Looking at buying new Ford F150(or possible a chevy, but not toyota). I currently own a 4.2 1997 f150 with 85,000. It has been nothing but trouble. Brake rotors that last 12,000 miles, tie rods falling off 3 times, intake gasket leaks. I caught the coolant leak early and had them fixed at 45,0000. Now i have had major oil loss, engine is sounding terrible, and i just lost all headlights (believe it is the multifunction switch on steering column.)
I am getting rid of it before it dies $$$$$ I loved the truck, but it has been so unreliable.

Are the newer trucks 2004-2007 better??
Are the 4.2 engines still bad?
Any comments & complaints about your truck be appreciated.
I am not a chevy fan, but when i spend money i want my moneys worth, so i'll look at both.
Thanks

 

2007's are waaaayyyyy better than 1997's..........it's amazing what a decade of technology has accomplished...........

 

Yes.....

 

who is your mechanic? and yes the 2007's are better

 

that's like asking is a 21 year old chick (the 2007) better than a 41 year old chick ( the 97)


Cmon, you know the answer

 

I have 2006 F150 STX with the 4.2L. I love the truck! Has 12,000 on it. And haven't had any problems with it! Has the power and rides perfect. I love it!

I had a 97 Explorer with the 5.0L Never had a problem with it, sold it last week with 185,000 on it and it ran like new!

 

2006 with 35k mileage, best truck I have ever owned. Its a workhorse during the week and a city cruiser with class on the weekend. Only thing I would change is I should have got 3.73 gears. I usually sell my trucks after 2 years, after only 1 year with this truck I cant imagine life without it. Go for it!

 

I love my XL with 8,274 miles on it!! Just like my '99. It's got the 4.2l V6 with the 5 speed stick and I've upgraded my rear end to a 4.10's from 3.55's.

No mechanical problems at all. It works, plays, and treats me well. It was THE BEST decision I have ever made (again...). My '99 never gave me issues either.... just the service center totally fricked my truck up royally... not to mention they lied to me when I had a slipping clutch.

But oh, well... those days are long gone and my '07 is perfect for my needs. Just sometimes I wish I had the super cab again... but Ford doesn't like stick truck drivers no more.

 

Your right about that! Wheres the 5.4 w/ manual trans!?!?!?!?

 

Ill tell you where it's not, in the common american truck consumers mind

chevy completely eliminated the manual trans for their 1500 silvys in the new style due to lack of interest in them.

 

I had a '97 that went through rotors pretty quick (until I bought EBC) and also broke a tie rod pulling into a parking spot one day. Never had any problems with the 5.4L and I do miss that truck! But... I think my new '06 is so much better. I just passed 20,000 miles with no problems (knock on wood) and I think this truck feels more solid and built better than my old '97. The only truck I'd trade it for would be a Superduty Powerstroke Crewcab!!

 

i dont know, i think there are some people here who will say they have had better luck with the previous generation f150. my 2001 with the 4.2 has been a great truck and still kicking strong on the original motor and trans/clutch at 145k on the clock. i know ive modded my 05, but ive had several problems which i dont think were do to the mods. that being said the new body style "feels" like a much better truck and they ARE quality regardless.

as far as the 4.2 problems, i believe the bad gasket issues they had were resolved in 99+ models and have had no problems since.

 

Thanks everyone. My biggest issue was with getting a 4.2 engine again. It just upsets me not being able to get 100,000 miles.
Also, is Ford still not putting on grease fittings on the tie rods?
I would love to get my headlights working on the 97 for trade-in purposes (i don't want to sell it privately cause don't want someone coming back when engine dies.)

 

Sell it as is and then they cant say anything!

 

I think alot of those 97 F150's with the 4.2 had problems. We used to have one as a company truck and it never held its oil, always ran like a bag of ****.