General F150 Questions
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lewistown, PA
General F150 Questions
Hi Guys,
I did some searching on this forum looking for general info. We may be looking for another vehicle soon and I was wondering about common issues with the '97-'03 F150's. Should we purchase another vehicle (depending on price and financing options), my wife and I were considering a supercrew 4x4, maybe a supercab-depends.
Besides more CID and power, any pros/pros with the 4.6L V. 5.4L? Pretty much the same engine, right?
How reliable are the trannies (auto) in this truck (4R70W, correct?)
Does the supercrew provide much more room than the supercab (we have 3 kids still in car seats)?
Any common issues that cost big $$$? I do most of my own work, so small common issues shouldn't be too much of a concern.
Anything else to watch out for here?
Thanks!
I did some searching on this forum looking for general info. We may be looking for another vehicle soon and I was wondering about common issues with the '97-'03 F150's. Should we purchase another vehicle (depending on price and financing options), my wife and I were considering a supercrew 4x4, maybe a supercab-depends.
Besides more CID and power, any pros/pros with the 4.6L V. 5.4L? Pretty much the same engine, right?
How reliable are the trannies (auto) in this truck (4R70W, correct?)
Does the supercrew provide much more room than the supercab (we have 3 kids still in car seats)?
Any common issues that cost big $$$? I do most of my own work, so small common issues shouldn't be too much of a concern.
Anything else to watch out for here?
Thanks!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lewistown, PA
thanks racer,
We are leaning more toward the supercrew, but was just wondering if a supercab would suffice in case that would be what we could find/afford.
We'll stick w/ the supercrew
Anything else?
We are leaning more toward the supercrew, but was just wondering if a supercab would suffice in case that would be what we could find/afford.
We'll stick w/ the supercrew
Anything else?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 348
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From: Hemet, California
The Modular motors are good motors with the proper maintenance. The two main issues I read about on this forum are spark plug blowout and broken exhaust manifold studs.
As for the spark plugs, as long as you torque them to specs when you change them and use antiseize on the threads you shouldn't have a problem. My 99 4.6 supercab (sucks with 1 fullsize car seat in the back seat
) is going on almost 200,000 actual hard off road miles and I haven't had a problem with the plugs.
I did however experience the broken manifold studs but with a little mechanical know how really wasn't that big of a deal (or hard to fix for that matter)
I had a good run out of my original trans with the torque converter locking up at 156,000. It's all in how you take care of it. A good rule I like to follow with any new to me car I buy is I change all fluids when I get it that way I know where I stand in terms of maintenance intervals and what kind of condition the equipment is in. As with buying any vehicle check it thoroughly, these are really good trucks
As for the spark plugs, as long as you torque them to specs when you change them and use antiseize on the threads you shouldn't have a problem. My 99 4.6 supercab (sucks with 1 fullsize car seat in the back seat
) is going on almost 200,000 actual hard off road miles and I haven't had a problem with the plugs.I did however experience the broken manifold studs but with a little mechanical know how really wasn't that big of a deal (or hard to fix for that matter)
I had a good run out of my original trans with the torque converter locking up at 156,000. It's all in how you take care of it. A good rule I like to follow with any new to me car I buy is I change all fluids when I get it that way I know where I stand in terms of maintenance intervals and what kind of condition the equipment is in. As with buying any vehicle check it thoroughly, these are really good trucks
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lewistown, PA
Thanks for the reply racer,
I actually have 1 in a car seat and 2 in booster seats. We had considered the supercab because they are common and a little cheaper.
I have heard about the plug issue and the COP system in general. Thanks for the heads up about the manifold.
Did you replace the converter yourself? I would think that that would be easier in an F150 than our current Windstar-which might be getting replaced. I never cared to work on FWD vehicles much.
I actually have 1 in a car seat and 2 in booster seats. We had considered the supercab because they are common and a little cheaper.
I have heard about the plug issue and the COP system in general. Thanks for the heads up about the manifold.
Did you replace the converter yourself? I would think that that would be easier in an F150 than our current Windstar-which might be getting replaced. I never cared to work on FWD vehicles much.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 589
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From: Stockton Ca.
While it all comes down to what you can afford I'd say get a Supercrew with the 5.4 E4OD/4R100 and a 2003 build date (actually started in Oct? 02) Ford updated the heads so with an 03 build date your spark plug holes will be fully threaded, less chance of blowing a plug out. In 99 Ford started installing the P.I. (power improved) heads, but it seems the 99 and early 2000 P.I.s have had problems with head gaskets.
Change ALL fluids and filters as soon as you own it, and keep the records for maintenance scheduleing. Inspect the belt, vacuum lines, brakes etc replace as needed. Make sure the check engine light works and isn't on once started.
My 97 F150 5.4 E4OD 4X4 has 154k+ and has been great, lower ball joints, alternator, belt, plugs,brakes replaced but no problems other than wear items.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Change ALL fluids and filters as soon as you own it, and keep the records for maintenance scheduleing. Inspect the belt, vacuum lines, brakes etc replace as needed. Make sure the check engine light works and isn't on once started.
