I'm 17 going on 18, I'm going to be working on a ranch hauling tractors, harvesters etc. Just wondering if a 04' f150 crew cab would do the trick? Also if the 04' has any major flaws that would come along with it?
Thanks a lot

 

Use the ranch's trucks to pull the ranch's equipment.

 

Ditto that

 

I would, the only trouble is that my buddy hauls in his 02' silverado and we'll be splitting the week with mine when I get it

 

Let him kill his Silverado.

04 was the first year of a major redesign, and it had typical first year issues. If you haven't bought it yet, I'd recommend an 03 instead. That was the best year - last year of the previous design.

 

What size tractors/harvesters? I doubt you'll pull around a 9770 Combine with an F-150.

 

If you expect to haul anything bigger than a Ford N sized tractor you will certainly ruin your (1/2 ton) truck. If this ranch expects it's workers to use their own trucks to haul the ranch equipment, I sure hope they pay you well. In any case, I recommend at least an F-250HD for that kind of use.

 

2004 New body style?

check out the towing guide here...
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ing-guide.html

If you are buying one, make sure that the dealer already has replaced the spark plugs. That is the biggest issue for 2004's. You also might want to check the fuel sending unit. Search on both for details.

Why crew cab? At your age a Super Cab would probably be better (no kids, no wife, right?). And the supercab is lighter so you can tow a bit more.

 

My thoughts exactly - not to mention it can become a challenge for even a well equipped 250 SD.

 

it would be stupid to buy a truck to haul someone else's stuff, even if it is your job. If they want you to move that equipment, they should supply you vehicles to do so. Also, if you were going to buy a truck for reliability, I would stay as far away from a first model year as possible (an 08 for the 04-08 style), (an '03 for the 97-03 style, etc). Normally by then, they have alot of the major kinks worked out and you'll have a solid running truck.

 

^^ Yup, I bought an 03 and an 08 LOL.

 

Hogwash! The 04 is far better than the 03. The 03 seems like an antique compared to the 04+. Mine has been great and it was an early production and 0 recalls.

 

Not everyone has had that good of an experience with their 04's, especially with the 5.4 3 valve........

Do some reliability research - the statistics show the 03 is considerably more reliable than the 04.

 

spark plugs & cam phasers are the big issues in the NBS 04

ive replaced both.

any kinda of heavy hauling you should be getting a diesel.

 

Spark Plugs, cam phasers, front brake calipers, E brake vibration/rubbing, 3rd brake light leaking, window regulators (make sure they all roll up and down from EVERY location), starter grind when cranking.

06-08 would be your best bet for lower problem years...My 05 has held up well but had its issues....cam phaers are def loud, my front calipers cracked at 40K, window regulator on back passenger window is going out from driver door, my starter grinds about every 20-30 starts and my Throttle possitions sensor went out when my throttle body was dirty. I have 75K on the truck now and love it still.

if you are going to be hauling things I would recommend a supercab with a 6.5 bed...you'll like the extra room...or a Screw with a bed extender so you can leave the tailgate down and gain the extra foot or so.

If you are going to be TOWING things with the truck I would know what you are towing first and what the weight is...you are going to want to check all fluids and see if the truck has service records. Its not unknown for these trucks to throw tranny's in the 60-100K range if not taken care of or a bad apple.

I'm assuming since you are 17 almost 18 price is a factor. Try test driving a few trucks...listen to the engines, examine the truck and look at some info on this board...it will greatly help you look for problems when you go vehicle shopping.

Welcome to the F150 family and I hope you find the truck that is perfect for you.