YOUR F-150..HAS IT HAD PROBLEMS ???
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2
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From: san diego ca
YOUR F-150..HAS IT HAD PROBLEMS ???
Hello to All,
I am new to this site and to the world of Ford trucks. I will try to keep this short and to the point for the benefit of the members.
I was in the process of finding an 97-98 F150 SC 2wd 5.4L/auto to purchase until i luckily stumbled onto this BBS. Great site by the way with lots of nice people! After reading ALL the problems the owners had experienced with their trucks I was literally astounded and my desire to get my own was shattered. I have always admired these trucks for their looks, ride quality and general design and am finally in a position to purchase my MUCH needed truck. To be quite frank with you all I am very scared at the thought of owning one now. The list of troubles seems long and quite serious...here are some I've seen. Piston slap, oil leak at rear/right side head, leaking rear window, washer fluid pump/phantom wiper blades, power steering noise, clunking rearend due to slip yoke/lug nuts/tailshaft, horrible braking, cracked door jams, air leak/driver's window...and the list goes on.
A vast majority of the owners on this site seem to be both honest and knowledgeable about their trucks and i hope you all can help me. An 97-98 F150 is without a doubt my first choice but I must reconsider if these problems are common. I too have dealt with a problematic car and a unwilling/incapable dealership and I ended up losing ALOT of money on that car (1994 Chevy Beretta Z24) because I had no choice but to sell it once the warranty had expired due to inevitable repair expenses. So I look to you all for help.
IF YOU COULD PLEASE POST YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR TRUCK..BE IT POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE OR BOTH..INCLUDING THE YEAR,MODEL AND DRIVETRAIN..I WOULD BE DEEPLY APPREICIATIVE! Thanks to all in advance for both your input on this topic, aswell as ALL your past input. It can really make or break decisions for us all about something that is very important to everyone of us!
Sincerely,
Jason
p.s. If any of you have questions regarding high performance or stereo systems please feel free to ask me anything. I have a fair background and experience in both.
I am new to this site and to the world of Ford trucks. I will try to keep this short and to the point for the benefit of the members.
I was in the process of finding an 97-98 F150 SC 2wd 5.4L/auto to purchase until i luckily stumbled onto this BBS. Great site by the way with lots of nice people! After reading ALL the problems the owners had experienced with their trucks I was literally astounded and my desire to get my own was shattered. I have always admired these trucks for their looks, ride quality and general design and am finally in a position to purchase my MUCH needed truck. To be quite frank with you all I am very scared at the thought of owning one now. The list of troubles seems long and quite serious...here are some I've seen. Piston slap, oil leak at rear/right side head, leaking rear window, washer fluid pump/phantom wiper blades, power steering noise, clunking rearend due to slip yoke/lug nuts/tailshaft, horrible braking, cracked door jams, air leak/driver's window...and the list goes on.
A vast majority of the owners on this site seem to be both honest and knowledgeable about their trucks and i hope you all can help me. An 97-98 F150 is without a doubt my first choice but I must reconsider if these problems are common. I too have dealt with a problematic car and a unwilling/incapable dealership and I ended up losing ALOT of money on that car (1994 Chevy Beretta Z24) because I had no choice but to sell it once the warranty had expired due to inevitable repair expenses. So I look to you all for help.
IF YOU COULD PLEASE POST YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR TRUCK..BE IT POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE OR BOTH..INCLUDING THE YEAR,MODEL AND DRIVETRAIN..I WOULD BE DEEPLY APPREICIATIVE! Thanks to all in advance for both your input on this topic, aswell as ALL your past input. It can really make or break decisions for us all about something that is very important to everyone of us!
Sincerely,
Jason
p.s. If any of you have questions regarding high performance or stereo systems please feel free to ask me anything. I have a fair background and experience in both.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Near Ottawa, Canada
Relax. These trucks are the best on the market. Of course, nothing's perfect. I had a couple of recalls on my '98 that were taken care of without hassle but, other than that, never had any problems whatsoever.
If you're buying used, ask for the maintenance records. Most everything major that's going to happen (to any vehicle) should be taken care of under warranty.
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Black 2000 SC short-box XLT. 4.2 V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 Limited Slip. Side steps, CD, remote entry, factory box liner. My add-ons: Older Windstar (driver's side) wiper blade - the one with the air scoop, because I don't slow down when it rains; "f150online" sticker and snazzy Tweetie Bird floor mats.
