Hey everyone, I'm looking into getting a new f-150, well new to me. The years I am looking at are 98-01. I'm not very picky, but there are somethings I find essential.

Ext cab or super cab (preferably ext)
Short bed, no 8ft
Front bench seat

These next couple of things I would like to have but are not essential.
4x4
Manual trans

Are there any packages of any of these years that would have a majority of these options? If not, is there anything close?

I would also appreciate your personal opinions of how your 98-01 f-150s still run.
Thanks!

 

super cab and ext cab are the same. the full four door one is supercrew.

 

Whoops, I meant supercrew haha

 

craigslist in your area is usually a good source for used trucks.

 

Your best chance is to look for XL and XLT models in those years to find those kind of options. A manual trans might be hard to find, that was kind of a special order thing, even the "contractor" models have autos. Short beds are common once you get up in to the 00's (or so it seems), and you can always put a benchseat in whatever you find for not a whole lot of $$, if it doesn't have one. Hop on http://www.searchtempest.com and check your local area like BlueJay said. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

Well I can tell you that my '98 still runs and drives like a champ. And if you want a little better 4x4 capability then try to find one with the off road package. These trucks have slightly larger wheels, ESOF, skid pans and in my opinion look much better and sit higher. A regular 4x4 is just like a 2x4 except for the front axle. And again, craigslist does have a great selection of F-150s.

 

No complaints about my 98 4.6 with over 375 000kms. Been in the family for 7 years now and only maintenance really.

If I remember correctly 01+ have PI heads and cams...

Good luck on the hunt. May I ask why you don't want a 97, 02, 03, 04 Heritage?

 

Thanks everyone for the advice and feedback. I have been on craigslist regularly, but a lot of people leave out a lot of info on their postings.
And wilderthing, I have 2 friends who have 97s and have a ton of problems with them, idk if this is just theirs or if there was a problem with that year. And 02 03 and 04 is a little too expensive for me haha

 

97-98s with the 4.2L had hydrolocking problems.

The tail end of the 10th gens (02-04) are going to be the most reliable trucks, Ford worked out all the kinks by the time they retooled for a new body style.

The M5OD-R2 (manual) transmission is probably located on most V6s. There are some 4.6L V8s out there with it, but its extremely rare.

How are your wants/needs with power?

 

I would absolutely love a v8, but it isn't necessary. As far as the engine and tranny go, I have ideas in mind but I will take almost whatever I can get as long as it's in good shape and doesnt cost too much

 

If you find a V8, chances are its going to be a 4R70W automatic. A good transmission and buttloads stronger than the V6/manual tranny combo.

 

You aren't going to find a Supercrew with a manual trans, they were auto only and 01 was the first year.

The manual was available on Supercabs with the 4.2 V6 and the 4.6 V8. If you get a 4.2, get a 99+.

The manual has a very low towing capacity - depending on axle ratio it's only in the 2000# to 3500# range.