9-5er

Hey all, new here. I recently came into a deal where I might be able to trade my '99 Grand Cherokee w/4.7 V8, 4x4, auto, w/199k, for a 1995 F150, 5.0 V8, E4OD auto, reg. cab long bed, 4x4 XLT. Power everything, w/ 180k on the clock. Even trade, no cash involved. I've always been a Jeep guy, this is my 2nd grand cherokee, but I've realized, I really need a truck for my life style. I pull a very small, light weight boat, and a small, light flat trailer, usually never exceeding 1000lbs total. I would like to have something I can easily put snow removal equipment in and out of (its hell lifting a 26" cut, self-propelled snow thrower into the back by myself...) and maybe even something I could put a small, light plow on for clearing 1-2 family driveways when needed. Plus, I just don't need that many doors, lol, 2 is sufficient for me and my needs. And, my Jeep is in good shape, excellent condition in and out, but it needs a few things here and there, rear wheel bearings, trans fluid change, oil change, etc. Nothing crazy, but a few projects. The truck doesn't need anything as of now.

My question is, should I do it? Are these truck reliable with this kind of mileage? I know with my old 4.0L Jeep, and even this 4.7L, they're both pretty reliable up to 250K. I'm not hard on a vehicle, maintain them well myself, and just need a dependable daily driver, that can manage a few tasks, make a trip to NH once a year from CT, and not be a huge money pot, aside from usual issues with this kind of mileage.

What do ya'll think?

Thanks,
Derek

Ford 4x4

I would say do it! I am probably a bit biased being a Ford owner. You can get a snow plow for the truck relatively cheap. Those trucks can last a lot longer than 180XXX if you take care of them. How rusty is the truck? Is there any damage to it?

f150cam

what he ^^ said. all the motors in these fords will last 250k+ if taken care of. the body will last even longer unless rust is a issue. i also say go for it.

9-5er

Thanks! That's what I'm most concerned about: reliability of major components (engine/trans).

Truck is pretty clean, tiny bits of surface rust here and there, and bubbles beginning under the rear fenders, but not through the paint yet. No body damage either, this thing is sweet looking. Haven't gotten to see it in person to drive it yet, but it sounds like a good truck.

dirtcrew51m

Go for it. Reliable? Our trucks when properly maintained are the most reliable trucks on the planet. There are still things that wear but you can get any part for these trucks. Look and see how many of 80-96 ford pickups are still on the road compared to others.

9-5er

And don't worry about bias, it's all good. I mentioned it on my regular Jeep forum, and the bias arised there with the "no way!", "found on road dead", blah, blah, blah. That's what I expected, so I came here, looking for some positive reinforcement, lol. This isn't my first ford actually; I owned a 1993 F250, extended cab, long bed, 4x4, 7.3L non-turbo, E4OD. It was a big, rusty beast, haha. Bad rust on every fender, both cab corners, rockers, even a round spot on the side of the extended part of the cab. Had over 330K, and ran AWESOME. Besides the rust, I loved it, it was squirrely as hell, but a ton of fun. Foolishly, I sold it to some kid that lived not far, who somehow managed to roll it, and crushed the cab, bed, and ruined the drivetrain and suspension. Believe it or not, after they put it back on it's wheels, it still started without a puff of smoke.

If this truck can be even 1/4 as reliable as that old monster, I'm in.

Thanks guys

F150_Feste

x2. I know Jeeps as well as I have owned 5 myself, they are great too, but if your needs say change, then a swap is a good way to do it. Obviously, do a good look under the truck to make sure it's not bleeding out too many lifeblood fluids, and see what the color/condition are of those fluids, as it will generally give you a good idea as to how it was treated.

Ford 4x4

If you can post some pictures of it. I would check all the fluids when you do get to see it, oil ATF antifreeze, ect. My mom has a 94 jeep, she had a 92 and that worked really good till it got totaled, the 94 however, we put a new tranny, rebuilt the whole front end, still had to put in new axles for the front end, new sway bar, and a new fuel pump and water pump. But it still runs really good despite the worn out parts..... Like said before, if you need a truck, go for it!

HoustonRider

Are ya asking the same question on the Jeep forums?

broncojunkie

I like jeeps, too. The F150 is a better choice in my opinion, though. With the mileage on both vehicles, either one can have a major problem at any time. The Ford is probably going to be an easier fix and cost a little less if something does fail.

I've noticed that the Grand Cherokee doesn't seem to hold value like the Wrangler and regular Cherokee, though. These F150's, if taken care of, will always be worth a decent amount just because it's a pickup. Add more if it's a 4x4.