2 Transmissions
1 Transfer Case
4 Complete Brake Overhauls
1 Rear Axle (w/ housing)
1 Intake Manifold
1 U-Joint Replacement
2 Sets of Ignition wires & Plugs
3 Alternators
3 batteries


All of these problems have happened within a 35,000 mile time frame (There are 78,000 miles on the truck total). I love Fords...and have defended them loyally, but I am forced to sell my truck. Seems like when there is nothing left to go wrong, something breaks or wears out. I'm sorry guys, but I have to have something more reliable. My old '83 was a lot more reliable than my current ride. With the latest U-Joint having to be replaced, I don't see any other way to handle it but to sell this thing. Maybe I'll just buy a foreign car, or even an old Chevy. I hate to do that, but like I said...I have to have reliability.

Ford, EAT MY SHORTS.

 

Been there, done that.

4 Alternators
1 Belt tensioner
2 Fan clutchs
2 Front wheel bearing assemblys
10 rear wheel studs
5 sheared off front wheel studs (damn near lost a tire on the interstate over that one)
1 Transmission

Then add in the BAD pinging I have right now and all the other little things I have, like no horn, burnt out lights, etc. Oh yeah, don't forget the SLOPPY *** steering too. All this happened in about 25k to 30k miles and I'm not even to 73k on the truck yet. I liked the truck when I first got it but after the 1st year stuff started going wrong. Heck never had ANY problems with my 91 Ranger. Never shoulda quit driving it. Built Ford Tough my ***!

 

I know completely how annoying it can be with stuff like the stuff that you have had go on with your truck. I have not really ever had any major car problems, but have had similar amounts of problems with stuff. Sorry I can't help you any

 

How much could off roading contribute to these problems?

Dirt getting in places thatit shouldnt be ?

 

Same here:

1 Transmission
8 Engine Cylinders
4 Ball Joints
2 O2 Sensors

and I only have 40,000 on my truck

 

I notice you guys both have 97's could that have something to do with it? I have a 02 screw 15k miles and have added a blower and a lot of fuel mods without any problems *knock on wood*

 

No flame intended, but ALL makes and models have their own bugs and problems...

The off-road theme certainly does seem to be a common denominator here, huh ???

My '98 was traded with 61,000 miles. Not a single repair, but I did do the front brakes @ 55,000 miles (new pads, turned the rotors).

It is sad to hear when fellow F150-ites are having problems and are unhappy with their rides.

I'll bet you will find the same (or greater) level of misery on a Dodge, Toyota, Chevy, etc. forum if the trucks are used in a manner that is consistent with how the Fords mentioned earlier have been used.

I have a buddy who bought a Dodge. Told me all about how he wasn't going to have the problems he had with his Ford (bought used with 68,000 already on it, heavily modded and definitely off-roaded and abused). Told me all about the better engineering, better power, etc.

To shorten an already long story, my 'Screw is quicker, faster, smoother, quieter, and more reliable. Period. He now regrets the Dodge purchase, but has to live with it because he is so upside-down with the financing. It is an '02 model. I owe $12,000 on my '01 'Screw and I am willing to bet it is worth more than that, should I decide to part with it...

There's more to evaluating the overall value of a vehicle than just the purchase and repair costs.

Regardless, I'm sorry to hear of the problems and wish you the best of luck with whatever you end up driving.

As for me, I'm still lovin' my 'Screw !!!

 

I've taken my truck offroad a little...but nothing that a 1/2 ton truck shouldn't be able to go. It's also possible that the salty air here near the coast has a minimal effect on electronics. I will say that it is possible this has contributed to some of the brake problems...but still...2 trannys? 2? And a new rear axle? A WHOLE AXLE?

 

From what I've seen the quality of the 97+ F150s has gone almost completely to crap. I have my serious doubts about the line anymore. I'd get out from under mine but I owe too much on it for what I'd get. It'd be nice if these things actually held their value, but they don't. Maybe if I paint it John Deere green maybe it will hold its value like they do What a joke

 

sorry abou your problems but i have only had one problem since i have had my 98 f-150. the clutch went out. im at 55000 mile now. but in the time i have had it i have been cursed like you too. i have been in three wrecks none of them my fault. one was really bad and some bastard ran a red light. the latest though is a sticker. the bastard that hit my truck fell asleep and came into my front yard kinda like a homing beacon. the bastard did 15000 dollars damage and totaled it. this was last sunday. so at least you can say you had the oportunity to make it to 73000 miles.

 

I have not had many problems specifically with my F-150, but I am the second owner at 63,000 miles and so far (I am at 67,000 now), all I have had to replace was the O2 sensor. My dad had a 97 Chevy Blazer though and it went through 4 transmissions though, luckily Chevy footed the bill though since it was under warranty, he sold it though and swore he would never buy a GM product again. Good call in my opinion.

 

38,000 and the only trip to the dealer was to replace a squeaky alternator. Other than that, not one problem.

Bob

 

Sounds to me you brought the drivetrain problems on with your mods. The tranny ,U joints,brakes,or rear were not designed for the lift,gearing,or tire size your running.

Just my opinion,
Randy

1997 XLT 4wd sc Jet chip,Iceman intake,Tornado,Gibson S/T exhaust,MSD wires,EdelbrockIAS shocks,Stock wheels and tires,3.55gears,and 97,000 trouble free miles

 

1 Bad battery, replaced under warranty.
LOVE this truck!
Must be the Wedgewood Blue eh RTROHA?
Oh, and 28,000 on da clock!

 

pgh_medic,

Wedgewood Blue is definitely the most trouble free color!!!

Bob