RECENT FORD F-150 SUPERCAB BUYERS

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Comments

  • mogul62mogul62 Member Posts: 2
    The belt is found in the northeast where the climates are damper than here in the southwest. It is the normal serpentine belt, but it has cross-hatches to help w/ the moisture collecting and be spun out more easily. The reason they gave me for replacing the belt every time was that it was being worn b/c the pulleys were out of alignment and eating away at inside tracks. After about the 5th visit they gave me a spare which I thought was nice, but who wants to be rolling down the highway at night doing 70+mph and throw a belt. Sounds kinda dangerous to me. I have a close friend who bought a matching truck around the same time and has had no problems w/ it.
  • afs93afs93 Member Posts: 30
    It's unfortunate but all manufactures will make some lemons. If you read the posts (reguardless of brand loyalty) this happens!

    The question is what will the dealership & manufacturer do to satisfy the customer!
  • joansijoansi Member Posts: 1
    LB SB
    Can someone please explain what these letters designate. I know there is a $300 price diff. but I don't know what it's for.

    Thanks
    Joseph
  • woodzachwoodzach Member Posts: 5
    I just purchased a 2000 F150 4X4 with the 5.4L V8. The dealer told me that the proper way to break the engine in is to run it hard to loosen it up. He said that if you dont run it hard during the break-in period, the result will be less overall power in the long run. Prior to this I've always heard to break it in gently and of course dont run it for extended periods at the same rpm. Any suggestions on the proper way to break-in a new engine?
  • woodzachwoodzach Member Posts: 5
    On another subject - any suggestions on after market accessories for boosting torque and hp for a new F150, 5.4L V8? I've heard that some accessories will not work/fit with the CA emissions which I have. Any ways to get around the CA emissions? I need more power!!!
  • tallmantallman Member Posts: 21
    LB - Long bed
    SB - You guessed it, short bed
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    There are a lot of things you can do. Go over to the left of this page, Click on "Performance Products" and request a catalog. They have a lot of stuff you could try, Computer chips, air filters, Borla exhausts, and if you really want more power and if money is not an object etc. superchargers!!! As for breaking in your new truck. I personally think your dealer is nuts, but that's my two cents. I always take it relatively easy for the first 500 to 1,000, no real hard acceleration etc, and as you said don't drive long lengths of time at the same speed/rpm. I am sure others will have diferent opinions. I have a y2k F-150 4X4 5.4l 3:55LS and have plenty of power, but I don't have your emissions system! Good Luck
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    Check out www.wardsauto.com they rated the 5.4 triton V8 as one of the 10 best engines.
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    A proper break-in should consist of operating the engine under a load(no revving in park) at ALL rpm ranges from idle to redline and never sustaining any given rpm for a period of time. I also recommend changing oil no later than the first 1500 miles, 1000 miles if you can.
  • woodzachwoodzach Member Posts: 5
    I posted a similar question at F-150 online and received a variety of responses ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other, each claiming that their's was the only way to do it. I agree with your suggestion and that's what I've been trying to do. I haven't taken it to redline very often but once in a while and only after the engine is fully warm. Haven't had a chance to take it out on the highway for any real distances yet though - just back and forth to work and home.
  • wtkingwtking Member Posts: 43
    Any of you out there with 99-00 F-150's with the factory tonneau cover?

    How are they holding up? How are they to use in the cold? Any ckacking due to cold weather?

    I'm considering getting one when I order, and any feedback would be much appreciated.