My second of the "new" F150s. Great trucks!
If you're buying used, ask for the maintenance records. Most everything major that's going to happen (to any vehicle) should be taken care of under warranty.
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Black 2000 SC short-box XLT. 4.2 V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 Limited Slip. Side steps, CD, remote entry, factory box liner. My add-ons: Older Windstar (driver's side) wiper blade - the one with the air scoop, because I don't slow down when it rains; "f150online" sticker and snazzy Tweetie Bird floor mats.
My second of the "new" F150s. Great trucks!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 0
From: Waltham Ma.
Ya I agree Relax
While you may be scared by reading the problems that some owners have had. The amount of problems that Ford trucks have are not any higher, than Chevy, Dodge, or who ever, probebly lower.
If you look at discusion boards of any other vehicles you will see simmilar problems.Take a look at some of the General Motor boards, and you will see much worse.I have friends that have Chevy's, and the stories they have told me about dealing with Factory reps would scare you worse.
I had a problem with a 89 Ford product, and the Ford rep was awsome, cared about my problems, and gave me a new car.
I will never buy anything but a FORD.
While you may be scared by reading the problems that some owners have had. The amount of problems that Ford trucks have are not any higher, than Chevy, Dodge, or who ever, probebly lower.
If you look at discusion boards of any other vehicles you will see simmilar problems.Take a look at some of the General Motor boards, and you will see much worse.I have friends that have Chevy's, and the stories they have told me about dealing with Factory reps would scare you worse.
I had a problem with a 89 Ford product, and the Ford rep was awsome, cared about my problems, and gave me a new car.
I will never buy anything but a FORD.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Jason:
Keep in mind that Ford cranks out over 750,000 of these trucks a year. There's bound to be a problem here and there. That's one reason why a site like this is so valuable... to discuss any problems and what can be done. You have to put it in perspective. Even the dreaded piston slap problem only affected a very tiny percent of F-150 owners, but the ones who do have it are gonna tell you about it here big time. People are far less likely to start a thread with a topic like "Things are OK", or "Nothing new here". No vehicle is perfect, and nothing's guaranteed, but Ford still makes the best all around truck out there. The odds really are on your side.
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2000 XLT Black Sport, Flareside, 2WD, Ext. Cab, 5.4L Auto. Other factory options: 3.55 LS, Class III tow, 6-way Captains chairs w/CD changer, Remote entry , and Slider window.
Mods: Undercoat, window tint, headlight & tail light covers, removed "Sport" decals, upgraded Triton tailgate emblem, Linex spray-in bedliner, and an ARE LSII lid.
Wish list: Flowmaster duals, K&N FIPK, and a Belltech 3/4 drop.
Keep in mind that Ford cranks out over 750,000 of these trucks a year. There's bound to be a problem here and there. That's one reason why a site like this is so valuable... to discuss any problems and what can be done. You have to put it in perspective. Even the dreaded piston slap problem only affected a very tiny percent of F-150 owners, but the ones who do have it are gonna tell you about it here big time. People are far less likely to start a thread with a topic like "Things are OK", or "Nothing new here". No vehicle is perfect, and nothing's guaranteed, but Ford still makes the best all around truck out there. The odds really are on your side.
------------------
2000 XLT Black Sport, Flareside, 2WD, Ext. Cab, 5.4L Auto. Other factory options: 3.55 LS, Class III tow, 6-way Captains chairs w/CD changer, Remote entry , and Slider window.
Mods: Undercoat, window tint, headlight & tail light covers, removed "Sport" decals, upgraded Triton tailgate emblem, Linex spray-in bedliner, and an ARE LSII lid.
Wish list: Flowmaster duals, K&N FIPK, and a Belltech 3/4 drop.
Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Epping, NH USA
At least you now have the advantage of knowing some of the things to look for. I found this site just after buying my 97 used.
I'd browse the posts and then go check my truck. Yep, the cracks there, yep, my rear window leaks, yep, my washer button a pain to use. But, in my case, it's a used truck and I know I will find things not at 100%. I'm sure it's a different story for those guys driving them off the lot brand new. I still like my truck. I had an 88 F150 S/C before and I looked at Dodge and Chevie before I bought my F150. If I were looking to buy, I wouldn't be too concerned with what I see. Try to find anything today that doesn't have it's share of problems.
