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Oct 11, 2006 | 08:54 AM

ADub98

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What to look for

I am considering buying a 98 F150 super cab 5.4 with 101k. I know the 98 was near the beginning of production, anything to watch out for on the truck? Any common problems? How do you tell what gear ratio the truck has and if it has the limited slip?

Thanks

AW

Oct 11, 2006 | 09:46 AM

xtrford

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Do you have the owners manual? There are metal tabs attached to the pumpkin on the rear diff that have ID codes and compare them to what your manual states, the 5.4l came with the 9.75 inch rear with a minimum 3:55 ratio LS and non-LS.

Oct 11, 2006 | 09:53 AM

xtrford

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Another thing to watch for is the plugs on these motors, you are at the recommended mileage to do a plug change and if it is not done correctly you might have a plug spit out on you. They only have a few threads holding them in and if you over tourque them it will cause thread damage due to the aluminum heads...on the other note if they are under torque they might loosen up and eventually come off. There is a thread in this forum for proper proceedure on a plug change, make sure you have a couple of hours handy and factory motorcraft plugs and you should be OK.

Oct 11, 2006 | 09:59 AM

ADub98

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No idea if the truck has the owner's manual...or if the tag is still on it. I'm going to try and check it out over lunch

Oct 11, 2006 | 12:31 PM

ADub98

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Didn't get a chance to check the gear ratio.

ABS light was on...Ill have to research that. Driver's seat foam seemed to be pretty worn. Seat cover was good, but I sank way down into the seat.

Oct 11, 2006 | 07:52 PM

lariat97

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The early build 97 are the ones with the most problems. I doubt the 98 will have many production problems

Oct 11, 2006 | 08:59 PM

ADub98

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It seemed like a solid truck. I am heading out of town for a few days, I will be surprised if it is still for sale when I get back. Was going to try and make an offer on it tonight, but I just had too much going on.