Hi everyone. This is a great site and has been very helpful to me. I own a 1998 Ford F250 XLT 4x4 extended cab with the 5.4 Triton engine. Unfortunately, last summer while backing my truck into the garage I put my "breakaway" mirrors to the test by hitting the side of the garage as I pulled back. Well, the mirror didn't "breakaway", it just broke!

Well, I went on eBay and found a factory OEM new replacement mirror (complete pull and plug assembly). I have installed mirrors in other (non-truck) applications, but obviously never on my Ford. It has power (non-heated) breakaway mirrors. I am replacing the driver's side mirror. Here are my questions:

(1) Can I unhook the old mirror assembly at the point where the mirror swivels (outside of the door) or do I need to unhook it from inside the door? If inside the door, am I correct in assuming I will need to remove the door panel? Any tips would be appreciated!

(2) My old (damaged) truck mirror has a back piece that is factory painted maroon to match the truck. The replacement OEM back piece is black. It looks like I should be able to just pop this piece off the old mirror and exchange it with the replacement mirror. Does this sound feasible? I haven't taken off the old mirror yet, so I haven't been able to actually test this theory.

Lastly, I have a model series technical question (sorry, this should probably be in another forum, but what the heck). It is my understanding that my 98 F250 XLT extended cab 4x4 with the 5.4 Triton had the biggest (gas) engine offered by Ford in this model year. However, I don't think it gets the Ford distinction as "Super Duty" for this model year. What the heck is the difference between the XLT and Super Duty in this model year? It gets confusing because when I go to get parts sometimes the F250 is ONLY shown as a Super Duty. I can't ever find parts that are for the XLT (only for non-Super Duty trucks in this model year). So, am I crazy (yeah, ok) or what?

 

First off, you have what's called a "Light Duty" 250. On the forum, they usually just say F250LD. Outside of axles, it's pretty much the same as the 150. Ford only made the LD for a few years until the updated Super Duty came out.

You're going to need to remove that door panel. Two screws at the bottom. Pull the arm rest off where the electric switches are and unhook. One screw there. Pull off the cap where the door handle is. One screw behind that.

Then you just lift the door panel straight up. Three bolts holding your mirror on. There is a plug in behind the door panel at the top. That's your electrical plug that goes to the mirror. Just roll down the window first before you attempt to remove teh mirror. That way when you come to the last bolt, you mirror doesn't just fall off and smack the door when hanging by the wires. That way you can reach through the windows and hang on to it.

I'm not positive on the shell. If you bought an actual OEM mirror, I think those can be swapped. I remember someone saying something that if you move the mirror glass out the way, there are four clips holding on the outer shell. Maybe someone else can pop in and help out there.

 

THANKS so much for the response! That will really help me to change over things this weekend. Are the Super Duty's able to haul more cargo (pull more trailer weight)?

Again, I really appreciate the excellent response--it will be very helpful!

 

I tried to google the topic, but I didn't find anything specific. The only thing I found was an MSN article claiming the 150/250 Light duty's have the same Gross Vehicle weight. But I wonder about that.

I would say the difference is about the same amount as today's Heavy Duty package you can get in the F150. With the package, which is a 7 lug like yours I think, you get 1000lbs more GVW. So I would say it's about the same with yours. 1000lbs more than a F150 of the same year.

 

Thank you! That is the best explanation I have ever read on the topic. I know when I researched GVWR that it made a HUGE difference gas vs. diesel, but I wondered about the frame and such.

Thanks again for your expert help and advice. I'll post how things went on Monday. God Bless and Merry Christmas!!!!

 

You don't have to pull the door panel off, just the small triangular piece. 3 bolts hold the mirror in, I think they are 10mm.

 

My 2003 doesn't have a seperate piece. On mine, it's all a part of the door panel. Not unless that changed along the line.

If the plug isn't behind the triangle, you still might need to pull the panel.

 

The door panels changed in 99 or 2000. Didn't think of the plug.

 

I just wanted to thank all the experts on the FE site for the information they provide. I am putting Tow mirrors on my truck and found the installation on the site. The instructions will save me a lot of time. Thanks all

 

Just wanted to say thanks too for this thread. Over the weekend I was able to replace my dad's '02 driver's side mirror. Dealer wanted $180 to do it so he offered me $50 after I showed him the thread.

 

Pulling up a 9 year old thread here ... I'm wondering about pulling the caps off the mirrors. Is it correct that you remove the glass and release it from the inside or can they be pried right off the front? Mine has the paint to match caps and they're losing the paint so I'd like to take them off, repaint, and reinstall. Advice?

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