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So, this is one of the nicest 10th gens I have ever come across. Original owner 1997 Lariat 4x4 w/ 4.6L V8, 4R70W Automatic, 3:55 Rear Axle, & skid plates. All original body trim and paint; stored in climate controlled garage it's entire life. Even has original Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires! Only thing on truck that is not factory is the duel exhaust and tow hitch. Hope it stays in the family for many many years to come. Just thought I would share pics since it's such an original example.
Very nice! Those photos could easily have graced the new truck brochures back then.
My wife has an 03 model that's showing its age. I owned a 98 model from the day it was new to 2013.
The recalls were as follows:
- Original lug nuts would work their way loose, solution was to replace them. This affected at least 96 1/2 to 98, possibly more. By now even the local parts stores should have the correct replacements.
- Throttle body freezing up in cold climates. This may only be on the 4.2. Solution is to insulate it.
- Master brake cylinder catches fire. Solution is to install a fuse in the hot line going to the cruise cutout switch. I did several of them myself. It's quick and requires about $10 worth of parts.
- Fuel tank straps corrode and fail. This happens mainly in coastal areas where there is saltwater nearby. My '98 had some corrosion when I sold it. I'd lived in Norfolk, VA for four years and it did affect the gas tank.
Other things you might check:
- On the 4.2 (never saw it on a 4.6) the front cover gaskets were faulty up til about 1999. They fail.
- Ball joints: I don't care how well taken care of they are, this is a crap design, period. Change the upper and lower ball joints. I'd do it right away and then once every 100k. It's a long job with some difficult parts but necessary. Check the stabilizer links while you're in there. They break but they're simple to replace
- Oil filter: Some models have a remote oil filter. These may also have an oil cooler mounted to the engine block. The seals on the cooler and hoses fail, leaking oil and/or coolant and possibly mixing them. Check the crimps on the hoses close to the filter, if they are seeping, replace the hoses with *Motorcraft* ones. I've seen them blow off and take the engine with them when they fail.
AC: the compressor shaft seals fail, this seems to be a common Ford issue. Solution is to replace the compressor. Again, use Motorcraft parts ONLY. An aftermarket compressor will not last.
#3 or #4 cylinder misfire: caused by leaking coolant hoses. Replace both heater core hoses to correct this. If the misfire persists, replace the affected spark plugs and the passenger side coil pack.
All that said, the 2 valve 4.6 is a very reliable engine. Both variants are. They aren't the most powerful but with proper maintenance they will last forever.
Last edited by shadow460; May 14, 2021 at 12:23 PM.
Master brake cylinder catches fire. Solution is to install a fuse in the hot line going to the cruise cutout switch. I did several of them myself. It's quick and requires about $10 worth of parts.
The harness fuse is a band-aid, proper repair is a new updated switch. Motorcraft SW6350.
On the 4.2 (never saw it on a 4.6) the front cover gaskets were faulty up til about 1999. They fail.
4.2 issue only, engine build date prior to 1/15/98.
Fuel tank straps corrode and fail. This happens mainly in coastal areas where there is saltwater nearby. My '98 had some corrosion when I sold it. I'd lived in Norfolk, VA for four years and it did affect the gas tank.
There's a recall on this to add reinforcing straps.
Another thing to check is the cable that holds the spare tire. If there is a spring on the bottom end of the cable under the spare tire it is the updated cable. If not they are prone to break and drop the spare tire while you are driving. Ask me how I found out about this. The NHTSA tried to get Ford to recall these trucks and replace the cable but Ford refused. The new cable cost me over a hundred bucks as I remember and I had to get another wheel and tire for a spare. I hope no one wrecked behind me when it fell off.
The harness fuse is a band-aid, proper repair is a new updated switch. Motorcraft SW6350.
4.2 issue only, engine build date prior to 1/15/98.
There's a recall on this to add reinforcing straps.
I brain farted replacing the switch on the master cylinder. You are correct on that.
I never took it in for the fuel tank. The thing finally quit with almost 270,000 miles on it.
