Hey guys,

New to the forum so if y'all have a special place for these kind of questions feel free to move the thread, I also searched but didn't find many consistent threads on this!

Anyway,

Currently have an '07 FJ Cruiser 6-speed that I absolutely love, but I don't love the car payment that I have and with certain stress in my life I would like to eliminate the payment if I can, so here I am. I am in the market for a '99-'03 F150 4WD. SuperCrew or SuperCab doesn't really matter. Here's my dilemma, I am a born and raised import driver and have had only one domestic out of my 11 cars ('03 Tahoe-J.U.N.K.) but have always loved this body style F-series and everyone I know that has one has loved it. I am also an Ex-Toyota mini technician so they're really all I know.

My questions are, with these trucks are there specific problem areas that I need to watch out for while doing inspections besides the basic preventatives. I know all about the 5.4 cylinder heads and blowing plugs (which I have heard both install error and manufacture error) but besides that is there anything that I need to know? I am looking in the 80-120k mileage range and really just want something that is going to be reliable with fairly minimal maintenance.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

The bigest matnence problem that you will run into once it gets into the higher miles is coil packs. I have a 2000 f150 5.4 and I've owned it since it had 122k on it and its at 158k now and I've only replaced the coils and normal matnence items such as u joints

 

The lower intake manifolds on the 4.2 can be unpredictable. If it cracks, its $1000 just for the part, and 6 hrs of labor. Mine cracked at 94K miles, others don't see this problem until 200+K miles. On the standards...the clutches are weak as hell if you want to do any towing with the truck. Rear bumper mounts are just junk and can't hold much of a trailer if you pull off the bumper. Everything on them is metric though. The standards are made by Mazda. If you have any plan on drilling thought the bed rails, they are double walled...

 

Most of the trucks at least the off road 4x4 package came with a factory recciever hitch

 

So overall these are pretty sound mechanically? I know preventative maintenance is key with any vehicle but how are the transmissions on these? Something that have more problems than others?

 

They are American trucks, hey will have issues every now and then but usually little things that are fairly simple fixes. Not like they have any brake not working issues or anything...

 

The autos seem to hold up prety well

 

HEY NOW!!!

Went today and looked at an '02 scab FX4 w/108k miles. Exterior looked good except for some rust spots on the bottom of the doors (see pic), is this common on these or would you run? Interior was spotless and the first one that I have looked at that hasn't been smoked in. Test drive went extremely well, everything seemed to work as intended except for emergency brake which didn't seem to work at all but the truck drove beautifully. Attached below is the link to the AutoTrader ad, what you guys think of if/thoughts on price?




http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

In comparison here is another one I have wanted to look at...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

 

its a comon problem for crew cabs

 

02 Scab with 108k I would value about $6000-7000

I bought by 03 stepside 5.4L 45k for $8000

The economy still sucks so every is selling for CHEAP. Just take your time when buying.

Common problems: bad IAC, bad coil, spark plug blowout

Check oil level, coolant color, brakes, brake fluid, check tranny for slipage, slam it hard into WOT make sure it doesn't slip...check engine for noises (if you hear loud ticking the plugs are about to blow out of the head). inspect underneath the engine for leaks, check the axle seals make sure they aren't leaking

the 5.4 is a GREAT engine ....many people put 200,000+ no problems...just check out the engine/tranny thoroughly before you buy ....take it to a mechanic if you have to