First let me say hello. I am new here and this looks like a great site. Now to my question. I am looking at buying a used F150. Between the years of 1998-2002. My question is there any problems on these trucks that I should pay close attention to when looking and test driving. I would consider myself fairly compentant in automotive mechanics(?) and am just looking for things that will show up once I get the truck home and drive it the first week. Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

First of all:

W-E-L-C-O-M-E

As far as buying used...thats a tough one. It really depends on how the previous owner(s) treated and maintained the truck.

 

Hello bra. Welcome to the site.

Nothing super obvious to look for in my opinion.
Just buy a truck that looks nice and hasn't been abused too much. If you can find one with service history thats a benefit.
Most things that seem to come up on the board are

V6 Models - A bit underpowered and some head gasket problems.

V8 4.6 - Seems to be the best compromise on power and mileage.

V8 5.4 - Best power for towing but mileage suffers. These sometimes spit sparkplugs out.

All models - Sometimes the doors crack - Luck of the draw.

You can use the search function to find old threads about these issues.
Also, at the top on the toolbar, there is a button for recalls and tsb's.

Good luck with your new purchase

 

Thanks for the details and help. I have been looking at an extended cab 4x4 with the 5.4. The sparkplug and door problem is a starting place to look when browsing.

 

Also check the rear orf the engine on the passanger side for an oil leak. The rear of the head gasket leak oil. This seems more common with the 99. After a good test drive check for an oil smell or wet oil around the starter. if none is found then it is ok.
Good luck. You will love these trucks.

 

Hello Bra and welcome,
As a newly converted Ford fan I just purchased mine last Sept. a 2000 S crew with 5.4L. I am extremely pleased with my purchase no problems yet! Before my purchase my mechanic friend told me to watch on the 97-99 rear ends. He said drive it for 15-20 mins then go to a parking lot and turn hard circles slow and listen to the rear end. I found 2 that I test drove that they would try to lock up during this test and would litterally try to drag the inside tire the rear end would pop and clank. Was not pleasant and cost about $1000 locally for new rearend at the salvage yards.

 

Welcome to the site!

I have a 2000 and haven't had any problems with it. One thing I would do, in addition to what's already been mentioned, is check the recall history. Call your nearest Ford dealer with the VIN number and they should be able to tell you if the truck has any outstanding recalls. My 2000 has had 2 recalls in its 5 years. One for a windshield wiper motor and one for the cruise control switch (this one is still outstanding because the parts will not be available until April or May).

Let us know if you get the truck. Good luck!!

 

I was told that there was also a recall prior to my ownership of the 2000 on the intake manifold too. I dont know any more or if it is even true or if the dealer was blowing smoke. They said mine had been fixed so they didn't mess with it...

Don't get me started on the cruise control situation...LOL

I didnt know about the windshield...I'll have to check into that!

This board is great and just another reason to buy the Ford!

Thanks Wild Mtn Rose

 

I got the recall in August 2001. It's for some 2000 & 2001 model year cars and trucks. The original recall letter says...

In some affected vehicles the wiper motor park switch (located in the wiper motor) may malfunction and cause one of the following conditions:
*Loss of wiper intermittent park function (low and high speeds still operate)
*Complete loss of all wiper function
*Complete or partial loss of wiper function, and the melting of the plastic wiper motor cover, potentially resulting in smoke and/or localized fire.

 

Overall, these have been proven to be good trucks. The most reliable motor has shown to be the 4.6, hands down. Go to the "Engines" forum and read up, youll learn alot. Try posting this topic there, youll get alot of hits there also. If you have any specific questions, use the 'search' function, all your questions have been asked 100 times over. Good luck, and keep us posted. Youll love this site....soooo much information and guys ready to help you out with tips, tricks, and pictures of just about everything!

As for me, ive had my 98 4.6/auto since brand new....still looks/runs like brand new!

 

One thing to keep in mind on the spark plugs....not every truck will spit them out. I've got 65000 miles on mine and haven't had any major troubles at all. Back at 50000 it started to idle weird (suspected the IAC control), but just as soon as it did it, it was gone a few days later before I even had a chance to take it anywhere.

You'll love the truck! Get the 5.4 if you plan on towing anything long distances, I have my truck reprogrammed with a Super Chips max micro tuner, and a K&N FIPK, that boosted my MPG by 5 (went from 13 to 18mpg) when not towing; and in the amount of time I've owned my truck those two "enhancements" have almost paid for themself.

Good luck with your decision!
--Justin

 

I'll have mine checked for the wiper deal when the dealer gets my cruise control switch in...
Thanks

 

You guys are great. I never expected to get this much info so soon. Thank you all for your input.

 

Thats one bonus to buying a Ford...Aside from the performance, and most comfortable ride...You have this place for support...If you ever do have a problem that you can't figure out, post it here and ussally with in minutes someone has replied with a sugestion to look at or try. These guys are great and a priceless wealth of time and money saving knowledge to be found here. Before I do anything on my truck I come here first and do a search for topics on it and find short cuts and procedures to help it go smoother & faster.