New here and looking for advice. Looks like this is the place to find people "in the know" for F-150's, so I'll lay it all out and see what everyone has to say. I'm pretty sure I know what I want, just looking for changes model years, reliability concerns, etc.

I don't have the money to blow on a brand new one so I'm looking at models up to '02 or '03. The Screw will be my daily driver and will primarily be used to haul me, the wife and two kids (w/carseats) here in Idaho (read mountains). On occasion I'll need to pick up construction supplies (4x8 sheets of everything), tools, etc. Eventually I plan on getting a 7x14 or 6x12 trailer (probably the later) to haul three full size bikes around (est. 3000lbs total) about twice a week during the warm months.

I'm pretty set on looking for a Screw w/the 5.4L and 3.73 gears. After reading the mileage reports they aren't much different than the 17mpg I pull down in my 4-Runner (with less room...and less power...a lot less power) so I'm not worried there.

So, I guess my concerns are:

Will a 4x8 sheet of ??? fit comfortably in the bed/how long is the bed?

How do you tell what gears are in it?

Any recommended towing upgrades considering my load (read: trans cooler)?

Any certain years better than others? (For any reason, engine/reliability, options, power...)

I heard something about the spark plugs not threading deep enough into the heads on some years of the 5.4L, yes/no?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance for your help, I'm in the info-gathering/looking stage right now so the more information the better.

 

bed is only 5.5 feet, but with the tailgate down you can do sheets.

the gears are listed as "axle code" on the manufacture sticker in the door frame. Do a search on this site for gear codes so you know which code to look for.

Replace the plugs and you wont have any worries (its the plugs themselves without enough threads)

Stick with the 5.4.

other than that, its a great truck.

 

J150, thanks for the reply. On the plug problem, I've read that it's actually the heads themselves that don't have enough material for proper engagement and that the later models fixed this with thicker casting @ the spark plug mounting hole and new, longer spark plugs. Any truth to this?

Also, any ideas on what years were affected by this?

Thanks again.

 

I think the only way to get a Screw w/ 3.73 gear was a 2003 w/ 17" wheels. To verify, check for axle code 26 (open diff) or B6 (LSD) as both are 3.73 gears.

 

I believe you are right - 3.55 was the best you could get in 2002, at least with the FX4 and 17's.

 

02 here with 3.73 and 5.4

 

So there's hope.

 

Sheet goods fit fine, you end up with 6-7 inches hanging over the tailgate. Love my Screw.

 

Spy,

Your situation is very similar to mine. I sold my 4-runner last year for a 2002 Screw Lariat FX4. Best vehicle I've ever owned! You'll be very happy with it. Just keep looking around for the one you want. I wouldn't get too hung up on the axle ratio. Mine has a 3.55 and has pulled all my stuff without any issues. The best mileage I've got is about 19 and the lowest has been 14. I too live and drive around the mountains of the Pacific NW. Good luck with your search.

 

Nolan,

Thanks for the reassurance. There's about half a dozen around town, so finding one isn't hard, finding the right one shouldn't be too bad.

Thanks to everyone for the comments, I appreciate the replies.

Take care,
Andrew

 

I have a 2001 XLT that is in excellent shape, 4x4, 5.4, pretty much loaded, silver, 58000 miles, sprayed in bedliner, aluminum toolbox, with CD changer. I have an automatic slider 5th wheel hitch for it that cost $2,800. Asking $18,200 for the truck including toolbox, or $19,900 complete with toolbox and 5th wheel hitch.

I am in Missoula, Montana.

 

I have a 2001 XLT, 5.4, 3.55. I used to have a 6x16 trailer that I would haul 2 street bikes and a fourwheeler on, about 3,000lbs. Made a trip between IL to WV, about 600 miles twice. Scrtew cruised along at 70 with no problem. Aside from remembering the trailer was there, could hardly tell it I was towing anything. I've used my Screw to tow our car from Chicago to St. Louis, about 300 miles, total wieght of trailer/ car was 6,000lbs. Same thing, Screw cruised along at 70 without a problem. I love towing with my truck, almost effortless.

LT Dan