SHOULD YOU BUY A 90s FORD F-150? 97-04 OBS Ford F-150 Review, Is the F-150 the Best Truck in America

In this video Grumpy Monkey Garage reviews the 97-04 Ford F-150.
If you enjoyed the video, please leave a Like, Comment, and be sure to Subscribe for more automotive content.
Want to be notified when the next video goes live? Make sure you hit the Bell Button to receive notifications for our videos. Thanks for watching!
$500 Car Challange
• $500 CHEAP CAR CHALLEN...
Support us on Patreon for exclusive long form and behind the scenes content!
patreon.com/GrumpyMonkeyGarag...
Article Referenced
www.iseecars.com/car/2005-che...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
My Favorite Tools and Equipment
Best Automotive Headlamp you can buy
StripLight Pro by Odelfi
odelfi.com/products/striplamp...
My go to Jack
Daytona 3 Ton - Low Profile, Long Reach
www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-l...
Best Jump Box
Fatmax Jump Box
www.amazon.com/Stanley-Fatmax...
Best Ratchet for hard to reach bolts
Long Skinny Ratchet
www.harborfreight.com/14-in-3...
Best Impact drill for your buck
Kobalt Impact Drill
www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-Vo...
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Enjoy this video and want to see more like it?
Check out our car reviews
1998 TOYOTA COROLLA REVIEW, should you buy a 98 toyota corolla in 2020, Corolla review 4k
• 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA RE...
CHEVROLET S10 REVIEW, Should you buy a Chevy s10 for your business or kids? Chevy S10 Xtreme review
• CHEVROLET S10 REVIEW, ...
1996 FORD RANGER REVIEW 4K, Is The Ford Ranger Worth Your Money, Ford Truck Review
• 1996 FORD RANGER REVIE...
FIRST GENERATION DODGE RAM REVIEW, 1989 Dodge Ram 250 Truck Review, Classic Mopar Pickup Review
• FIRST GENERATION DODGE...
OBS CHEVY TRUCK REVIEW, 1997 Chevrolet C/K1500 Silverado Review, The Best Truck You Can Buy?
• OBS CHEVY TRUCK REVIEW...
FIRST GEN RAV4 REVIEW, 1998 Toyota Rav4 Review, are 90s rav4s worth buying today? Toyota SUV Review
• FIRST GEN RAV4 REVIEW,...
2000s JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE REVIEW, is 2000s the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable? Should you buy a jeep?
• 2000s JEEP GRAND CHERO...
TOYOTA RAV4 REVIEW, Third generation Toyota RAV4 review, Is the 2014 RAV4 the best SUV you can buy?
• TOYOTA RAV4 REVIEW, Th...
01 TIBURON STILL GOOD 20 YEARS LATER? 2001 Hyundai Tiburon Review, The Best Cheep Sports Car Review
• 01 TIBURON STILL GOOD ...
2010 NISSAN ALTIMA REVIEW, Is it still worth the price 12 years later? The best sedan for the money?
• 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA REV...
Check out our tool reviews
BEST CAR JACKS YOU CAN BUY, Top Three Best Car Jacks Review, What To Look For When Buying A Car Jack
• BEST CAR JACKS YOU CAN...
TOP 5 AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS, The Best Tools You Can Buy As An Automotive Mechanic, Best Tools Review
• TOP 5 AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS...
BEST AUTOMOTIVE LIGHT YOU CAN BUY, Odelfi StripLight Pro Review, The Best Mechanics Headlamp Review
• BEST AUTOMOTIVE LIGHT ...
Timeline
00:00 97-04 Ford F-150 review
00:47 97-04 Ford F-150 overview
01:30 97-04 Ford F-150 bed
02:30 97-04 Ford F-150 engine
04:23 97-04 Ford F-150 cab
06:07 97-04 Ford F-150 towing
07:23 97-04 Ford F-150 hauling
09:03 97-04 Ford F-150 interior
09:50 97-04 Ford F-150 handling
11:45 Should you buy a 90s ford f150?
#GrumpyMonkeyGarage #GrumpyMonkey #fordf150 #ford #f150 #90sford #fordf150review #GMG

[@zephead4835]

"Is the heaviest thing you need to tow your regrets? " Damn. I felt that.

