I have 97' S/C 4x4 which has about 160,000 miles on it. This year I have replaced the Alternator, Starters, and now the upper and lower ball joints are crying for relief. Not really that bad considering these items are my first major issues (did have the COP on #2 go back in April) I've faced.

Here's my problem. Went to the local Ford dealer to price Ball Joints (ended up getting Moog's from Advance Auto Parts - why cheaper). While at the dealership saw a 2005 F150 Lariat Supercab with 24,900 miles (looking at Carfax, best I can tell was a leased vehicle turn-in). Truck is in excellent condition and has all the right features (at least for me). Need your opinion. Should I keep fixing my 97 or get the 2005?

My biggest concern is I'm pulling a 27' light weight camper (4500 lbs) and I'm starting to have concerns about the longevity of my trust 97'. Then again, might just be in the mood for a newer (not brand new) truck.

Appreciate any feedback and any known problems with the 2005 5.4 trucks. I know there is a Brake Booster Vacuum Hose replacement issue along with several threads concerning the fuel injectors.

Thanks!
Tom
U.S. Navy (Retired)

 

I would say try getting that truck for a price you would be happy with and run with it. While your other truck has plenty of life left, I would recommend buying the newer one keep that as a garage queen and use if for the long hauls or anything where you want piece of mind. Then keep the miles off of it by driving your 97 into the ground. That is if of coarse its financially reasonable.
But either way you are going to be needing a vehicle sooner or later and if you like the truck then I would do it!
I have an 05 and the biggest problem these trucks are seeing is a chity 2 piece plug design. They are having plugs break off in the heads, they do have a TSB on how to correctly change your plugs, they also have a tool out now to pull out the broken plugs. If you do a quick search on here about the 5.4l 3v spark plugs you will see what I am talking about. But other then that they are a very good truck. I absolutely love mine and would not trade it in for anything else. Hope this helps ya out a little bit....

 

Is the 2005 a 4x4? If so and the price is right I say jump on it. And like 05 said, if the 97 is payed for, keep it until it isnt feasable to drive anymore, and then pick up with the 2005.

I have an 05 SuperCab Lariat 4x4 and I love it so far. This is the first Larait truck I have had and I must say I dont think I could go back to an XLT.

 

I say keep fixing yours if the drivetrain is running fine. Drive it till the wheels fall off is my motto.

It's less expensive than a car payment or outright cost of a newer truck.

 

I vote for the new truck if the price is right.

just depends on whether you are tired of the upkeep of the older truck vs. the payment and no upkeep on a newer truck. I personally get extremely tired of wondering when the vehicle will break down...not if it will break down.

 

Thanks for the input.

The truck is a 4x4 with tow package. Took it for a drive last night to see how it compared to my 97'. Definitely a nice ride.

Asked how much they would offer me for my 97' if I traded it in. Price they came up with was $2500 and they considered my truck in great condition considering the year and high mileage (160,000). If they upped the trade in value to the low 3's I might considered it. Monthly loan payment is cheap either way for 60 months. Only downside, at least in my opinion, is the new truck had General Ameritrac TR tires. I had Ameritrac on my old Nissan Hardbody pickup back in the mid-80's and they performed horrible in the snow or wet weather. Not sure the newer ones are better. Might see if they would negotiate some new tires (the spare isn't in the back anyways so they would have to produce a spare tire (same size as the others) before I consider.

Again, appreciate your feedback. I had read about fuel injector issues and the spark plug problems. Looking at the engine, it's definitely easier to work on then my 97'. I can at least see all the COPS and access them. Not quite that way on the 97'.

Regards,
Tom

 

is this a Ford dealership? if so, then just have them slap another set of tires off another F-150 on there. I agree about those General POS's. The last pair I had (1998) lasted about 1 month. Bought a 4x4 with A/T Generals...thought to myself, lets go play in the mud...came home and huge chunks of rubber were missing...Ford said the tires weren't meant for 4x4 action and I had to buy new ones out of pocket

oh yeah, a full size spare of same diameter is required by law when new, and I know some states also require it on used cars as well. Got lucky that Hawaii is that way back in April. The Durango in my sig pic didn't have a spare either. I was going to just buy one, but the Sales Manager told me they were required by law to provide one before the vehicle left the lot. Saved me about $200