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97 F150 XLT S/C, Flare Side, Black over Silver, ORP, 4.6, Auto, Towing Package, Gibson Exhaust, Smittybilt Frame Mount Blk Powdercoat Bars
I'd browse the posts and then go check my truck. Yep, the cracks there, yep, my rear window leaks, yep, my washer button a pain to use. But, in my case, it's a used truck and I know I will find things not at 100%. I'm sure it's a different story for those guys driving them off the lot brand new. I still like my truck. I had an 88 F150 S/C before and I looked at Dodge and Chevie before I bought my F150. If I were looking to buy, I wouldn't be too concerned with what I see. Try to find anything today that doesn't have it's share of problems.
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97 F150 XLT S/C, Flare Side, Black over Silver, ORP, 4.6, Auto, Towing Package, Gibson Exhaust, Smittybilt Frame Mount Blk Powdercoat Bars
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Farmington Hills,Mi
Jason
have a 99 runs great and have not had a problem yet.
the biggest problem with the 97-98 was the door cracks and the 5.4's with the piston
slap but not all of them have the problems.
there great trucks
owned a beretta gtz i refer to it as the car from hell had a quad 4 with a 5 speed
the last year a owned it spent $5000 in repair bills,was in the shop for 11 mounths
and it only had 85,000 miles.
bought a used 92 f150 drove it for 4 years
(great truck yeah it had the wiper problem)traded it in for the new 99 and think you have to go thru hell to get to heaven.
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99 XLT SC 4x4 STYLESIDE ORP 5.4,AUTO & 3.73 POSI
MED. TOREADOR RED
EXTANG TONEAU,BED MAT,
K&N FILTER & WOOD DASH KIT
[This message has been edited by manx (edited 11-21-1999).]
[This message has been edited by manx (edited 11-21-1999).]
have a 99 runs great and have not had a problem yet.
the biggest problem with the 97-98 was the door cracks and the 5.4's with the piston
slap but not all of them have the problems.
there great trucks
owned a beretta gtz i refer to it as the car from hell had a quad 4 with a 5 speed
the last year a owned it spent $5000 in repair bills,was in the shop for 11 mounths
and it only had 85,000 miles.
bought a used 92 f150 drove it for 4 years
(great truck yeah it had the wiper problem)traded it in for the new 99 and think you have to go thru hell to get to heaven.
------------------
99 XLT SC 4x4 STYLESIDE ORP 5.4,AUTO & 3.73 POSI
MED. TOREADOR RED
EXTANG TONEAU,BED MAT,
K&N FILTER & WOOD DASH KIT
[This message has been edited by manx (edited 11-21-1999).]
[This message has been edited by manx (edited 11-21-1999).]
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Milford, OH
Jason, I bought my 97 used and love it. Unlike you I did not have the advantage of finding this great website and knowing what poblems to look for. The only problems I have are the door crack(which is rather small and I am not too concerned about it...yet), and the wiper/washer. I have put a few aftermarket goodies on it that have made it even better. Would I buy this truck again? You bet I would. I think you should look for any concerns you have with all trucks you look at, and find a good reliable dealership to deal with. Good luck and welcome to the best site on the web.
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97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 K&N , Flowmaster, Bosch+4 plugs,MSD 8.5 wires,Superchip.Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars.
Future mods:4" lift,ram air hood,and a supercharger.
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97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 K&N , Flowmaster, Bosch+4 plugs,MSD 8.5 wires,Superchip.Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars.
Future mods:4" lift,ram air hood,and a supercharger.
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Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Drexel, NC, US
I think he's concerned and he came to the correct place. He's a new member and maybe he's not sure of how to go about it. The fact that I see "SPAM SUCKS" everywhere is making this site look bad. You could just explain your concern. I don't have a clue what "SPAM SUCKS" is supposed to mean.
And bringing up old topics rather than filling the board with the same or redundant topics makes sense to me. Thanks 54regcab.
Mark
And bringing up old topics rather than filling the board with the same or redundant topics makes sense to me. Thanks 54regcab.
Mark
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 0
Jason, welcome to the board.
There are over 3,000 registered members on this board. You only see the problems that are posted here. There are many more out there who do not have any problems.
Now that you know what to look for, you should be able to find a great F-150.
I'm on my third F-150. All three were 4x4. Had the '97 with the leaky slider. The dealer replaced the window assembly with a brand new one. It leaked again. Eventually, Ford must have come out with a proper fix because on the third fix, the got it right. We hear less and less about the leaky window.