[@williamwhite9767]

The 97 to 03 5.4L 2V engine is just as reliable as the 4.6. And the rear doors can be repaired with aluminum cable ends that cost less than $10 for several on fleabay.

[@jerrybockes4769]

Yes them 5.4 are great and the 5.4 4v the 3v is the only junk one

[@chriskeel6367]

Yep the 3v 5.4 is not reliable . I don't understand why he would say it is not reliable . Yes it is , yes it is !!!. Crown victorias , ex police interceptors with 300k miles on them .

[@whspioneer89]

I always thought 8’ bed was fullsize

[@stanb990]

​@@whspioneer89thats a full size longbed

[@stevenmorris2293]

Damn straight !! Ain’t no boat anchor !!

[@joshtyson9912]

I bought one 2 days ago for $900 its only a 4.2l but it has a 5 speed manual in it and it drives great so I ain't complaining

[@mannyknoxville247]

Just bought my 2000 ford f150 5.4 194,000 for $500, all it needed was new spark plugs, and gas tank, gas line. Should be out of the shop today.

[@nsppnw84]

I'm a fan of my 98 4.2L V6 truck 188 thousand miles have had no issues with it drives great just keep up with the maintenance other then that she does her job❤

[@sshyshy6097]

5.4 is an amazing motor with a nice consistent torque curve and plenty of power!

[@simeonhollis9707]

Yes sir!!!

[@user-kj4lm2eq1m]

My 98 4.2 is awesome my odometer stopped working at 355 k and that was about 4 years ago and still runs great and it does work it not just a grocery getter i have pushed the truck almost to it limits

[@robertmckeown3014]

I drive a 96 Bronco XLT w/5.8, 304,000 miles and a 2002 F-150 XLT w/5.4, 261,000 miles as my two daily drivers. Nothing beats the reliability of Ford trucks.

[@BaconizedCanadian]

I've had my 97 5.4 2wd for about 12-13 years ,I love my truck. ,I am always towing something with it. 5.4 runs like new , no ticking. more reliable than my old chev TBH

[@rhino6285]

I prefer the added torque of my 2002 Triton 5.4 2 valve engine

[@joshua96022]

Hey that's what I have!

[@richardhenry5961]

Thank you for the insight!!! Restore it! I have a 1999 F150 4.6 V8 2-wheel drive 8'ft bed & has 215,000 miles on it right now. Transmission went off 207,000. Had it rebuilt. The advantage to my Transmission it doesn't have any dam solenoids in it, what it has a regular transmission governor! The other issue I have, its Coil blocks that last like a light bulbs at times, I may get 2-3 yrs out of them. The other Issue is the heater-core what a pain to replace, I'm on my third. The only thing I can do is change the air filter & the bulbs. I had a 1988 F150 that needed a heater-core, I could do that my self & a tune up was simple. When I bought my 1999 F150 it was 9yrs old, it had 73,000 mile on it & paid $5,800 for it. I've had it for 15yrs. NOW; Compare to new trucks of today with all the bells & whistles of electronic CRAP to my old 1999 F-150, I wouldn't trade it in for the world. What I use is in my fuel is Marvel Mystery Oil. Prolong engine treatment. Transmission, I change it every 2yrs, drop the pan, drain it, change the filter. Don't ever have it flushed, it creates more issues.

[@darkru8913]

That year 5.4 was pre 3 valve triton so it wasn't as bad reliability wise for anyone looking to buy one. 4.6 still reigns king because it's more reliable (from what I know) but not as depressingly slow as the 4.2. Just my 2 cents, decent vehicle if you just need a vehicle that can haul a little and it drives relatively comfily all be it very boring

[@greebuh]

The 3 valve 5.4 is 2004 and up.