My 97 F150 5.4 E4OD 4X4 has 154k+ and has been great, lower ball joints, alternator, belt, plugs,brakes replaced but no problems other than wear items.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lewistown, PA
Thanks for your insight there Ron, sorry it took so long to post back.
I went and looked at a '99 supercab 4x4 today. Very clean truck with like new tires on it. Paint/body/interior was in very good condition. The dealer was closed when I got there, but I looked it over anyway. It has the 5.4L. They asking $9500 for the truck with only 52000 miles on it.
Is it possible that the spark plug / head gaset issue would have been resolved? Is there a fix for the spark plug threads (helicoil)?
With such low miles on it, should I expect anything to show up soon? Is it better to get a newer year or less miles?
Sorry for all the questions. All the trucks I have owned were Fords and they were all pretty good trucks, but I never owned any of the new styles.
I went and looked at a '99 supercab 4x4 today. Very clean truck with like new tires on it. Paint/body/interior was in very good condition. The dealer was closed when I got there, but I looked it over anyway. It has the 5.4L. They asking $9500 for the truck with only 52000 miles on it.
Is it possible that the spark plug / head gaset issue would have been resolved? Is there a fix for the spark plug threads (helicoil)?
With such low miles on it, should I expect anything to show up soon? Is it better to get a newer year or less miles?
Sorry for all the questions. All the trucks I have owned were Fords and they were all pretty good trucks, but I never owned any of the new styles.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lewistown, PA
Could you elaborate a bit on this, not that I don't believe you. I just ask because our neighbor has a '99. Bought it with 7x,xxx miles on it a few years ago (has well over a 100K on it now) and hasn't had any problems with it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: In my House
I have an 01 Supercrew and through the years I went from reg cab to (06) supercab then bought my used 01 Supercrew and you just can't beat the room in theback seat. My 5yr has long legs and with the booster in the supercab, her feet we touching the back of the front seat. Plenty better in the supercrew. The only bad thing about the supercrew is, that 5.5ft bed gets small really quick!! I was spoiled having that 8ft bed years ago!! I've currently got about 97k on mine and I love it! ANy more questions, feel free to ask away!
Rich
Rich
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 174
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From: G-VEGAS TN
i've got a 02 150 extended cab 4 door but the little doors its got a lot of room in it but i dont know about the kids seats lol but i bought my truck with 80,000 miles on it and its just turned 90,000 and other than the exhaust manifold studs there has never been any problems with it still runs like new dont use a drop of oil i love it 
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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this truck first came out in 1997. the 97-98 had a few problems, mostly gone by 99. Spark plug blow out is not a real commn problme, and lessened after 2000 when more threads were added. I would like to know exactly waht percentage had the problem?
I have a 2001 SCREW with 190k miles and runs like new. I have done plugs and coils, new alternator, upper and lower ball joints, rear u-joints, and front brake discs. All this about 130-160k mile range. Not bad for the miles. I have drained and filled the transmission 3 times. Runs like new.
I have a 2001 SCREW with 190k miles and runs like new. I have done plugs and coils, new alternator, upper and lower ball joints, rear u-joints, and front brake discs. All this about 130-160k mile range. Not bad for the miles. I have drained and filled the transmission 3 times. Runs like new.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
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From: Central NY
I have the 2001 Supercrew, 105k miles. have had her since 26k. plenty of room in the backseat, never had a problem with the plugs (that topic is discussed WAAAY too much. look at the polls on this site, it is a VERY small minority that have had problems).
I'd add that along with changing all the fluids, torque down the plugs so you can sleep better at night. It'll help you get to know her too
mine is finally starting to show signs of the manifold leak, well - IMHO it is. dealer is a bit skeptical. i'll get to that project next summer. good luck with your search...and before you ask, stick with Motorcraft FL820-s oil filter and MC 5W-20 (or even 30) synthetic blend from Walmart! great stuff for a great price, especially for a family man.
I'd add that along with changing all the fluids, torque down the plugs so you can sleep better at night. It'll help you get to know her too
mine is finally starting to show signs of the manifold leak, well - IMHO it is. dealer is a bit skeptical. i'll get to that project next summer. good luck with your search...and before you ask, stick with Motorcraft FL820-s oil filter and MC 5W-20 (or even 30) synthetic blend from Walmart! great stuff for a great price, especially for a family man.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lewistown, PA
Thanks everyone for all your replies. I have always been a Ford truck guy and I just wasn't familiar with this generation. Sounds like most people have had to do only maintanence items.
Thanks for the tip on the oil. I always try to get MC parts for our Fords and only run the MC filter or NAPA (WIX).
Thanks for the tip on the oil. I always try to get MC parts for our Fords and only run the MC filter or NAPA (WIX).
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 45
From: Central NY
both great choices. you can't go wrong with the truck you are considering. i REALLY haven't had any problems with mine (other than the A/C components, but that's a long story and she sits 6 months out of the year and when i went to Iraq).