Looking at a 98 F150
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New User
Joined: Apr 2007
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Looking at a 98 F150
I currently have a 94 F150 regular cab with the 5.0 and automatic transmission. It's a 2wd so I've been looking for a newer 4wd. I found a 1998 extended cab, 4wd, 4.6, 5 speed with 68k for $6750. It's the original owner and he has all mechanical records. The price seems reasonable but I'm not very familiar with the 4.6 or the newer style F150 for that matter. I'm almost sure I'll never do any pulling with it, it'll just be used for hauling things in the bed once and a while. Is there anything I should really look out for and do you feel the price is fair? There's no rust or any major dents or dings and seems to run good. Thanks for your opinions.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
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Having worked at a shop and seen trucks come through and having a 4.6 2wd extended cab. A few thoughts. 1) The back window might leak. Alot of ppl have had this problem, jsut remove the plastic trim cover and put in polyurethane caulk 
2) balljoints tend to go out pretty quick, at least for me. as in 75k and I need new ones. 3) trans flush will probably need to be done,check the color and smell of the fluid and if you do that, might as well replace the filter too b/c of age.4) did it have the recall on the cruise/speed control done. 5) obviously brakes, coolant look good? that sorta thing. I'm assuming w/ 68k he's got nearly new tires on it? Maybe the belt? But that's all I can think of. Again, I'm thinking from a shop, inspection standpoint. I've got 185k on my 4.6 and she still gets about 20 mpg on a good day and tows strong. I'm quite happy with it.
2) balljoints tend to go out pretty quick, at least for me. as in 75k and I need new ones. 3) trans flush will probably need to be done,check the color and smell of the fluid and if you do that, might as well replace the filter too b/c of age.4) did it have the recall on the cruise/speed control done. 5) obviously brakes, coolant look good? that sorta thing. I'm assuming w/ 68k he's got nearly new tires on it? Maybe the belt? But that's all I can think of. Again, I'm thinking from a shop, inspection standpoint. I've got 185k on my 4.6 and she still gets about 20 mpg on a good day and tows strong. I'm quite happy with it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,311
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From: Kansas
just traded my 98 4.6 manual 4x4 with 123,000. After about 70,000 I put on new tires, new alternator/belt, new heater core, new starter, rear brake auto-adjusters were worn smooth (shoes were ok), plugs/wires and finally the temp guage started doing weird things (heater blowing cold air after warming up, temp needle pegging on Hot, then back to normal). ASSuming it was a head gasket or cracked head, I just traded it. The ball joints were getting loose, but not enough to replace yet.
I found a similar 02 with 42,000 but decided to make the jump to a new one.
The best MPG i ever got was around 17 (avg. 80mph on the interstate).
EDIT: Be sure to closely check the bottom of all doors and tailgate closely for rust. There was a factory TSB about moisture in the panel adhesive they used causing rust. Ford would fix in the first 30,000miles, but it was too late for mine...
I found a similar 02 with 42,000 but decided to make the jump to a new one.
The best MPG i ever got was around 17 (avg. 80mph on the interstate).
EDIT: Be sure to closely check the bottom of all doors and tailgate closely for rust. There was a factory TSB about moisture in the panel adhesive they used causing rust. Ford would fix in the first 30,000miles, but it was too late for mine...
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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Full sized pickups are still cheap, even though gas prices have come down. I haven't even gotten any inquiries trying to sell my minty '98 XLT 4X4 SuperCab with only 12,500 miles on it. 11 YO used prices are always based on 3 things; condition, condition, condition. Local dealer has ads for new F150 under $10K & must have 100 in stock.
I would never want a regular cab, far to cramped. IMO room is scarce even in the SuperCab, a regular cab would severely restrict the pickup's usefulness.
I also get the impression there's a lot of dissatisfaction w/the 5 speed. Many seem to believe the tranny/clutch just isn't up to the task. Conversely the automatic appears to have an excellent reputation.
I would never want a regular cab, far to cramped. IMO room is scarce even in the SuperCab, a regular cab would severely restrict the pickup's usefulness.
I also get the impression there's a lot of dissatisfaction w/the 5 speed. Many seem to believe the tranny/clutch just isn't up to the task. Conversely the automatic appears to have an excellent reputation.
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