Turned the '97 in for a '99 Lariat. So far, only have two problems. There was a miss at idle that coded once and got repaired. The missing came back and a fix was posted on this board that worked wonders for my engine. All it took was moving one wiring harness. Thanks Chris (Pkrwud). Can't say enough about that guy!
The second problem with the 5.4L was the LOUSY gas mileage. Could barely get 11 mpg and on rare occasions, got 12. After I fixed the miss, Mileage went up. Now, I get 12 to 14 mpg. That's just about the same as the '97 with the 4.6L got. Thanks again, Chris.
I'm not sure if you are getting the idea or not. I got the '97 before I discovered F150online. When I started to read about the problems, I almost freaked out. Then, I realized, hey... GM and Dodge are worse and as you can see from this board, Ford has fixed the problems. Sure there are a few exceptions, but that's mostly a dealer related problem.
Like the others said, Relax. Remember, if you didn't have the resource of this board available, you wouldn't know what to watch for. Also remember. The vast majority of the people who own these trucks have not had any problems worth mentioning.
Once you buy that F-150, come back here and tell us how good you feel driving it around.
You know, seems like a good percentage of us have owned more than one late model F series truck. I think that speaks volumes for how we feel about our trucks.
BTW, NONE of my Fords since my first in high school has EVER let me down. I can't say the same about vehicles from other manufacturers that I've owned or driven.
There are over 3,000 registered members on this board. You only see the problems that are posted here. There are many more out there who do not have any problems.
Now that you know what to look for, you should be able to find a great F-150.
I'm on my third F-150. All three were 4x4. Had the '97 with the leaky slider. The dealer replaced the window assembly with a brand new one. It leaked again. Eventually, Ford must have come out with a proper fix because on the third fix, the got it right. We hear less and less about the leaky window.
Turned the '97 in for a '99 Lariat. So far, only have two problems. There was a miss at idle that coded once and got repaired. The missing came back and a fix was posted on this board that worked wonders for my engine. All it took was moving one wiring harness. Thanks Chris (Pkrwud). Can't say enough about that guy!
The second problem with the 5.4L was the LOUSY gas mileage. Could barely get 11 mpg and on rare occasions, got 12. After I fixed the miss, Mileage went up. Now, I get 12 to 14 mpg. That's just about the same as the '97 with the 4.6L got. Thanks again, Chris.
I'm not sure if you are getting the idea or not. I got the '97 before I discovered F150online. When I started to read about the problems, I almost freaked out. Then, I realized, hey... GM and Dodge are worse and as you can see from this board, Ford has fixed the problems. Sure there are a few exceptions, but that's mostly a dealer related problem.
Like the others said, Relax. Remember, if you didn't have the resource of this board available, you wouldn't know what to watch for. Also remember. The vast majority of the people who own these trucks have not had any problems worth mentioning.
Once you buy that F-150, come back here and tell us how good you feel driving it around.
You know, seems like a good percentage of us have owned more than one late model F series truck. I think that speaks volumes for how we feel about our trucks.
BTW, NONE of my Fords since my first in high school has EVER let me down. I can't say the same about vehicles from other manufacturers that I've owned or driven.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: Michigan Rocks and then some too!!!
I had a 97 that had the door cracks and didn't like how they fixed it. The dealer I bought it from wouldn't fix it and another Ford dealer fixed it the best they knew how at the time, plus replaced my bumper that the original dealer wouldn't touch because it was not rusted completely through. The bumper had suface rust on the inside-not visable unless you crawled under it, which I do when I wash it.
When it got up to 34k, I told the dealer I would NOT drive it a day past the warrenty an that the door fix looked like crap, because they wheeled it out afterwards. They let me out of my lease 11 months early and waved my milage (12k over) and gave me my $2,000. deposit back. Of couse I bought a new one, but I didn't finance it though Ford. If you state your case effectively almost anything can be resolved. When I was telling Ford about my concerns, I had in mind already what would make me happy. I love the Ford trucks and there are way less problems with them, than my co-wokers have with their chevys.
If you look in to all the problems with all the makes and models you should be afraid to buy ANY vehicle! At least buy from a dealer with a good reputation, thats what counts in the end.
