I am looking at buying a 99 or 00 F 150. I would like a swb, 4x4, 5.4L, ext cab, auto, 3.73 ls rear end. I would like a Lariat with the leather buckets as well. Is there anything I should look for or check when I am test driving. Lots of posts on blown spark plugs and leaking heads. Is there anyway to predict these troubles?

Thank-you
Rob

 

now way to predict them.

Check the pass side head to see if it looks like it is leaking or has been removed/replaced you can olny do this from underneath

check for door crack on drivers side right at the curve near the door handle (Look close!!)

try to able to start the truck on a cold morning.

get an extended warranty

 

How obvious is the leak on the head?

 

for some of us it is just a seep for others it makes it to the ground. lie on the ground and look up with a flashlight (Even during the day) and look at where the exhaust conects to the manifold, if there is oil all over the conection you have the leak.

For instance mine has the seep and none makes it to the pavement, but it does smell like burning oil sometimes, the truck runs great and I have the 100k ford esp so I am going to wait to have them fix it near the 80k mark (I am currently at 50k)