I'm looking at a 98 F150 extended cab 4x4 at a local dealer. it has a 5.4 w 158000, auto. Drove ok, but it had slight rpm +/- (but a/c was on). Body looks good for mileage and age. Anything special I should look for? This will replace my 1988 F250.

 

I just recently bought a 97 4x4 Ext Cab w/ 122k. Afterwards I heard lots of the doors get cracks in them, so check them over carefully. Other than that typical carfax and look at oil for signs of abuse. I had a couple transmissions right after I bought it (TCC and S1&S2 pack) and had to replace lower ball joints but knock on wood has been OK since.

 

Mileage is a tad high but if you're getting a good price on it, then ok.

Some key checks I'd make:

-ball joints

*mainly driver's side checks*
--crack by door handle
--door seam rust (bottom seam inside door)

-check the oil lines for leakage where the exit and enter the oil filter

-basic checks (a/c, heat, power windows, etc.)

I have a '98 myself and I love it. Good luck, hope you get it if everything checks out cool.

 

i just bought my truck with 100,000 miles. Took it to a local mechanic to have everythign checked out. But check ball joints, fluids, etc...

 

I am too looking into either an F-150 or possibly Ranger. Im looking at the years of 1999 to 2003..mostly later due to price. What is a decent amount of mileage for those years to have an acceptable price to work with and how much should I pay as I walk out the door with the truck. FYI im located in SE michigan.
Thanks marcus

 

well depends on what kind of f-150 you are looking at. Single cab, super cab, etc...?

 

i just bought a 2001 f150 super crew 4x4 off road package 5.4 v8 with 99k miles for $13k. Probably could have bought it for a little less, but couldn't find much else in my area that wasn't total crap.

 

looking for a scab with at least a 4.6 b/c i will be towing around 4500 lbs. and 4x4

 

I paid $5500 for my 97 4x4 SC w/ 122k about 2 monthes ago.

 

Hello I have a 1998 f150 4x4 4.6 it has a squeek in the left side I checked the lower ball joint witch are none servicable the rubber looks worn. Is this a big job to do? I didn't see any springs to mess with or is it feasable just change both upper and lower control arms with the ball joints all ready installed in them? I haven't messed with many front end repairs so I thought I would ask the people who do. Shops charge so mutch any more I hate to bite the bullet and pay some body if I can do the work my self. Is there any special tools that I may have to get? Thanks a million.

 

You're right - no front springs - uses torsion bars.

 

Have you checked the shocks?

 

No I didn't check the shocks you can here it with the window down and when you get out of the truck and when you push down on the step. Its hard to tell where the sound is coming from by your self.

 

I was reading through this thread and almost spit out my drink when I read the price this fella paid for a 2001. Then I realized he bought it SEVEN YEARS AGO. Whew!!! Here's to digging up old threads and scaring the crap out of us regulars.