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"Moonlight Blue" 98 F150 SC XLT 2WD 4.6, 3.55 LS Tow Pkg. SUPERCHIP, K&N Airbox mod. w/ "Cool" intake, Mobil One Oil, Bosch +4's. Lund Fastback, Lighted visor, Runninng Boards, Crome Taillight covers, Polished Steel Fenderwell Moldings, Smoked Bug and Rain guards, Shelf-it, Carpet dash cover, Red Wings license plate in front, Red Wings license plate frame in back, Little Detroit Viper hanging from mirror, Oh yeah, and one "Blacked-out" grill.
Gonna get my Bed rails back on, Finally!
Can't find the right Polished steel design, so once I modify the powercoated ones, I will paint them.
Q: Black or Blue?
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/daytona/843/
<P>
Bi@th Board:
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb698880
When it got up to 34k, I told the dealer I would NOT drive it a day past the warrenty an that the door fix looked like crap, because they wheeled it out afterwards. They let me out of my lease 11 months early and waved my milage (12k over) and gave me my $2,000. deposit back. Of couse I bought a new one, but I didn't finance it though Ford. If you state your case effectively almost anything can be resolved. When I was telling Ford about my concerns, I had in mind already what would make me happy. I love the Ford trucks and there are way less problems with them, than my co-wokers have with their chevys.
If you look in to all the problems with all the makes and models you should be afraid to buy ANY vehicle! At least buy from a dealer with a good reputation, thats what counts in the end.
------------------
"Moonlight Blue" 98 F150 SC XLT 2WD 4.6, 3.55 LS Tow Pkg. SUPERCHIP, K&N Airbox mod. w/ "Cool" intake, Mobil One Oil, Bosch +4's. Lund Fastback, Lighted visor, Runninng Boards, Crome Taillight covers, Polished Steel Fenderwell Moldings, Smoked Bug and Rain guards, Shelf-it, Carpet dash cover, Red Wings license plate in front, Red Wings license plate frame in back, Little Detroit Viper hanging from mirror, Oh yeah, and one "Blacked-out" grill.
Gonna get my Bed rails back on, Finally!
Can't find the right Polished steel design, so once I modify the powercoated ones, I will paint them.
Q: Black or Blue?
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/daytona/843/
<P>
Bi@th Board:
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb698880
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: Michigan Rocks and then some too!!!
[I know what you are trying to do but you have spammed this board with this topic!]
kkirt1 is right, this "new" member has posted this same message in all the major forums, Engines, Computers,(whtat the heck does this have to do with computers?) Transmsions, ect.
Look Newguy, If you wanted to know the answer, you could have actually READ all the places you've been here and could have avoided sucking up space with this topic over and over! Steve the webmaster has been known to "lock down" these repeat topics. Please be a good "new" member and try to think before you post!!!!
kkirt1 is right, this "new" member has posted this same message in all the major forums, Engines, Computers,(whtat the heck does this have to do with computers?) Transmsions, ect.
Look Newguy, If you wanted to know the answer, you could have actually READ all the places you've been here and could have avoided sucking up space with this topic over and over! Steve the webmaster has been known to "lock down" these repeat topics. Please be a good "new" member and try to think before you post!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
From: SAN ANTONIO,TEXAS,USA
Jason, Ive had three 97-98 f-150 sc in my family...2 4.4 (1 auto,1 5spd) and 98 4.6/auto sc...I have 10500 miles on the 98.had it for 15 months...no problems at all..the 98 4.2 my ex has, has 16000 miles no problems..none of them have ever been to the dealer for a fix....Hope my luck passes on to everyone....Dave
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1998 F-150, SC/Flairside, 4x2,4.6,auto,3.55s,nerf bars,cls 111 towing,bed liner w/mat,atlas polished wheels w/285/75 R/16 BFG A/Ts,all plastics guards/bug shields,air raid/k & n filter, superchipped, duals out the back corners, flow master 3 chamber, snug top lid, f-150 online sticker back window-honk if you see me!!! Fabtech 3 1/2 lift .coverking dash cover.
San Antonio
DWESSELS89@AOL.COM
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1998 F-150, SC/Flairside, 4x2,4.6,auto,3.55s,nerf bars,cls 111 towing,bed liner w/mat,atlas polished wheels w/285/75 R/16 BFG A/Ts,all plastics guards/bug shields,air raid/k & n filter, superchipped, duals out the back corners, flow master 3 chamber, snug top lid, f-150 online sticker back window-honk if you see me!!! Fabtech 3 1/2 lift .coverking dash cover.
San Antonio
DWESSELS89@AOL.COM