type of truck. thanks!

    Cdean
  • dunbartondunbarton Member Posts: 46
    Signa,

    Deep tinted SC glass and rear glass is standard on Lariat and XLT with a slider or not. I have the slider.

    My XLT listed above on Post 329 is a 3.55 limited slip regarding my gas mileage. What the others are describing with 5.4 liter gas mileage sounds reasonable to me. Dunbarton
  • signasigna Member Posts: 26
    Thanks for info in the previous posts!

    Another question: What do you really get for your money in the trailer tow package? I see a $100 dollar hitch and a 7 pin adapter that I don't really want. What does "HD elec, HD cooling" really equal? What's different about the shocks? Do they affect the ride quality?

    Thanks!

    Signa
  • AirwolfAirwolf Member Posts: 142
    First you get the factory installed, supported trailer package that was probably designed for the truck. The HD package includes (usually) HD Cooling, which is a larger transmission cooler and other odds and ends, and HD Electrical which usually is a larger AMP battery (sometimes 2) and a bigger alternator. Two goos things to have anyway. It's a no brainer to get both those items with a new truck, IMHO, as they will definitely help in the long run, and increase the resale a little.
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    cdean & signa,
    I have a '99 F-150, 5.4L, Auto, 3.73 Limtd Slip with tow package(also off road w/17" tires). I got 16.4/mpg, 11.9/mpg and 15.6/mpg on my first three tanks. The middle fill was city, the other were highway. I am in and out of the throttle to break in, so expect to see much improvement. The truck rides real well, HD shocks do not make it stiff. Slightly "rougher" than my '95 Explorer. The tow package, I believe, is worth the little extra. You get a better cooling system, better alternator and battery. Also, you will do better come trade-in time.
  • ron4ron4 Member Posts: 24
    I now have nearly 3000 mi on my 99 XLT Supercab 4x4 w/ 5.4 and 3.55 ltd slip.

    Avg MPG city/hwy has been right at 14 MPG or just a tad less. EPA sticker says 13/16. Havent had on any extended distance trips yet.

    So far it is by far the best truck I have ever owned (have had 7 different ones, various makes).

    It is a Great Truck! Not a single problem to date.
    Super practical w/ the 4 doors (use the drivers side rear door all the time), comfortable, and powerful.

    If you haven't got your's yet, you will love it when you do!
  • signasigna Member Posts: 26
    Did anyone compare the 3.73 and 3.55 axles during their test drives? Could you tell a difference? My order currently has the 3.55, but I can still change it.
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    I did not test drive as the '99 were not out when I placed my order. Sorry..
  • dunbartondunbarton Member Posts: 46
    Guys,

    You know, after reading all the encouraging posts about the new F150s, I really feel like a kid again.

    Here I am, 55 years old with my first pickup ever, a 1999 F150. I didn't know what I was missing and looked hard at them for the last 10 years, and finally did it. Had it 4 weeks now (4 x 2 4.6 liter V8)

    I would KILL for this truck ....... hey it's great to look over at the short dresses at a traffic light, huh?

    Now I know why you guys drive 'em.......

    Regarding the towing package. It could be a double-edged sword at trade in time. When someone sees a pickup with a towing package, they wonder (I did) just what DID they tow with truck.

    You guys know that towing does take a serious toll on a vehicle, any vehicle.

