1998 Ford F150 XLT Supercab 4.6 V8

Summary:

Looks, runs, and sounds great, therefore I will drive it for a long time

Faults:

Replaced battery at 90,000 and 145,000 miles.

Brake pads at 90,000, and front and back brakes redone ($450) at 152,000 miles.

Replaced alternator at 110,000.

Front ball joints replaced at 122,000 miles (under $200... a friend helped me).

Replaced the rear differential with a used junkyard differential at 125,000 ($1000).

Replaced 1 x head at 128,000 ($1100).

All work done with a local trusted mechanic unless otherwise noted. Not Ford dealer prices.

General Comments:

This truck is great. It appears I spent a lot of money on serious repairs, but when I bought it, I drove it hard with quite a bit of off-roading.

The past 6 years have been general day use with occasional camping trips, and it has been perfect.

I loved the manual transmission when I bought it, but will get an automatic next time. Tired of pedaling.

The truck still looks phenomenal, but I have been relentless in washing weekly and waxing at least once a month.

Lacks some power. I will go with a bigger engine next time, but that won't be for a while. This truck runs like new, and has given me no problems at all for just over 30K miles.

I sometimes tow a motorcycle trailer, never weighing more than 2500 lb. Tow rating for a manual transmission 4.6 is only about 2000 lb. Never had a problem, but am disappointed at the low tow rating.

Interior still looks good. There's a crack in the dash, but that was my fault. All the seats and carpet have held together well. Only problem is stains I put in them.

Bottom line. I would trade it in on a new truck, but wouldn't get much for a 98 4x4 Ford F150 that is running and looking great... therefore I will keep it. Worth much more to me than what they would give me for a trade in. I put bull bars on and added a catback dual exhaust.

Looks, runs, and sounds great. I will drive it to at least 200K before getting rid of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th October, 2013

5th Feb 2017, 22:23

I am the original poster and this is an update. Still a great vehicle, but have had a few problems. I am at 187,000 miles now. Living in Miami and not keeping the vehicle in the garage has really taken a toll on the paint. The roof and hood look terrible. I had to have the clutch replaced at 180,000 miles. Unfortunately there was no warning. Clutch went out and left me stranded. Got it towed to a local mechanic (here in Miami) and it was a $1300 bill to have the clutch replaced (lots of labor due to rusted fasteners underneath the vehicle). Check Engine Light came on a few days ago, but seems to be running fine. I will take it in this week to get it checked out. I still plan to keep the truck until at least 200K. Overall... it has been very good to me.

1998 Ford F150 XLT 4.2L

Summary:

Great truck

Faults:

I have very minor front end work done.

Since I have owned the truck, I have spent less than 1000 dollars on the truck outside normal maintenance.

Two things I have had done include:

Ball joints and A/C compressor.

General Comments:

This has been a great truck, and has held up very well. I have right at 200,000 miles on it and going strong.

Other than the normal maintenance, I have done very little to it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2012

1998 Ford F150 XLT 4.6 Triton V8

Summary:

This is a great and powerful truck

Faults:

Tranny fluid line rusted a hole at about 205000.

Hole rusted in header at 207000.

Cab corner and 3rd door rust at bottom when I bought it.

Currently I have a tranny slip very lightly.

An oil leak, very small, I myself can't find the leak, but haven't taken it to get looked at, as it seems that it doesn't leak hardly at all.

General Comments:

This is a great truck. I got really cheap, but it has high mileage. I love it for the engine; still running strong, despite the little problem.

It is a great truck still; can pull a hefty load, considering how high the mileage is, and how old the truck is.

I was thinking about rebuilding the tranny and doing some other work to it, but don't know if I should waste the time and money, in case the motor does blow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2010