[@SirtubalotTX]

The 5.4 two valve is just as reliable as the 4.6 2 valves. I love this generation and my biggest complaint is the heater core, they are not easy to replace.

[@teamfrenkenstein4143]

Thank you so much for the review. I am a Ford guy and I have been buying the Ford F150 with the 4.6 the older models between 98 and 2003 right now I own a 1999 four-wheel-drive 4.6 I bought it for $1000 and all I did all I had to do was just put front hubs. I drive it every day and I’m super happy with it.

[@Kenneth-qd3js]

My 99 F 150 4.6 2v has 260k and still runs great drive it everyday the most reliable truck I’ve ever owned

[@michaelm2502]

You are so right about the Ford motor. It's reliable, solid and the build quality of this era is better than now with less tech, computers, etc , interior materials and electronics are very good. My 99 Expedition has 210,000 miles and everything still works. Doesn't leak oil but does burn some. But, as you said, they are a mutha to work on! The air filter sucks and the spark plugs ( back 2) are a nightmare! I do most of my own services but when my mechanic works on it he uses the C word frequently! I'm looking at a 98 F150 with the 4.2 V6 now because it has the long bed. Great for dump runs, full sheets of plywood/ drywall, kayaks and bikes, cheap to buy and 22 mpg. What's not to like?

[@calebcobb9163]

I got a 2003 F150 with the 4.6 and it’s great! It’s a four door with a leather interior. The gas mileage like you said is pretty good.

[@pl5624]

I've got a 97 with 4.2 v6 264k miles.great condition.

[@danjacobsen416]

My 2001 same motor pulled a boat to The River from Orange county twice. Pulled great and still handled great. Very easy to work on.

[@justinadams159]

My father-in-law has one of those trucks with the 5.4 in it. Very reliable. It has the cylinder head that will break spark plugs off but other than that I don’t have anything negative to say about those engines. My parents owned one that was a V10 triton. I would prefer a 4.6 but those engines are really reliable. They’re bad rap came from people that don’t take care of them.

[@squangan]

Yes, I’ve been driving mine relatively problem free for 15 years now. It’s amazing what changing the oil regularly will do for you.

[@andrewmeredith9283]

I owned a 1997 Ford F-150 with the four-by-four package the 4.6 L motor for about 11 years and it was the best truck I could ever have until on me if I ever came across another one again I would buy it in a heartbeat

[@wilsonmetellus3877]

You have great energy & great information 💪🏾

[@angryretrogamer7313]

I really enjoy your truck videos. I have the 00 f150 with the boat anchor engine. It won't haul a feather pillow but its the most powerful and comfortable truck I've ever owned. Here's the thing though. I've destroyed probably 10-15 pickup trucks in my life. I was born into a tree service and pickup trucks especially cheap ones are best for wood because they can go to the tree and are low enough to load heavy wood. My first was a Chevy half ton and it didn't last long. I was a Chevy guy when i was young so i kept buying them. I ended up with a Dodge once and broke it first load along with several more i got cheap. Mid 80s if i remember correctly. This was in the 2000s btw. I hated Ford but got one for cutting a tree down and it lasted 10years. Straight 6 81 f150 4×4 with a wooden bed. After that one died i got an 80 f250 and its the one i still use. I wish i could show u a pic of what i do to trucks lol. I know you like your chevys and i know why but for hauling heavy loads its plainly obvious to me who makes the toughest trucks. I'd love to see an 80s truck, in bed hauling contest on your channel.

[@2H2521]

One of the best trucks ever made! The generation after this was a significant downgrade.