    Since I never planned to tow anything, I just bought the HD cooling and electrical as a safeguard. It was $210. Since the towing package is $400, and includes the HD cooling and electrical, it seems to me it's worth it for a factory engineered and installed package IF you are going to tow. The extra weight in the back may help in snow too. Dunbarton
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    Am also going for 3.55 LS on order I placed this evening for '99 XLT SC 4X4 (4X4 is not a macho thing in Minnesota, it comes in damn handy---maybe not often enough to justify the extra cost but since there is nowhere to spend money six months out of the year we are all rich), if 3.73 is a better shot someone should give me the reasoning pretty soon. I too think the HD elec./cooling pkg. is a no-brainer and that having gone that far the leap to trailering pkg (which includes the above with HD shocks to boot), at least extra dollars wise, becomes pretty much a what-the-hell deal. Like I said, we're all rich anyway.
  • signasigna Member Posts: 26
    I was just retinking my 3.55 axle choice. The change to 3.73 is a 9.5% gearing reduction. Can you feel that difference anywhere except for at the pump?
  • lwflwf Member Posts: 223
    I believe it's more like 5.07%.
  • dunbartondunbarton Member Posts: 46
    Guys,

    LWF is correct, I don't see any of you noticing the difference in 3.55 vs 3.73 except watching your engine rpms go higher while driving at the same speeds and lower mpg.

    If I could have gotten the 3.07 in traction-lok I would have ordered it. Don't have that severe Minnesota weather in NJ. Dunbarton
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    I did the calculations once, using the numbers in the brochure for the tranny ratios for the superduty auto trans, since there were none listed for the LD trucks, but I figure the OD ratio (0.71, i think) probably ain't far off. Anyway, at 60 MpH, the difference in engine revs between 3.55 and 3.73 was just about 80 RPM.

    Over the long term, that 80 rpm might just cost some serious money at the pump.

    On the other hand, the 9.5% extra torque applied to the rear end directly affects how much weight you can yank up the boat ramp for the same amount of strain on the trans/driveshaft.

    It is a trade off - if you tow things often, or do a lot of offroading through deep mud/sand, or live in hilly country, then the 3.73 makes sense. If you commute with the truck, but only occasionally operate it as above, the 3.55 is a good compromise. If it never leaves the highway, and you don't live in the mountains, 3.03 is the most economical of all.

    HP
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    So after I get done with last evenings post (and truck order), I bump into a "regional (Denver, Seattle, Twin Cities, Chicago) discount on the off-road package. Amounts to $850.00 retail ($723.00 net) discount on the package for buyers in those locations. Called my guy this AM. He, of course, knew nothing but looked into it and sure enough, I wasn't seeing things. The way I look at it, it gets me LT 265 70R 17" OWL AT's and 17" chrome wheels for less ($250.00 net) than any other tire/wheel upgrade. The other stuff (skid plates, HD shocks, hokey 4X4 decal) comes along for the ride. Package requires 3.73 axle upgradeable to LS, so that settles the rear-end issue for me. I'll worry about what it costs me at the pump later. Like I keep pointing out, we are all rich here anyway. I'm a happy little camper.
  • jjsonjjson Member Posts: 42
    Dirlton,
    I have the 5.4L w/3.73 LS, 4x4 and Off Rd. Pgk. Run at 1750RPM at 63MPH. Live in Wisc.,(not rich, don't much care for Vikings). Fueled up this AM, 16.6MPG. Of the miles put on, 3/4 hiway, bal. city. Only have 900 miles so expect improvement.
    I think you will like your truck, I LOVE mine.
    Go PACK!
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    One of my omni-directioinal sensors just took a big hit. The diffusers need finer calibration, but it was either "impending wager" or "insipid drivel". One thing for certain, however, it originated east of here, in la-la land.
  • duffieduffie Member Posts: 2
    I have noticed that the 99 f-150 supercabs have two grille options, honeycomb and chrome. Does anyone know whether the honeycomb grille is limited to certain trim levels or requires the purchase of certain options or packages?
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    I have heard some stories hear that the 3.73 gives better mileage that a 3.42. Seems sometimes, an engine is working too hard with the 3.42 to get it going and keep it going.