    Thanks,

    -Todd
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    I have one on my truck, we,ve had some of the coldest weather in Boston lately, no cracks or stretching,shrinking.Tonneau's very easy to put on or take off with the slide on rails also has tie downs for when you roll it up.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    I have one on my Y2K. Live in the mountains in Colorado. Have had some 0 degree nights and chill factors well below 0. No problems at all. Easy to install/remove. Well worth the $s when ordering from factory. The Ford Truck Accesories book says it is $350 for a Stylside if you order from your parts Dept. I think MSRP (factory) is $150.
    Bob
  • caddprocaddpro Member Posts: 20
    I buy all my vehicles new (Always Ford) and drive them atleast 150,000 miles. None have every used oil. Drive them off the lot the way you will drive them every day. The engines go through a "Break-in" before they get dropped in the vehicle. Change the oil at 1K and EVERY 3K there after. Always use the same quality brand and weight. My 92 explorer has 120K and has had mobil 1 since 1K. My 00 F150 will get it next week.
  • makani1makani1 Member Posts: 1
    Do NOT get your vehicle undercoated, this is a dealer scam to charge you more money at the back end of the sale. Same thing with "special paint coating" and seat protectant...ever heard of scotchguard? buy it yourself and save. The undercoating is not necessary as the factory does something similar and it may even VOID your rust warranty....this is of course, IMHO....
  • TexasAggieTexasAggie Member Posts: 9
    Just bought a 2000 F-150 SC XLT auto on Wednesday. It has everything I wanted except the keyless entry which I had gotten used to. Looking for suggestions on whether I should go to a dealer for this option or an aftermarket shop. Thanks for your opinions.
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    I have a 1999 F-150 with the "Ford Security System" installed by the dealer (or rather their designated after-market installer). It does work quite well. It gives you the keyless entry and it is also owner-programmable - very easily. Be sure you understand this - it can be a little too secure for my taste. But, it apparently plugs right in to the Ford wiring harness - no problems so far except for reprogramming it for my needs.
  • ampb5ampb5 Member Posts: 4
    Just ordered a 150sc lx yesterday. Much of the info I've see so far on this site will come in very handy.
  • g8trg8tr Member Posts: 77
    I am seriously considering a '00 xlt sc with the 4.6l engine and 3.31 rear end. I don't do a lot of heavy hauling or towing. Has Ford taken care of a couple of nagging problems (cracks in the door and piston slap) for the 2000 models? Are there any other concerns any of you have about the truck? I would like a limited slip rear end but does that make the truck difficult to find? What are some of the other features/options to consider? A local dealer advertises the same truck with ABS and two tone paint for about $20,700. This seems to be a fair price after checking invoice info.

    Any advice/opinions would be helpful except from someone who owns a GM product and thinks they are better. I just got an arbitrator to agree that the one I have is a piece of junk and that I should get my money back. I guess that is my punishment for leaving Ford in the first place.

    Again, thanks for the input.
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    I have a 99 F250 4x4 SC light duty which is a F150 beefed up a little.The truck is great I owned 2 new 99's last year a lightning then onto this F250.No problems what so ever, I would recommend the limited slip its great in the snow I hardly use the 4 wheel drive,haven't needed it in the snow with the limited slip.

    Good Luck
  • jamesl3jamesl3 Member Posts: 12
    I recently bought a 2000 F150 lariat pickup with
    the 5.4 liter V8 and automatic transmission.
    When I start the truck in the morning the rpm
    gauge spikes up to about 1800 and then quickly comes down to about 1300 and then slowly comes down to about 850 rpm . At which point I engage
    the transmission, it seems to surge forward more than my 94 model with the same size motor. Is this normal for this engine and transmission.
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    Is it cold where you live?
  • jamesl3jamesl3 Member Posts: 12
    I live just outside of Atlanta,GA. I like the truck, but it just seems to idle to high until it fully warms up. I was just concerned about the repeated cycle of cold starts like this over the life of the truck.
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    check out www.wardsauto.com the 5.4 triton is one of the 10 best engines in the world.
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    I have a late model 1999 F-150 4X4 with the 5.4 - I am very serious about any noise whatsoever, have never the heard the dreaded piston slap or any other noise from the engine. Mine has about 12,000 miles on it - it is about 8 months old. BUT - I would be most careful starting this truck in low range and putting in gear. It does idle pretty high for a few seconds and if you engage drive and happen to have left it in low-range 4X4 - you could run over anything in your path - standing on the brakes works if you are prepared -the sucker truly launches itself. I'm not complaining - just a warning before some poor dog/cat or person happens to be standing in the way. By the way - I love the truck.
  • jamesl3jamesl3 Member Posts: 12
    I looked at the article and Kit's comments on his truck.The 5.4 seems to be a well designed modern engine. But I still wished it idled a little slower when it first starts up.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    My 97 5.4L, F-150, My 98 5.4 L Expedition and my Y2K 5.4L F-150 all start or started that way when cold. Fires and goes to 1600-1800 RPMs and works it's way down. So I believe what you are seeing is normal for the 5.4L.
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    Normally don't mind the immediate high idle. But like I said before - don't leave this guy in low range 4X4 and put it in gear right after start-up - you have a rocket if you aren't prepared and truly standing on the brakes. The owner's manual probably tells you this and my family uses the trucks more in 4X4 conditions than most. But, maybe because I am female - I can just see someone walking in front of my truck when I forgot I had left it in 4X4 low range and see it just launch itself for about 2 feet right into them when I put it into gear. All it takes is a few seconds of idling to calm down this very nice monster of an engine - but, I have done the launch thing and figure it could happen to others. I guess the 2 foot thing isn't really very far - but, it could be a kid or a stupid, but loved dog in the wrong place!
  • ahoyloyahoyloy Member Posts: 5
    Greetings Friends -