[@sshyshy6097]

i have a 5.4 2v 98 f150 with 540k miles amazing truck i prefer this truck than my 98 sierra which ive had to rebuild twice and it barely hit 300k

[@anthonyhales4192]

99’ 5.4 here. 200k bought it for 1600$ 7 years ago with 140on it. i’d say it’s the best truck of the era. minimal rust not like chevys and dodges. you don’t see them anymore. you see these 10th gen’s all over every single day.

[@JoseRomero-lp3dl]

My 03 crew cab has 220k miles its a 4.6 its a badass truck its lifted 6" with 35" tires bumper guard with kc lights, camper/topper with roof rack on top. Its had a nice life never used for construction so its in really good shape. It also has Weld Racing Wheels from the era AC and heater work great everything works good ive only done oil changes and batteries, and 2 alternators. Its taken me my wife and my 2 boys all through California parks and campsites, taken it to Arizona twice last year and the occasional Mexico trip. I love my truck

[@tanksor]

I had a 1998 ford f-150 ext cab long bed with the 4.6 it was a good truck didn't matter how easy you drove it or how hard you drove it would get 17 mpg all day long, it had also survived my relative that is hard on vehicles

[@isaaccarpinteyro7937]

Love this truck, my dad has owned one since 2009 and hes driven the hell out of it for lawn care, started at 45,000 and is nearing 230,000. Is the most reliable vehicle we've ever had the privilege to own, never had to replace anything major on her and shes never left us sitting and is still running like the day she left the factory

[@RadarLightwave]

Yeah, my 2002 4.6 2WD spent 3 years hauling everything my family owned from Tampa to Gainesville. I burned up a transmission and lost a wheel bearing on the interstate in the process. Had to replace everything on the passenger side. The 4.6 is still running good. Though, I do plan to put an old 80's carburated 7.5L 460 big block out of an RV in it once the Triton spits out a spark plug or two. Scared to even replace them. It has a little over 320,000 miles on it. And it may need piston rings at some point, so big block swap!

[@williamwhite9767]

gallons to the mile vs miles per gallon

[@SWMOWoodsman]

The 2 valve 4.6 was not as well known to spit plugs like the 5.4s were. Replace the plugs, it will be fine. I have done plugs and wires a time or two on my 4.6 2v V8 and have not had an issue.

[@simeonhollis9707]

I’ve owned a 4.6 2V and two 5.4 2V and never have I had a spark plug shot out…. If you know how to install a spark plug properly you will have no issues!

[@AB-kd9mk]

You can adjust that shift indicator in about two minutes. Super easy. Plenty of YT videos.

[@theguradien]

The only problem is sometimes with the automatic V6 engines, is that the engine likes to stall at idle, i have no clue how to fix it but it seems to be a common problem for a lot of people, excellent vid!

[@wrenchinwithgrandpa4586]

Nice job!👍

[@bradgann6880]

Keep it. I got a 97 with over 400 thousand. Im learning alot now a days. But the ol beast has never failed me. Yet. Would like see some of idea’s n fixes on ol booty mean beauty.

[@snow1546]

The 5.4 isn’t all that terrible of a engine my truck has almost 300,000 miles on it and it’s still runs just fine it ain’t the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and drove it’s pretty average but that’s a good thing considering it’s a dirt cheap truck

[@ThePewdieslender]

You got lucky

[@snow1546]

@@ThePewdieslender don’t think it’s luck I just think the engine gets to much hate especially considering it was used in mustangs especially in one of the most popular mustangs ever created the cobra type r and I do believe the Roush ran the 5.4 as well so it’s not really a bad engine

[@snow1546]

@@ThePewdieslender it’s just not nearly as good as the 5.0 that came before and after it

[@ThePewdieslender]

@@snow1546 I've seen way too many thrown rods, specifically from the trucks, around the 150k mark. That's just my experience with em.

[@ThePewdieslender]

@@snow1546 You're right

[@tractormike685]

I drove my 2000 from o8 to 15, only replaced the stater, alternator, and battery. If I didn't need a 3/4 ton to pull a trailer, I'd still be driving it. 2wd, 4.6 extended cab and 8 ft bed. Still got about 17 mpg on the highway. It was comfortable. Even for me being 6'6". No regrets here.