    food for thought.
  • DirltonDirlton Member Posts: 30
    Duffie:  Honeycomb grill comes with the 4X4. 2X4 gets the other grill. The choice is in the drive, not the grill.
  • ThauThau Member Posts: 25
    Duffie,
    Dirlton is right about the grill. If you are looking to get the honeycomb grill with a 4X2, then look at the Sport group. You should be able to get honeycomb grill along with 17' tire. Hope this help.
    Thau
  • jajujaju Member Posts: 18
    got a 95 f150 with 120,000 on it and I've never changed the plugs. It still runs like new but should I go ahead and change them anyway? What type should I buy? Standard equipment or something higher tech? THANKS!
  • lwflwf Member Posts: 223
    jaju,

    Does that mean you've never taken them out, cleaned them or regapped them? Lets start a little pool called guess jaju's spark-plug gap. My guess would be .095". I'll bet your gas mileage and performance go up noticeably after you change them.
  • jajujaju Member Posts: 18
    OH BOY, sounds like I need to change em! I was hoping to get out easy but I suppose theres nothing to do but change them, thanks for confirming that LWF!
  • cobra98cobra98 Member Posts: 76
    I agree with LWF. Your truck is probably not riding just like new, but the performance degradation has been gradual enough over time that you haven't really noticed it. I'd say change them for sure. Let us know how bad they look when you're done :-)
  • jajujaju Member Posts: 18
    well LWF and COBRA you guys sound like truck enthusiast so this is going to scare ya! The gap was right at .088 or so! But they were all nice and dry with no deposits on them. So I guess I've learned my lesson and will change them more often. The parts guy said every 30,000. What do Y'all say? Anything else I can handle that needs to be replaced that effects performance? I'm fairly handy with a wrench and know most of the terms but Im smart enough to know when its time to take it to a pro. THANKS!!
  • lwflwf Member Posts: 223
    Gee, I was off by only .007. Just a lucky guess though. I've never driven any vehicle that long without changing plugs. I would be interested in knowing if you perceive a difference in power & performance and see a diffence in mpg. I should thing you will.
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Precisely why I started always using platinum plugs. I ran a set in my Nissan for years, and when I replaced them then, they had barely worn. I only replaced em because I had bought new ones along with filters, etc for a tune up, so what the heck, but I bet they would have gone a lot more miles. Ford is claiming 100k for the platinum plugs in the 99 triton engine, no reason to doubt it.
  • hawkpilothawkpilot Member Posts: 75
    Well, I got a call from the dealer today, and he told me he had called ford regarding the XLT sport group. The computer was kicking out the order, apparently. They told him the sport group has been delayed until November 16 :-(. He said that the person he spoke to did not know if it was an availability problem with one of the components or some other factor.

    One other thing, he said that choosing this option limits you to one of four solid colors of paint, at least on an XLT 4wd. I guess it is tied to the sticker colors. I know one of them is silver, and the brochure shows a black truck, and my bet on the other two would be red and white, but I can't remember the sticker colors. I was a bit dissapointed that I could not get two tone. I figured that may happen since 2 tone is not available with the offroad group either.

    Sorry about the bad news...
  • kdinghkdingh Member Posts: 3
    Has anybody been able to get delivery of any 5.4 SC XLT, flareside, 4x2, with the 3.55 ratio? I've had mine on order since september, but ford has the order on hold and won't confirm any dates. The dealership says Ford was mumbling something about emission problems with these particular combo options. I am getting desperate and thinking about moving on to a SUV.
  • stanfordstanford Member Posts: 606
    Go to your dealer. Settle on a price that includes ordering the truck you want with whatever ratio you can get, and replacing the rear gears with a set of 3.55:1s. If they can get the price right, go for it. If not, nothing lost. Most dealers would happily work it into the overall deal, and the price will be great if they know that the deal hinges on this.
  • kdinghkdingh Member Posts: 3
    Stanford: Do you mean replacing the rear gears after the truck has been delivered, as an aftermarket work? Wouldn't that void the warranty? As well as being expensive? By the way, the dealer said I can get the styleside no problem, with priority delivery since my order has been on hold.

    Thanks for the response.
This discussion has been closed.

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