Hey guys, I've been looking and searching and I finally made a purchase. I have a 1998 Ford f150 XLT Supercab, shortbed, 4x4 off-road, 4.6 Triton v8, Auto trans, electronic 4x4. 140,000 factory miles. Only problems are the temp gauge in dash is not working, front bumper is faded, tailgate is alittle beat up (body is straight with no dents), and drivers door lock cylinder has come loose from the inside. I bought the truck for $3800.00. Only thing potential major problem i've found wrong is the rear axle roars. So its either low on oil, or a bearing has gone out and needs a new ring and pinion. But still I feel I got a fair price.

I'll put more pics up tomorrow.


I'm a newbie to this body style. What do I need to look out for? Any advice? ect ect. Thanks guys!

 

Great looking truck, and only 140k. Seems like a good deal, but I wouldn't count on the diff just being low. Check it before possible metal shavings destroy the spider gears or LSD clutch pack.

My only advice; make sure you are in neutral when you shift into 4 low. I have not done it, but, but it seems easy to hit 4 low if you aren't paying attention while twisting the dial and driving, to go one click too far.

 

Thanks. I figured if the rear end was blowed I've had $300 worth of part. And $4100 in the truck. These truck are HIGH priced. 200+ thousand miles going for $5000.

One plan I do have is to drop the 98 front bumper and pick up a 99-03 bumper. I like those alot better

 

It's probably a simple 8.8 non locker.....one wheel wonder. ( I have the same truck only 8' bed). Look at the axle tag...it will probably say S862B, then below that 55 8.8 and something else. 3:55 ratio...8.8 one wheel wonder....or something similar. I just rebuilt my whole rear end with all new bearings due to a whine on accel between40-55 mph. All was good for a month or so....now she's whinin' again. I knew I should have done the ring and pinion....they were as shiny as glass... Explain your noise a little better maybe I can help.

 

does your truck have a mid shaft barring? my papa;s did but it was a long bed scab. when i went out made a terrible rour, and alot of vibs. replaced it and vibs, and roar was one.

 

also check u joints, see if there is any play at the rear pinion shaft. if non of those crack open the diff and see what it is.

 

Its the bearing in the pinion. :/ But anyway, Here is some more pics.






And the VIN # is: 1FTZX18W8WNB07858

 

It is clean, does it have the 8.8 rear end? If so it will be alot cheaper to rebuild than if it was a 9.75.

 

Nice ...looks exactly like mine. My rear seat and back portion fold down to make a big level platform......never use it that way since it is full of tools and parts...but always thought that was neat. A guy could put a little mattress back there and somewhat sleep back there if he had to...LOL.

 

It has the 8.8 rear end. 3.55 gearing limited slip. Good news is I have a set of 3.55 8.8 gears laying around. Lol. So all I need is bearings. I was hoping for 3.73 rear end.

I do plan to paint the bumper cover, grill and headlight ring, and mirror covers, They are faded. I also plan to get new "4x4 off road" stickers.

 

And what about the timing chains for the 4.6? When are they supposed to be changed?

 

when they fail, only thing that really wears are the actual tensioners for the chains.

 

So there is not set mileage to change a timing chain in a 4.6?

 

Only other problem I've found with the truck is after driving awhile, when taking off from a red light the drivers side exhaust smokes blue smoke alittle, So I'm guessing the oil drain holes in the head might be partially stopped up. So here soon I'll be pulling off the valve covers and taking a peke inside.

 

99-03 front bumpers are different. To make it look right you would also have to swap out the grille and surround.