Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a new (to me) truck and I was thinking about an f150 4x4 with the 4.6L v8 5spd manual (probably 1999-2002). I was wondering if any of you out there have one and how it has treated you. How long have you had it? Reliability? Mileage? Any major problems or dislikes? I drove an '02 as a work truck this summer and i thought it did pretty good considering most my driving was off-road. Only problem i had was both front u-joints had to be replaced but that is what happens when you hammer a truck off-road for 4 years. Any opinions or advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

I just got a 4.6L 4x4 automatic in August. I love it. It's got plenty of power for the average person (unless you are a HP junkie like me!), and hasn't given me, or the origional owner a lick of trouble. Still has the stock plugs and wires on it, and its at 86,000 miles now.

The 4.6 is an awesome motor...treat it right, and it will outlast the rest of the truck

 

...Welcome flyfisher to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!

We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords.

Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.

 

I have a 2002 4.6 4x4 automatic that I bought new. The truck has runs great. I put a SuperChip in it and that made a difference in the transmission shift points and gave it a little more power. It's been a great truck with the exception of the DPFE which was a problem with many 4.6's. I had it replaced by the dealer for free and it's still running strong. It's not burning the tread off the tires with power but it does the job every day.

 

I have a 97 F150 4X4 Lariat with a 4.6L and 105K miles on it. I bought the truck new and take what I would call, "very good care" of it. In the ninth year, the truck seems to be having little problems like bad heater core, carbon build up (possibly DPFE don't know yet), a leak in the radiator (I think, I smell fluid, just can't find it), speakers dried out, and maybe the fan clutch is going bad. The engine internal is great. I change my oil very frequently, have the transmission flushed every two years, change the fuel filter every year, and change the radiator fluid about every two years ( I lost track that's why I think I'm having coolant and heater core problems. I'd Buy Another One

 

i have a 97 4.6 4x4, and it has treated me fine. things to look for when buying a 4x4 is to look to see if has ever been plowed with, just look under the front end to see if any plow hardware has been bolted in place. also, look at the truck from the side, do this to see if the bed is in line with the rest of the body lines, if it looks strange, the frame could be bent from off-roading, and research who the provious owner was, if you dont know already, chances are if it was an older person, it wasnt driven hard. be sure to check all the fluids, and to see if the oil was changed on a regular basis, pull out the dipstick and check for a burnt in oil stain, if all theat checks out alright, drive it and use your good judgement. when you buy it, welcome to the family.

 

Thanks for the replies and the advice guys.

 

I have a 2000 4.6l automatic 4x4. The truck is amazing and it kicks *** out in the sand. i would totally recomend that you get one.

 

HI,

I have an 03 F150 4 X 4 4.6 XLT supercab with the 5 speed. About 38k. Todate not one issue. The 5 speed is notchy but you can read about that on most of these forums. No issue todate with the clutch slave cylinder which could be problematic. In Oct I moved from the DC area to Western MD. I thought I would get better mileage but the extra elevation (I understand that power and mileage are reduced by 3% for every 1,000 feet of elevation) seems to have cancelled that out. Generally 17 MPG.

The truck performs great on the ice and snow in 4 X 4 but with the limited slip diff in 2 wheel drive one has to be careful on packed snow or the rear will go one way or the other with too much gas but no different than any other vehicle with this set up.

As to power from the 4.6 it is fine for my use. Usually just the normal furniture hauling and whatnot in the bed. Nothing more than 500 pounds.

I think a big plus is the comfortable seat. I take 3 to 4 hours trips back to DC and that seat makes a big difference.

Chip

 

4.6 is great motor, used and abused in police cars, they hold up. I personally would opt for 5.4, the difference on power is noticeable, but the trade off in mpg is very minor. For example, my wife gets almost 15.5 mpg in her 04 Exped. with 5.4 and 3.73 gears, I get 17 with 4.6 and 3.08! The Exp. does have more open muffler, but that's it.


Grodyman

 

I have a 97 with the 4.6 in it and love it! I would have liked to get a 5 speed but the auto I have works great. I would also make sure when looking at buying one, you get the limited slip rear end. Mine is open and I sure wish it was LS.

 

I have had my 97 since 93,000 miles. I am currently at 195,250 and it is still kicking azz. The previous owner took really good care of it, and I take good care of it. I replaced the tie rod ends, ball joints, shocks and heater core and the previous owner had to replace the alternator. No engine trouble whatsoever. The 5 speed is kind of weak but will do fine unless you plan on pulling a house around. The 4.6 liter will also serve well and has plenty enough power for the average person. All in all, they are great trucks and I sure as heck wouldnt trade mine for the world, you should get one, you will enjoy it.

 

I have a 2000 reg.cab flareside - candy apple red. I love it . It has a manual tranny. It runs like someone just whopped the backside of it. It has 3.08 gear ration & no limited slip ( only downsides to it ). No trouble as of yet with 83,000 mi. It reminds me of a lightning . runs real good with 3.08 on Interstate

 

Flyfisher,
I didn't think you could get a manual with a 97 up F-150 V-8, but I may be mistaken. From what I have read, you don't want one. I would look for a 5.4 if you plan to pull anything or live in a hilly area.
Paul

 

The 5.4's only come with auto tranny's ....you can get either one with the 4.6's