Hi all,
I have recently joined, just having bought 3 months ago a, 2004, F150, 4x4 supercab, 4.6, Red exterior and grey interior, 77k miles, the passenger side bed has dent along it's side.

My question is this: What would you do to the truck, to upgrade or make it better? I drove it from central Florida to Asheville, NC and back. Had to replace the front right brake and change out the rear axle fluid.(all other fluids were changed, the A/C recharged)

Thank you for all your suggestions!

 

Just maintain it and drive it as is is what I would do.
Do what matters to you.

 

I would check brakes, think about replacing coolant hoses, lube hinges. Go over it to see about issues that might need attention. 20 years is pushing it for hoses, assumbing they are original. Check air filter as well.

 

Post pics

 

Level it and new wheels/tires is a nice upgrade to me.

 

Take a look at all the fluids including transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. Also inspect all metal lines like the power steering lines and transmission cooler lines that are known for failures.

 

Fuzzy Dice! You need to install FUZZY DICE!





Go to Ford.com . Enter your VIN and mileage to get the maintenance schedule. Then do everything that the maintenance schedule says that you should do by 100,000 miles. Your truck has low miles, but it's still 20 years old.


Every fluid should be changed. Transmission, transfer case, radiator, brake, power steering, etc. Then replace all wear items, even if prematurely. Belts, hoses, thermostat,water pump, wipers, etc. Think about new spark plugs and coils.......... for your enjoyment - a new radio with modern technology like Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Replace the 20 year old light bulbs with LED.


Then read online about common maintenance and service issues. Learn a little more about the engine. The gasket corrodes and leaks on the high mount, 3rd brake light.

And buy some fuzzy dice.

 

Ditto on the third brake light, look for staining of the headliner in that area and/or unexplained water under the carpets.
Do you have any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)? Autozone and others will test for free. Don't fix anything until you report back here as parts stores want to sell you parts that you may not need to solve the issue.
If you truck has ever been living up north inspect the Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) backside for corrosion to avoid a future problem.
Don't overfill the gas tank or you will have problems with the charcoal canister clogging and causing check engine light

A note about LEDs - SOMETIMES changing to an LED will cause issues so be aware

 

From FL, do a detailed inspection for corrosion. Real salt is just as bad as northern road salt.
Other than already mentioned, maybe new shocks.

Pimp truck stuff is not my forte, just wrenchy stuff.