    I am in the process of obtaining information regarding the F-150 and similar models to glean information and make an educated decision regarding a truck purchase. We have been a "car" family from the git-go with the exception of our Explorer to replace our most aging car.

    As I dive into this . . can anyone pass on info to the new guy on the block that is basic thinking for a first time truck buyer.

    Some feedback: We are in the process of buying our first home. Most recent home (rental) was cleaned up using Explorer for hauling EVERYTHING! Tired of turning our SUV into a truck and trailer.

    Your advice is much appreciated.

    Mike
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    Can't help but recommend the F-150 - we have had several over the years and they have all been good, solid trucks. We use our trucks - live in rural NM on dirt roads - they have mostly been 4X4 trucks. What you buy depends on how you want to use it - the F250 is also a very solid vehicle and really strong. But, it is heavier, is harder to handle at speed and great for heavy-duty use, but not like the nice-handling F-150 for everyday use. That is why Ford has two different trucks - they are different, meant for different uses. If you want a nice, comfortable truck that runs on the interstate at 80+ mph easily and gets good mpg - the F150 is hard to fault. If you want to live with a workhorse, the F250 is hard to fault. If you want to look further than Ford, I would suggest going the Dodge route.
  • jamesl3jamesl3 Member Posts: 12
    I first bought a ford truck in 1979 and have owned several through the years. I currently have a 90 F250 4x4 and my 2000 F150 . Ford trucks seem to improve every few years with the introduction of updated models. A F150 ex-cab pickup with a 5.4 V8 IS HARD TO BEAT. A note to KIT 1404, please accept my apology for my gender blunder.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    "ahoyloy"
    I agree with "Kit" and James", I have had three F-150s and an Expedition and they all have been great. You can't go wrong with an F-150 4X4 5.4L. Kit said it best if you need a "TRUCK" get the Super Duty, if you only do occasional light hauling etc go the F-150 route, as she said they are two entirely different animals. Good Luck

    "kit 1404"
    You folks must really be in some "heavy stuff" to use that puppy in 4X4 Low a lot. Good point about letting the revs come down before going into gear as you very accurately said you will "Launch"!
    Have a good one,
    Bob
  • ahoyloyahoyloy Member Posts: 5
    Guys & Gal -

    Thanks for the quick feedback and suggestion. Especially liked your honesty about looking at other brands (ie. Dodge) for comparison. Have done so and find myself returning to the F-150.

    Some additional ??? if I might.

    1) Co-worker has had F-150 for about 4 mos and has spent most of his time in the shop with various odds and ends. Have you heard many horror stories regarding this make/model or do you think he got the proverbial "lemon" in a million?

    2) I'm moving to the Virginia area on military orders (Williamsburg/Norfolk/Hampton Roads area). Would you recommend a 4X4 over a 4X2 in this area and for any reasons (maybe other than snow)? We have an Explorer 4X2 now for comparison. Sell me if you can?!

