I brought home an 03 4x4 XL V6 4spd OD to try it out. I previously owned an 02 FX4 ext cab lariat but traded it for a better family vehicle. I know it is comparing apples and oranges, but I immediately noticed that the XL handling was poor compared to the FX4. Actually, my 92 4x4 handles and drives better.

The truck seems to lunge at any movement of the steering wheel. I drove it pulling a trailer with a light load of hay and noticed the trailer swaying in the rear view. The same handling issues are evident when not towing. This truck has 105k but has mainly highway use. I spoke to the original owner and he said that there has not been any noticible change in it's handling. It has the original size tires, but they do not appear to be rated as LT.

Has anyone dealt with this issue with an XL? I had a 94 that acted in much the same way. I added a factory sway bar and it helped. I thought about checking on new shocks and a rear sway bar for this truck, if I bought it. It seems to be a good solid truck, but I am really concerned about this.
Thanks,

 

I'd put on new shocks next. Keep in mind the general interval for replacing them is every 50k miles. Did you inquire when they were last changed out? XL merely refers to a trim level, regarding "options." the suspension on 4x4's be they, XL, XLT, or Lariat is the same. the only 4x4 F-150 Ford offered w/ diff. susp. components was the 7700 series.

 

Thanks. I assume they are the factory shocks, based on all the info I have been given. My FX4 had the HD Rancho shocks. I was not aware of any other differences, or lack of them between the trim packages. I know in the older ones, some had sway bars and double front shocks, which made a big difference. I also have not seen a f150 in th 97-03 models with a rear sway bar. Is that generally the case?

 

no, the 97-03 F-150 4WD did not come equipped w/ the rear sway bar or double front shocks, none of them did. the FX4's came equipped w/ the Rancho shocks, you are correct. they also came w/ a skid plate. other than that, as i said, with the exception of the 7700, all 4WD F-150's came w/ the same susp. package. also, as you noted, these trucks came stock with "P" tires, though LT's are obviously a much better upgrade.

you are heading on the right track, replace the shocks first. i recommend the bilsteins.

 

Thanks. This makes me feel a lot better about looking into this truck.

 

just for the comfort my 99 4.2 handles great. Even with the 36's.

If i let the go of the wheel... wait what am i talking about i never take my hand off the wheel thats just crazy...

Id also check the sway bar endlinks (up front) (stabalizer endlinks actually)

they are known to go out and once replaced with (poly. bushings and new hardware $20-40) the truck will drive better.

 

Thanks for the info.