Hey guys,
I recently bought a '98 f-150 single cab 4.2, 5 spd with 84,000 miles. I replaced the air filter, oil and tranny fluid yesterday, but the exhaust and breaks will soon need to be replaced. This is the first truck I've ever bought after working all last summer, but now im reading how *****ty they are by everyone... I was hoping for a full size truck (I'm 6'8" and ride motocross) with decent gas mileage cuz my gf lives in vt... Should I turn around and sell this thing and take a little hit to buy a camry or somthing liek that or should i do the repairs and soldier on? I need least amount of money spent period, and now I'm thinking it would make more sense to take a small hit and get something reliable rather than fix the thing all the time. The tranny shifts kinda rough, and 4wd is a little iffy on it. Thanks, sorry for the long post.

 

If you need a truck to haul your bikes with, you found a good truck to do it with. Any older vehicle will need repairs. Some more than others. It just depends on how bad you need the truck IMO. A 4.2L will go a long way if you maintain it.

It sounds like it needs a new clutch to me. A clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and new slave cylinder won't break the bank as bad as compared to rebuilding an auto.

I don't know about 4wd's, I've never owned one. Maybe someone else will stop by to help you out with that.

Good luck.

 

By saying the 4 wheel drive is "iffy" what do you mean? What is it doing exactly? Also, if you do need a clutch and throw out bearing ands such, that may affect how well your 4 wheel drive works in some situations. I'd keep the truck. But that's just me. Once you've owned one, you'll be spoiled forever! Especially a 4x4.--DIY

 

Well,drive it for a while and see how it gets in time,it might be you that needs to get use to it.You might be use to more horses and expect a little more then it can give.Anyway give it time don't just dump more money in to it yet.It might need plugs,wires soon also but their a good truck.Give it time and make a decision later.You got to remember you bought a truck for a reason!

 

Thanks for the responses. 4x4 works, but sometimes its hard to get it into high... sometimes it shifts "farther" than 4x4 high and doesnt engage? I thought at first I just wasnt used to doing it, but after using it a few times, it still feels hard to get it into the right "place" for 4x4 high. 4x4 low works well, however. The clutch engages only about 2" into the travel for the clutch pedal, leading me to believe it does need a new clutch. I have a warranty on the truck still that will cover the labor and costs to put in a new one, so I think I'm going to get that done. The tranny works well, I think with the clutch on the way out, sometimes the shifts arent as smooth as they should be; I did put in new tranny fluid which seemed to help out quite a bit. The breaks pulsate a lot in the pedal, so I figure its time for new breaks up front... Im guessing the disks are warped. Is new pads and disks somthing I shoudl do on my own? Ive done plenty of motorcycle break jobs, I assume cars cant be too much different. Hope everyones weekend is going well, Thanks for any help!

 

Sounds like you need new rotors. Whatever you do, don't buy cheap rotors. They won't last long. I'd recommend you either get OEM stock rotors at the dealer, or go here stylinconcepts.com and buy the Powerslot rotors.

 

My V-6 has been dead reliable except for when it hydrolocked and blew up. It would have made 200K miles easy. but you're lucky cause you know. Just get those intake gaskets replaced and you'll be good to go. Yeah you can buy a better truck, but it will cost you. Except for my engine, this has been the most reliable and durable vehicle I have ever owned.

 

correct me if im wrong but you keep talking about putting tranny fluid in it, well if it is a manual you shouldnt have to put tranny fluid in it, at least all the trucks that i have owned i never put any in. i had a 78, and 85, 91, 95, and my new one 04. all except the 78 were 5spd., and 4x4. i know you have to put fluid in the trans case, if thats what you mean. and as far as the 4x4 if the lever (im assume its a floor lever shifter) is passing the high spot, then most likely the trans case is gonna be worn out, you can still use it, the high will work ok and the low will work fine, but you might run into problems with pulling things in high, and dont try and pull too many things in low cause you can mess up your axles, gears, and tranny, that can get costly.

 

I call it "tranny fluid" because the "latest" M5OD tranny uses Mercon ATF. Yes, automatic transmission fluid. I know it's weird, but that's what the owner's manual says to use. Tranny fluid.

 

Speaking of the 4.2L 4x4. Mine takes everything I can dish out and more. People that bought it new before me put it through the ringer as well. With 120,000, Its still running strong with no major problems to speak of.
I wouldnt dream of selling the thing. Just my opinion.

 

So far, mine has had NO problems to speak of, in any way. 155,000 miles, standard transmission has had zero work and often towes a 20 foot offshore boat. Engine has been seamless. Dream of a truck...just take care of it.

 

Look on the drivers side valve cover for the engine build date.If it is dated after 1/15/97 you have the good gaskets and it should not hydro-lock.