    3) Most of my driving will be to work and back (approx 25 miles each way) and runs to the gravel pit and mulch shop. This in mind, would you rec the V8 over the V6? Any significant differences in mpg for either that you have experienced?

    As always . . appreciate your candid feedback and look forward to using your direction to make me a better "truck" buyer.

    Much Thanks!

    Mike
  • ahoyloyahoyloy Member Posts: 5
    Kit -

    From a ladies perspective . . . I am a 5'2" petite lady and have a question for you. I am the primary driver of an Explorer and wonder if their is much difference in driving the F-150 and the Explorer? Where I do not anticipate driving the F-150 much, I just want to make sure that in an Emergency situation, I wouldn't be overpowered with a "Truck" vice a "SUV".

    Thanks!

    Katy
  • jamesl3jamesl3 Member Posts: 12
    I have two friends with 98 f150s one with a 4.6 auto had a problem with tire wear and the other had a 5.4 auto had a defective power door lock switch and had a idle problem (cracked spark plug)both are happy now. I have never driven a v-6, but many have in our town hall. As far as gas mileage goes 4.6 16/20 and 5.4 15/19 EPA numbers with automatic. Drive both before you buy, the 5.4 just seems have that reserve power you can count on when you need it. Do you need a 4 wheel drive? if you live in a area where it snows a lot or you enjoy off roading go for it. If you get a 4x2 i would recommend a limited slip rear axle, much better traction in slick conditions.
  • tallmantallman Member Posts: 21
    Welcome to God's country! The Tidewater area of VA is beautiful, flat, and has mild temperatures. We have the occasional snow but nothing a 4x2 cannot handle with the limited slip differential. You see a lot of 4x4's but I don't believe they are necessary. I have a friend who hunts with his 4x2 F-150 and he has never had a problem off road.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    Folks, and welcome to the disussions Katy. I'll give you my two cents.
    From what you have said about the intended use of the truck I believe you will be fine with the 4.6L, you will be operating at or near sea level most of the time so the 4.6L should develop plenty of power for you. If you were in the Rocky Mountain states as I am the 5.4L especially with 4x4 would be my only choice. I wouldn't get the V-6, I've never driven one but personally don't believe it is enough engine for the F-150, but that's my opinion, others will be different. Doesn't sound like you need 4X4, but whether you go that route or 4X2 always get the Limited Slip, 3:55 should work fine for you. As to the friend with the "Lemon", I believe that is the one in a million that all makes have at times. My Y2K has 5,000 miles on it, absolutely no problems of any kind. As for mpg I have seen as high as 17.2 and a low of 14.7 on mine the low was a lot of 4X4 in snow/ice over 10,000 ft mountain passes. The 4X4 with 17" wheels sits pretty high and may be inconvient for Katy to get in and out of. Of course cab steps would fix that. The 4X2 sits a lot lower.
    Katy, I am sure Kit will respond, but will give you some info and my wife's perspective. The F-150 is bigger than the Explorer, and like all unloaded pick-ups is light in the rear, so the rear end can be twitchy in slippery conditions, loose gravel etc. I don't believe you will be over powered or over matched, the F-150 is extremely easy to drive and very responsive. I think after you have driven the F-150 for awhile you will prefer it to the Explorer. My wife who is 5'4" had a 93 Jimmy, traded it for a 95 F-150 4X4, traded that for a 97 F-150 4X4 Lariat which was her truck until she got into real estate, then she took my 98 Expediton (better for transporting clients) and I got the 97 which was turned in for the Y2K F-150. If she has a choice she will always take the truck and leave the EXPY home. Although the two are very similar
    (front end is the same) she prefers the handling etc of the truck. When the lease is up on the EXPY she is planning on getting an F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab!! She doesn't feel comfortable in cars and likes trucks overs SUV's. So that is the opinion of the "VP In Charge Of Everything That Moves", including me. Hope this helps you folks. Guess this was more like $1.50 than two cents!!
    Bob
  • ahoyloyahoyloy Member Posts: 5
    Folks -

    Thanks for the detailed feedback and experiences. Your guidance and time to respond to our questions is much appreciated. I'll keep you posted on the purchasing.

