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Sep 24, 2009 | 08:42 PM

mgahringer

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looking for opinion

Looking to buy a 1998 F-150 with 4.6 4x4 aouto transmission. Truck is in good shape appearance wise and engine seems strong. A couple issues are a rear axle seal leak, needs new brakes all the way around- probably rotors and husbs as well. two main things other than that are-1. the whole undercarriage has surface rust. the truck is in North Central Washington with a dry climate and has been for the last 6 years and 2. the rear end has a clunk sound, sort of sound like metal binding when put in reverse or upon accceleration. it does not make the sound every time just occasionally. it has 126,000 miles and I can get it for $4500. Any thoughts.

I seems to run strong and seems very tight.

Sep 24, 2009 | 10:04 PM

steve(ill)

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the clunk noise is normal. normally the splines on drive shaft- clearance- wrap up when torqued. no problem. surface rust on frame is also normal. i wire brushed mine, then washed with solvent, then painted with Rustoleum. looks decent 4 years later. takes a few hours to do a good job and get into small areas. rear axle on the small motor is normally the 8.8 inch. It is the smaller axle and has a few more problems than the 9.75 inch. If all you got is a wet spot, i would drain and refill axle. If it really leaks, hope it did not run low and cause some potential bearing trouble. I bought mine at 125k,, now pushing 200k miles.

Sep 24, 2009 | 10:08 PM

g_k50

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too much, try for 3000.

Sep 25, 2009 | 05:36 AM

77300i6

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From: Lewistown, PA

I would check the condition on the tranny fluid. New fluid is translucent red and turns a darker red as it ages. If the fluid is brown, I would stay away. Check the color by putting a drop of fluid on a paper towel or napkin. The fluid shouldn't spread too much.

Sep 25, 2009 | 08:57 PM

ATC Crazy

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From: SW VA

I agree with 50....too much for that truck. I sold my near flawless '97 for less than that.

Sep 26, 2009 | 06:30 AM

77300i6

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From: Lewistown, PA

Not to argue about the price, but that may be an average price where he lives.

Mgahringer, check prices on similar trucks and see how much more $$$ they are in excellent condition. For example: Can you get a '98 4x4 with less a lot less miles and less issues for under $2k more? If that's the case then, IMHO, this truck is overpriced

Sep 26, 2009 | 09:29 AM

mgahringer

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Thanks for the thoughts. In this area there are not many for sale. The ones that seem OK, are priced from $5500 to $7000. Blue book, for what that is worth, is $6,000 in good condition. Most are at dealers which explain those prices. I fugure if I could get it for $4000 or less would be OK. I can do most of the work except the Axle seal