[@nastysoda9212]

Fix Or Repair Daily. My brother and I have had a 2000 F-150 4.2l manual since it was brand new in 2000. Drove it all through high school, desert trips with dirtbikes. Still own it and its running great, although it is true, requires near daily work. I may have broke a few ribs doing the spark plugs

[@brendas.1374]

The 99-04 SVT Lightnings were badass trucks in their day!!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@simeonhollis9707]

Yes and the both of my 1999 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4X4 has the same setup as a Ford Lighting! Both have the 5.4 2 valve triton with the 4R100 transmission! I actually want to turn one of my expedition into a Expo Lighting one day 🤣

[@simeonhollis9707]

Absolutely nothing wrong with these trucks! If your an experienced mechanic very easy to work and the design just makes more since vs a Chevy in my opinion! And I have never had a trouble with spark plugs shooting out 🤣🤣🤣 I have ran my 5.4s hard and never had any issues with them shooting out or breaking off in the motor…. Not silly designs like the Chevy SS trial blazer fuse box overheating and having to be replaced constantly! Ford is awesome and both 4.6-5.4 2 valves are very reliable if you know how to take care of care of them! Only thing I can say is they burn oil so you have to check the dip stick once a week and make sure you add oil!

[@JoeTAMAULIPAS6881]

Hi there so what would be better a 4 door crew cab or an extended cab ?

[@motormouth2472]

If I find the right one, I may buy one for my first vehicle. Seems to check almost everything on my list. Good on gas, 4.6 is very reliable, and there's not a ton of problems with the body on these. And they're also pretty cheap used. The only problem is that here in Upstate NY, a lot of them have rotted away

[@luizhernandez1830]

My dad has a 98 with transmission issues that’s been sitting in my backyard for over half a decade and I’ve been wanting to restore it but since I’m completely new to anything that has to do with these trucks idk where to start

[@bryondevine4224]

I have a 2000 standard cab 5.4 231k..The block & transmission are solid I’ve replaced everything underneath & the plugs 3 times..Not fun to work on but that’s why there’s KZbin 😁🥳

[@GusMahn]

Had a '97 4.6 2 wd SC 8' that I bought 2 years old with 164,000 miles. Sold it 10 years later with 330,000 miles. It was the best truck I've ever owned. It was pretty gutless, especially low end torque, and had a factory 2500 rpm stall torque converter to hide this fact. I pulled a lot of cars on a heavy open trailer at the time, so it saw hours of WOT operation. Under the hood the only issues were: EGR passage plugged, IAC needed cleaned, alternator need bearings at 170,000 and brushes at 275,000, the rear exhaust manifold rearmost studs broke on both sides, one O2 sensor heater failed, pinging caused by dirty MAF, AC clutch wore out. It used a quart of oil every 1000 miles, and 5w40 slowed it down to every 1200 miles. I probably added over 150 quarts in the time I owned it with zero ill effects. other notes: The brakes sucked but could by made better by cleaning the rear drums and keep them adjusted up. The u-joint and diff 8.8 bearings needed replaced. The pitman arm squealed but a spraying lithium grease into a hole poked in the boot kept it quiet. Fuel tank straps rusted through (recall). Use only Motorcraft plug wires. Multi-function switch issues are fairly common. 4.6 can have head gasket issues. Mine did leak water into the cylinder, but seal tabs actually sealed it for extended periods of time.

[@ChipW]

I have two 5.4 liter Fords (99 F150 and 99 Expedition). Both are over 300k miles. They are the 2 valve motor, which is the better version of the 5.4. The only real issue with them is the oil pump and the spark plug holes. When you take care of them, they last for ever and run great.