    Regards -

    Mike
  • ahoyloyahoyloy Member Posts: 5
    Bob -

    Thanks so much for your detailed response and guidance for Katy. It's good to hear it from the perspective of another lady so Kate doesn't seem removed from the purchase option.

    You seemto be a happy Ford Buyer/Leaser. Any pointers or thoughts you can share with us regarding truck purchases outside of the standard car purchase? Things to be aware of or watch out for?

    Also, in your years of Ford wisdom, have you had many problems with maintenance or vehicle recalls?

    Speaking of maintenance . . . how have the standard costs been in association with a truck? Similar I would imagine with a Ford SUV?

    Any additional pearls of wisdom are always welcome. My sincere thanks to you and your bride for taking the time to really put some thought into your response!

    I/We really appreciate all of the guidance we have received to date but wanted to take a personal moment to thank you.

    Sincerely -

    M&K
  • lloydw2lloydw2 Member Posts: 8
    Y2K F-150 XLT 5.4 V-8. Purchased in Nov. and all aspects exceed my expectations except for one MAJOR item (one that's been posted here before by others). Vibration when driving between 63 and 68 MPH. Checked with dealer and they said call in mid-Feb. Thought they had some new tests to determine problem.

    I'm starting to worry about this as I am getting attached to the truck, but if this can't be fixed, I'm in big trouble.

    Anyone have any ideas? Could it be an unbalanced wheel(s)? If not, what possibly could it be.

    Thanks much,
    LW Bakersfield, Ca.
  • kit1404kit1404 Member Posts: 124
    You are right to be concerned about the differences in the Explorer and the F-150. I had a late model Ranger 4X4 before the F-150 and it was really easy for anyone to drive. It was easy to park and it handled well. To me - it felt a lot like a car and the F-150 feels like a truck. But, it is a very nice truck. I don't think it took me more than about 1,000 miles to get used to the taller, heavier and longer truck. But, then I have also driven a big F-250 for years. There is a difference between your Explorer and the bigger trucks. I would strongly suggest that you test-drive the F-150 before purchase. But, don't be too hard on it - a few miles down the road and you'll become very accustomed to it.
  • g8trg8tr Member Posts: 77
    I'm new to this post and I'm not familiar with this vibration problem. I am considering a F150 XLT reg. cab w/4.6 and 3.31 rear end. I am concerned because I had a '99 GMC Sierra that had the vibration problem that all of the others are having. I went through arbitration to get GM to buy the truck back and that is supposed to happen at the beginning of next month.

    Please let me know what this vib. stuff is all about and if it is a chronic problem with Fords.
    Thanks.
  • vette8vette8 Member Posts: 1
    I own two F150s, a 97' 4.6L 4x4 and a 2000 4.2L V6 4x2. I can tell you that I am happy with both trucks. I really can't say whether the 4x2 or 4x4 would be better for you in your area, but I can attest to your engine choices.
    If you check out the specs on the 4.2 and 4.6, they are almost the same size, and make almost the same hp. Only the V8 has moderately more torque. Unless you plan on a lot of towing or heavy hauling, you should stick with the V6. It is very strong for a V6, infact it has more power than my 92 V8 F150 did. It can also tow over 6,000 lbs as well. I have both the V8 and V6, and I am just as happy with the V6 as I am with the V8. Unless your towing, you won't notice much of a difference. Even the editors of this web page have said the same thing (check out the road test for 97' F150).
  • delcamdelcam Member Posts: 9
    Hi,

