Ok i am thinking about buying a F150 like a 97-99 yr and have heard different things about fords.. they have alot of front end trouble,like tie rod,brakes,rotors then the v6 rumors they have alot of problems so need some help here guy's what i am looking to buy is a 4x2 flareside with ext cab

 

Hello Norm:

I have a 1997 F-150 supercab Lariat 4.6L 2WD. I now have 127,500 miles on it. Always used 5W30 Valvoline full synthetic (even now and it doesn't use a drop of oil). I have had to have the seals in the rear diff replaced about 10,000 miles ago ($150.00) and a new alternator about 20,000 mile ago ($150.00) but other than that no major problems (just a few weird sounds now and then). Truck idles like glass - I have always stayed on top of the routine stuff (fluid changes, tune ups, filters, PCV valve, etc...). I honestly believe I can get over 200,000 miles out of the truck before I need any engine work (knock on wood). This is the first Ford I have ever owned and I honestly don't think I will ever own anything but a Ford truck again. Very solid vehicle - just my 2 cents.

 

Oh, also did have upper and lower ball joints replaced (finally needed it at 113,000 miles!)

Rick

 

Yes, stay away from they, ar eonly intended for fleet sales anyway, not enough power to be much use, and they do have some issues. The problem with the front rotors is they can rust onto the hub and be impossible to remove without litterally breaking them off. But given the big picture they are every bit as good as the under-braked, coolant leaking, seal leaking, transmission failing Chevies that came out at the same time, and you won't pay as much for a comparable Ford.