Hi all,
first post here. I've just bought a 2005 F-150 XLT SC and would like to perform my own maintenance. Since I can't find a factory service manual for a decent price, what would you recommend; Chilton's or Haynes?

Which is closest to the Ford service manual?
Thanks!

BTW - it feels god to be driving a Ford again!

 

I use the AllData service. You subscribe by the year and it has the complete manual with TSBs, recalls, etc. You can print pages if you need to and you never get your manual dirty! Google Alldatadiy

 

I've got both (bought one, got the other as a gift) and really they are nearly identical, with a lot of the same pics and even the same wording for repair procedures. Get whichever you can find the cheapest. And welcome to FTE.

 

1 has more pictures, the other has better procedures

can't remember which is which. they used to be seperate companies, but I believe Haynes bought out Chilton (or other way?) a few years back.

Their other drawback is that they have to be generic enough to work for every variation of the F-150 over a span of 4 years. There are 3 cabs, 3 beds, 3 axles, 3 motors, 3 tranny's...etc. They can only get so specific...and then it gets worse when Ford adds stuff to later years.

I second the Alldata choice. You select your vehicle and get the specific information for it