    I chose the V6 2WD, and I did get the limited Slip rear axle. I have it now on my 93 2WD, and have not had any problems. My truck is on order, but my boss got one in December with the V6 and 2WD, and he is very happy. A few times he has hauled full loads of firewood, and the 6 did just fine.
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    Mike&Katy,
    Thanks for the kind words and the title, however I am by no means an expert, I just know enough to be dangerous!!
    I yield to the opinion of "vette8" on the V-6, based on what he has said, seems the V-6 would work fine for you.
    As for problems virtually none. My 95 F-150 had a battery go dead after 6-8 months. My 97-F-150 had the infamous lug nut problem, my 98 Expedition had a rear wiper motor replaced (common with Expeditions and I believe Explorers) My Y2K F-150 with 5,400 miles, no problems. I have not had the problems with any of them that some others have reported, i.e piston slap, door cracks, vibrations etc. Routine maintenance has been just that, routine, normal oil changes, tire rotations etc. Not much if any different from buying a car. Here are a few suggestions for you.
    Do your homework before contacting a dealer ( you have been doing that) Know exactly what you want before going in, options, colors etc, Invoice price. See the Fleet Manager, stay away from the folks in the show room. You want Invoice price, if they won't give it to you for that, or close to it go somewhere else. Tell them you want a copy of the DORA when they get it from Ford, should show a Priority 10. Check on their allocations before you order. Having them order it with no allocation is like no order at all. If yu want mud flaps, bedliner etc, see if they will give them to you at their cost. (they should be able to roll that stuff into the deal for you if you want to do it that way) Have that stuff installed before you sign the papers and pick up the truck, may have to wait a day or so to get it done, but you won't have to go back, and they will be more anxious to get the work done before you sign on the dotted line than after!! Good luck and keep us posted on how it is going.
    Bob
  • tallmantallman Member Posts: 21
    bobh12, what is DORA?
  • bobh12bobh12 Member Posts: 140
    "tallman"
    A DORA is "Dealer Order Reciept Ackowledgement". After the dealer places your order via computer they get this back from Ford, it lists everything about the vehicle that was ordered, body style, color, all options, priority etc. mine also said
    "vehicle no for sale" or words to that effect which tells folks at the dealership it has been sold, i.e special order for a cusotmer. Mine even had my name on it. It is very valuable as you can then verify what the factory is going to/should build versus what you ordered, so you need to keep the "wish list" you put together and ordered from hopefully they match, if not, get with your dealer ASAP and get it changed to what you wanted to be ordered. Also good to have when your truck comes in, I always check mine against the vehicle to make sure everything is there. On my Y2K I ordered the color keyed floor mats, they were on the DORA, not with the truck, not on the Invoice or window sticker, showed my Fleet Guy and he went to parts, got them and put them in No Charge. The DORA is also your only real verification that you have a vehicle on order!!
    Bob
  • hoss6hoss6 Member Posts: 1
    I've been comparing these 2 rides using Edmunds data for a while and the cost for the configuration that I want is very close. The Tundra is about $500 more (invoice). I really like both trucks and am looking for a tie breaker.

    Thanks in advance.

    PS I'm concerned about the rear seat room in the Tundra. I've seen and test driven the Ford and the rear seat room seems adequate for my 3 kids.
  • barlitzbarlitz Member Posts: 752
    I think the tundra would compare more to a dakota than a ford plus the tundra uses a lot of the tacoma parts which doesn't seem like they'd hold up on a bigger size,can't go wrong with the #1 selling truck 22 straight years.
  • normanfnormanf Member Posts: 1
    I have a 98 f150 ext. cab with the 5.4 engine and it vibrates between 63 & 68 mph. the dealer said it was the tires and balance. The tire people said it was the wheels. I put new tires on and the dealer put new wheels on. Still vibrates, so i left it at the dealer who gave me a loaner car to drive.After eight weeks in the shop, the dealer replaced the motor mounts, drive shaft,drive shaft bushings,body mounts. Ford was called in and they hung weights on the exhaust pipes and then put on some kind of baffles and it still vibrates.....Ford called and said to pick up the truck and that the vibration was characteristic of the 5.4 engine and they would give me a good deal on a trade in. I did research and found that they revamped the 5.4 to give it more h.p. but I guess it still vibrates....Does anyone have a 4.6 engine that vibrates at that speed????? norm, chic.
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