Nox

I am looking for advice for buying (or finding quality free download) complete service manual set for 1998 F150 (4.6L). I have searched the forums, and did find some downloads, but cannot specifically find 1998.
I believe I really really want the full oem set: Volume I and II, Electrical and vacuum troubleshooting manual, electrical diagrams. Electrical/ Vacuum troubleshooting manual. Anything else? Service bulletins would be nice but doubt I can get in a used manual set.
I see my options as:
Ebay- uesd paper copies ($60-$150) Prefer to have pdf or html over CD. Most are Vol 1 and Vol 2, and dont have electrical, vacuum trouble shooting manual.
Ebay- CDs. Most seem to be only volume I and II. For others, it is tough to know what is included. Really cant use CD easily anyway. Prefer to have download.
Helminc/ Motorcraft- $195 but the description online does not give enough detail to know that it has all of the oem info (electrical schematics, etc)

Other options considered.
Tradebit, Reliable-Store, etc- ~$15 These sites have several downloadable manuals, but I am not sure if the combo year manuals (1997-2003) are as good as the individual year oem type.
Alldata DIY- Tried it before a while back. Its was just ok. Not really interested this time.
Haynes, etc- have used in the past, but not my preference

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jbrew

Screw the DL's. For the 98 you want the 1996-1999 Service DVD or one very close to it...from Ford Motor Co.

Feb 2003, Copyright 2003... Volume 2.

Workshop, Wiring (EVTM), PC/ED.

Trust me, it has everything for the 98 and then some. Locate it on Fleabay.

Find a good DVD. Create your own PDF's to disk, of exactly what you want from it, save the DVD for backup. I've never got a GOOD complete download on line, there were a few in the last decade which were all free and only avalible for a short time. But yea, nothing compared to the DVD's IMO. Of course it can be tricky knowing which to get. But yea, the DVD's are all Adobe format. The version varies and depends upon year produced or when/if converted. So you may need to modify your current Adobe program to be compatible with the particular DVD version your dealing with. It's easier than it sounds lol.

akdoggie

I have 3 different DVDs for the 97-98s but nothing I've found that beats the oem Workshop manuals. Vol 1 & 2 and the wiring/vacuum separate manual. I bought mine from an eBay seller and use them more than I realize. I have 2 98's, so they get used a lot. I got the Expy wiring book also and use it more than the 150 book. I like the paper manual when working on the trucks, personally.

Jbrew

There was a site were you could get hard copies of Ford service manuals, I can't remember it. I do recall them being pricey, but folks posted up saying they were worth it. They definitely looked nice. I have quite a few service DVD's as well, just one for 96-99 tho.

Jbrew

Also the OP mentions Helminc. Those are service manuals and may be what I'm thinking of afa hard copies.

Nox

Thank you for the replies. I haven't bought a manual yet, but will need soon. I'm still trying to sift through the online BS to get the "real deal". The only thing that seems legit Ford is the Helminc for $195 and it is a paper reproduction. The do not have on CD or DVD.

On ebay there is "Ford 1996-1999 ALL Models Service Repair Factory Workshop Software Manual on DVD" at https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-1996-1...-/122836497040. It is $12.95. In description it says 'This is the same Extensive Professional Workshop used by some authorized dealers, mechanics and auto repair shops." Some? What does this mean?
JBrew, Do you have experience with this seller? Nowwhere does it say it is from the Ford Motor Co. and does not give copyright or version date.

I would think that the official Ford Motor Co manual would be just 1998. I now have two 98's.

white89gt

Curious... why don't you ask the seller? Seriously doubt Jbrew is going to know.

akdoggie

best deal I can find https://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Ford-T...kAAOSwZqZaSCqy