ldav07

Hey guys, just had a quick question about older F-150s.

I've been looking for an F-150 for awhile now, mostly one in the 92-96 time frame, but recently came across a 1998 F150 Extended Cab 4x4.

It has the 4.6L engine, automatic, and 200k miles. I know that its pretty high mileage, but for my budget thats about what most of the trucks have.

Was just hoping to get an idea of how reliable the 4.6l engines are, and how any of you guys like your 98 f150?

Thanks for any info

akdoggie

I have a 98 and love it to death. I also had an 03 Kings Ranch, which I later sold, and kept the 98. I liked the KR, but I honestly love the 98 XLT. Color? No, both are a blue. 3 door vs 4 door? No the 4 doors are handier. General looks? Most likely. There is something (to me anyways) that makes the SCab look sharper than the SCrew.

As far as problems, I've had none. I bought this as a third owner, and went thru what was done to it. Mostly suspension, shocks, front wheel bearings were things that were replaced. It had 112k on it when I got it. It gets over 20 mph on the hiway, and about 14-15 in town in 2wd. It goes down about 2-3 mph in 4wd in the winter. The towing package is perfect for towing my 18 foot boat all over the area. It does lag a bit on hills and does the down shifting a lot, unless you disengage the OD on hills. I've found that on long flat runs to just set the cruise and leave it in OD. On hilly areas I just turnoff the OD and run that way. Sure the fuel economy goes to hell, but it's better to pay a little extra for fuel and save the transmission from overheating and tearing itself up.

All in all, my opinion of the 98 F150 is positive. I have the W code engine, (supposedly the one with the most problems), and I have not encountered any mechanical difficulties. Most of the trucks of this year around here are all over 180k or more. Many are over 200k. It seems to hold up. I bought a used cluster from ebay, and the mileage was 297,454 miles. It was wrecked. Still ran strong. Go figure. Anyways, I think an excellent vehicle. Hope that helps

Tyler.172

I love the 4.6 it has power and is reliable and good mileage especially on 2wd trucks

Tonelocs47

I love my 4.6 its got alot power with all the mods i did but still gets really good mpg for a truck. just make sure the seller has kept up with the tune ups. With 200,000 miles make sure most of the steering components(idler and pitman arm, tie rods, wheel bearings) have been replaced, tranny fluid has been changed at least once hopefully twice and kept up on, spark plugs should be replaced, make sure theres no air/exhaust leaks as well as oil/fluid leaks, and also check the brakes and rotors

Warspite

I have a '98 scab (3 door), with 135K miles on it. I put over 100K of those miles on myself. only this year did I have major expense, but only on wear and tear items (shocks, 4 wheel bearings, ball joints, control arms and the like). I go camping with it, and am able to make it up to a bluff with standard 4.6 and 2wd, while some bowtie folks have to do so in 4wd. I've kept it pretty much stock, with only some recent additions, and thus it's been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. My stepson has a Crown Vic P71, with over 200K on the odo, and who knows how much extra idle time. Both of our 4.6's do not burn or leak any oil and are original drivetrains without rebuilds. Regular maintenance seems the key to keep these going, even with higher mileage.

BTW, the only ones I see listed for parts is due to wrecks, and not enging/tranny pulls. I don't know about Gen 11 (2004 and up) over the long haul, but these Gen 10 models appear to stand the test of time. Again, ensure that routine maintenance was done - it's like ANY used vehicle.