Advise on a 2003 F150
 

I'm interested in a 2003 150 for sale locally, any opinions on this model would be appreciated.

It's an extended cab with the 4.6 v8 with a manual transmission.

The ad says it's a one owner with 165,000 miles. How dependable and lasting is the 4.6 v8. I will be doing some towing with this truck.

Again, all opinions appreciated. :-X16

Should be very dependable....if...the prior owner did good maintenance.

If you can see the prior maintenance history that would be very valuable as to understanding what it might need in the future.

Need to know if the spark plugs have been changed? fuel filter? any trouble with any kind of fluid loses? prior accidents?

Not sure if the clutch has been done already?? and finding out the gear ratio would be helpful also.

what do you intend to tow with it?

The ad states it's been well maintained with service records. I've heard that spark plugs can be an issue with this engine with not enough thread that they can pop out under extreme loads, I've not heard of any issues concerning the fuel filter though. I plan on towing my 49' F1 with the truck.

spark plugs are not a problem with the 4.6 motor.

If the maintenance records are available, that would be a real plus. :-X22 Spark plugs are not a issue as long as they get installed correctly and torqued to 28ft/lbs. No real problems with the fuel filter either. Other then it does need to be changed every few years to help out the fuel pump and obviously keeping the system clean. A neglected fuel filter will add strain to the fuel pump and shorten its life. FP is in the tank.

Is the 49' all steel yet or is there a fair amount of fiberglass body panels?? Not sure what one would have tipped the scales at, but it could not be all too light? IS this "towing" going to fairly regular to car shows or drag strips ?? Or just once or twice / here and there throughout the year?

My concern would be more focused on the clutch and drive train. Not that it can't be done....but... the 4.6 isn't really known for towing uumph and the manual tranny also isn't especially strong either. Not that it can't done once in a while here and there and not for very long distances. Probably would be ok. But I'd still make sure there is a fresh clutch and 4:10 gear ratio in the differential ( front too if a 4x4)

The other thing would be flush the cooling system maybe up grade to the thicker radiator to keep that 4.6 cool during those towing events. ALSO get heavier brake pads and rotors.

If you are towing real regular, say 50-300 miles round trip & every 2 weeks , with 49' or camping, or general hauling. Then you might look for a 3/4 ton.

The 4.6 isn't very good for towing. I have the same basic truck. 4.6, 5 speed. I would check the fluid In the transmission....there are 3 rubber plugs in the back and they get hard and fall out...when that happens it leaks heavy and will destroy the trans. If you like the stick, fine, but realize it's limits. The automatic is better.

I found the truck which appears to be in excellent condition, a one owner thats been well cared, which is just what I've been looking for. I thought about a 3/4 diesel but I'd like a good daily driver with decent fuel mileage for around town as well,I never owned the 4.6 so I wasn't sure of it's abilities. Thx for all the info It gives me a lot more to consider.

Well, you can all say what you want, but I've been towing cars and trailers for years with my '96 Ranger 4x4. It has a 4.0 with a 5 speed and 3.23 gearing. Heaviest I've pulled is 8900#, but it pulls car/trailer combos up to 6500# while getting 15mpg cross country. I have upgraded the suspension though. I never tow in OD and run at 60mph. A 4.6 with a 5 speed should have no problem what so ever towing a F1/trailer. Get a 7 pin and brake controller though, makes it easier.


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