I'm considering an F-150. Newer model of course. Now, I have a couple of questions for you guys.

1) How many people have been having problems from their motors(4.6 &5.4)?

2) With higher mileage guys any problems?

3) Should I wait for 2003 models? Any news on them?

Thanks guys for all of your help. I own a ranger right now and love it. I just want to know if I'll love the F-150 as much.

 

All I know about 03, is that the 5.4 (maybe 4.6?) gets 3 valve heads. If you are not in a rush, you may want to wait. Then again the body is getting redesigned in 03 as well. You might like the motor, but not the new design. It's a gamble. The current 5.4 is a great motor, and only getting better.

 

My 5.4 is good as gold!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Ive got 90,545 on my 97 F-150 4.6 and its still running like the day I bought it(which is perfect)!!! Good luck.

 

The only complaint i have about the F150, is that it's hard to get a 4.6 with a 5-speed, and they don't make a 5.4 5-speed. As for milage, i put about 40,000kms/yr on, and my first 20,000 have been not too bad, except for the wiring replacement & A/C problems.

-TubaMan

 

I know I only have approximately 32,000 miles on my Ford. However, I have NOT had to take my truck in for one single mechanical problem. I think that says a whole lot. The only people that know me by name are Island Muffler, Harris County Highway Patrol, and Galveston Police Department.

- Joel

 

In your sig it says something about 5.4 "slapper". Do you mean piston slap? Also, I've heard the doors tend to crack. Any info on this?

 

99 out of 100 doors crack, but besides that I love my truck and car to boot... I wouldnt trade either for the world or for a bunch of hoes.

 

I bought mine with 65K and now has 74K. No problems at all. I did do some maintenance like switching to synthetics, electric fan, exhaust and intake. As you can see, I upgrade rather than replace with stock parts.

If you want info on the 03 trucks, check here: http://www.blueovalnews.com

 

Well, my 4.6 isn't going to take you home first on Race Day - but it will always get you home! After 130,000 trouble free miles on the engine - as in no non-regular maintinence items needing repair - I won't complain. That's right - 130,000 miles with a spark plug change at 115,000 miles or so as the biggest engine repair. Still doesn't use or leak a drop of oil. Yes, I do have cracked doors, but this far out of warranty I don't really care.

 

I had a '97 with the 4.6L that was an amazing engine. Like some others have said, some of the 4.6L engines were outstanding in the performance department. Never had a single complaint about the 4.6L engine.

Replaced the '97 with a '99 5.4L engine and have had a couple of problems with it. Early on, had a squeaky fan belt. Got that fixed and haven't had a squeak since. Second problem was the rough idle. Dealer wasn't too successful at fixing it, but I learned of a simple fix on this board and it worked for my engine. It's been just fine thus far.

I don't put much mileage on the truck so have noticed that it requires regular fuel injector cleaning to keep performance at optimum levels.

I'm going to hang on to this one until 2003 when the new engines come out. Might end up with a SuperCrew Powerstroke Diesel, especially if gas prices keep going up over the next couple of years.

 

Yeah, I had an early 99 5.4. Thanks to this site and it's members, I was able to diagnose the dreaded "slap" and get the dealer to replace it. I received a brand new 2k 5.4. I have not had another engine problem since. I also must say that my dealer didn't give me any trouble about the new motor. It took 2 weeks total from the time they ordered it to when I drove it home. It was in the shop for 3 days. It was at this time they noticed my AC compressor was leaking, so I got a new one with the motor.

Door crack, took 3 days in a body shop, not at the dealer. They sent it out. Great job there as well.

I have had a few "issues" but my dealer took care of them all with out a fight. This made all the difference in the world, and I would not give up my truck for anything.

 

I really like my F-250 L.D. except for the 4.6L engine. I had a bad time with detonation problems..... Finally the engine is shot at 42,000 miles. Burned intake valves, #8 cylinder has "0" compression. Mechanic said the root cause was detonation.
Hope Ford replaces the engine due to the fact it was not corrected under warranty. I have the documentation stating I had detonation problems. Hope to talk with the rep. this week.

 

107,000 on my `97 4.6, absolutely no problems (except door cracks), not even one miss. I wouldn't trade it for a brand new Ferrari. You could pick one up on a lease plan and then when the 2003s come out, if you like them you could turn in the lease and upgrade to it. Just an idea. I have the door cracks, but it's not noticeable to anyone who doesn't know, and if that door crack is the worst thing about my truck, then I'm sh***in` in high cotton. I think you'd be very happy with the F-150, but it all comes down to what you like.