nate352

Wanted to see if any owners of the 97-03 line have experienced problems with their automatic transmissions? Light duty/little pulling. Did you see major issues by 150,000 miles. I'm looking at an 2001 Crew XLT with a 4.6L in it that I really like w/ 142,000.

I own a 99 single-cab w/ a 4.6 manual and it's been a great truck, but I'd like to get into a crew-cab. And I've driven it since '99. It's got 235k and would drive it to Alaska right now. Does have a few cosmetic issues though

What I'd really like is a 2010 XLT crew w/ a 4.6, but can't afford it. Prices of new trucks are crazy - from what I see, the new 5.0's are nice, but I wouldn't pay $32k for one of those Ecoboost jobs, I digress.

Anyway, wanted to get members' thoughts on automatic transmissions in Ford pickups from that year, or around it. Heavy or light duty. Know someone who started having trouble at 110k, but they pulled some really heavy loads with it too..

Thanks..

Nos

know a guy with a '99 4.6L that tow's his boat, jet skis, snowmobiles, atv's, my ice house, and we move cars on a dually with it and he just flipped over to 300,000 original motor and transmission.

and the 3.5 eco boost is fords newest advanced engine, the new atlas has a eco boost thats supposed to be even more advanced now but they arent releasing any specs of the new engine from what i understand. but id take those new fords any day

nate352

Cool man thanks...

nate352

I'd look at the ecoboost if I could afford it. Guess my issue with it though is pushing that much horsepower through such a small engine. I don't doubt it screams, but I'd be concerned about the long term - guess time will tell.

I wish they'd bring back those 300 inline 6 cylinders they used to make...

jayedee

I owned a 99 f150 scab with a 4.6 never had any trouble with it pulling. i just recently bought an 01 screw 5.4 and pulled a trailer with my moms ranger on it a good 300- 350 miles held 70mph the whole way no problem and is still running great at about 180,000. The only bad thing i have got from both of these trucks is i had to dump over 1000 into each of them for front end work ( ball joints, upper lower control arms, tie rods inner and outer labor etc.) idk if they all have that same prob but mine did. Speaking from having a screw i wouldnt buy the 4.6 i would up it to the 5.4 because mine feels like sometimes it doesnt have enough get up and go for the weight but its all your discretion.

jollyroger331

I have an 02 screw about to turn 156,000. It has the 5.4 auto and it runs great and so far no issues. I do tow a 20 ft boat with it in the summer and hardly notice it's back there. I did just buy the truck a year ago with 149,000. I agree with the guy above who said get a 5.4 there's not gonna be much difference in mpg and your getting a stronger motor. Good luck with your search.

Tackle

It's a tough call here. The 4r70w is not the strongest transmission available. Not all have issues, it's more like a coin toss. The one in my truck went at 93,000 for the previous owner. But there are people on here with 200-300k on the original. The 4r100 found in the 7700's and maybe LD 250 are a stronger transmission and about double the size.

If the fluid looks good and doesn't smell too burnt or if it's from a private party that says they've at least changed the filter and fluid, I would not hesitate to buy one with 150k miles. Heck, there are a lot of kids on here buying them with 180k+.

me1234

I have a 2000 4.6L and my trans died at 60k. Pretty sure it was a lemon though.

nate352

That's really helpful, thanks. Out of curiosity, any idea what a rebuilt auto transmission would cost if I had to do that? Definitely agree on the 5.4 for pulling - I do alot of maintenance work myself, and heard the bigger V8 was more difficult - specifically the spark plugs since the coil was on the plugs. Mechanic friend said it was a royal pain to change those...

Other than that, 5.4 is tough motor...heard nothing but good things about them

nate352

re: jayedee - I've spent a good bit on my '99 on front-end work. Had to to ball joints and sway bar bushings. However, I did drive it down alot of dirt roads kind of hard, so wasn't surprised...