This is my 1st post so why not get a couple things done here. Names Andrew, right now I drive an 03 mustang, but most recently I had a guy confront me and he is wanting to trade his 03 ford stepside 4x4 5 speed for mine. So I was woundering when does stuff go out on them? It has 141,000 miles, little rust. What should i look out for? Does tighting the Torque bars affect allinment or cause more wear and tear?

Was also woundering if you guys would post some pics your stepsides and mods you have. Thanks in advance.

 

Cranking your t-bars will require you to get an alignment. There shouldn't be too much more wear and tear than normal if you just turn them up. Just don't get the torsion keys. Those put a lot of stress on the front end. There is a lot of useful information on here. Pretty much any mods you wanna do or ever think of doing. Just curious though as to if it is the 4.2 v6 or the 4.6 v8??

 

its the 4.6

 

what are torsion keys? How much does a 3in body lift cost, how easy are they to install?

 

Torsion keys allow you to crank your torsion bars higher than the stock keys. I don't recall what they cost. But you can turn yours up for free. Just measure and then jack the front and crank them to desired height. Then get an alignment. body lift is around 160. They aren't too terrible to put on. Just time consuming. Plan on a weekend to do it with a friend or two. I have actually done it in about 4-5 hours. Just make sure to spray the body and bed bolts down with some penetrating oil a couple days before you start. It will make your life a whole lot easier. And for the BL go with performance accesories. They make a complete kit. You will have to look and get the extra part I do believe as you have the 5 speed.

 

Alright, thanks for the info. I haven't got the truck still trying to get more info. How long do these trucks last? When does stuff start going out? Whats a common problem with these years?

 

These trucks go for a long time!! I have had zero problems really with mine other than general maintence. Mine has 187k on it and still runs great. The 4.6 is a really dependable engine. the weak link in your drive train will be the 5 speed. But you shouldn't have any problems with it. I have pulled and hauled and towed way more than a lot people. The thing I would look at is front suspension. Make sure there isn't any play with it. Check out the upper and lower control arms and ball joints. I am sure that more people will fill in more stuff but these are some really reliable trucks.

 

alright thanks, you prob just made me make up my mind about this truck. Lets see if he will still trade.

 

Cool man. Take some pictures and post them up on here if you do get it!!

 

x2 post pics.

Like it was stated, the M5OD will be the weakest link, but even then you'd have a tough time killing it. I assume that has the PI heads on the 4.6L so it sounds like a good deal. expect to pay more in gas compared to that mustang, though.

 

Oh yeah with gas at 3.09 here, but what mpg do you guys think it would/should be getting?

 

14-20mpg?

You know that trucks value, well around here would be about 5k (141k, signs of rust, 5spd..) Extended cab or single?...

do you have the base model stang?
Not trying to swing you away from the trade, as I love these trucks. Just making sure its fair

 

Its a single, I have the v6 5 speed stang that blue books at 6.5k here. He is willing to put cash on top. He just hasn't told me how much yet.

 

14-19 sounds about right

 

Alright, Doesn't sound to bad. If I do get it, i will post some pics and will prob get wheels tires and a b-lift quick.