[@skyhunter1981]

1984 F150 had a nice 8 foot bed and was beast hauling anything or towing.

[@andylevra2452]

intro is on point

[@MrBigtom06]

I have a 01 with 330000 with a 5.4 and it still runs great. Don't know what you mean about the 5.4

[@LJSJIUJITSU]

Boat anchor? The 5.4 2V puts out 250HP and lots of torque.

[@Waspface]

340 torque and that's what matters.

[@tardis2005]

I am getting too old to fit in things like my Chevy Cruze and wanted a good daily driver. I found a 2003 SuperCrew with a 4.6. The Carfax report was good, just wear items replaced. Except, no one seemed to have replaced the shocks. And, no they haven't. Rebuilt the entire front end it says over the last four years, but couldn't seem to understand that. So, first job: replace shocks. Seems like it should be good for my purposes.

[@mikem2315]

Gave up on my 2013 Sierra in 2023 and used the cash I got for it to buy a '98 F-150 4x4 4.6. It's been a money pit (slightly more than the Sierra) needing nearly everything at that age, but I do as much as I can myself and pay a Craigslist mechanic to do the rest. Just turned 218,000 miles. I bought a small travel trailer to tow (3,000 lbs) and holy hell, it has no power at all. 7,000 lbs? Good luck with that.

[@penhawk5955]

How do you manage to get 19 mpg? My 97 4.6 gets 12.

[@JamesK7911]

Instead of OBS I call this body the BulletNose 😅 I was inspired to call it that after John Davis from MW described the ‘95 Explorer as having a bullet style front end, something Ford was notorious for doing with their vehicles in the mid to late 90s (Explorer, Expedition, F-150, and Super Duty). Then of course there’s the mid to early 2010s when Ford was crazy about the front shiny chrome colored grills lol

[@joebudi5136]

I have the same green truck but 98 with the 4.6L. I also have a 2004 5.4L. Both with about 220k miles.

[@shawnvigil4824]

I think lower and super charge it. Another lighting counter part

[@Quesadila21]

Instead of getting a bunch of adapters and filling your dash with a bunch of BS, just get a headunit. Recently got a Sony DSX-A415BT for a 2-door Explorer, and all-in with wiring and sub harnesses/adapters, it was about $100. Built-in microphone too, so don’t even have to pop panels to locate that properly. Makes you not wanna get another car for years, since Bluetooth is so convenient.

[@jofremiller795]

Make it a giveaway for a contest on your show. Keep up the good content.

[@mid-westbigfootresearchers8665]

I love my 02 F150 Larriot with the 5.4.

[@buyallmeans425]

I had a 2002 but the six cylinder. Kept till I got to 200k with little trouble. The feature I miss the most is the ease of reaching into the bed. Today's trucks are to damn high.

[@EarlGuyton425]

I own a 2002 F150 supercrew 4 dr Ford truck with the 4.6 V8 and I will keep it forever and never let it go. Mine is in exceptional great condition and is the lariat trim package with the chrome wheels. I dont haul anything or tow anything. And yes I am a DIY mechanic and they are a SOB to work on. Even though it is tall and has 270 70r 17 tires it still ,based on the hood aerodynamic style is like driving a car and the smoothness matches. It has 183 k miles on it. When and if I need a new engine I will pay 10k for one and have no regrets. FYI the 97 to 03 has thicker sheet metal than the chevy or dodge trucks and the best inner structure

[@larrycrouch8579]

I have an 02 FX4 5.4 best truck I have ever owned, 197K

[@mitch9521]

I have a 4.2L in a 2007 F150 5 speed manual and for a Ford it is a breeze to work on. But then again, pushrod V6 in a large engine bay.

[@JasPlun]

When I think 90's trucks its the boxy body style before that aerodynamic pos! The square body Fords were better by far! Update to this comment I recently purchased me an old truck and had time to drive a few of these trucks and was surprised how well they handled and I almost purchased one for my needs. The deal fell through so I ended up buying a 2003 GMC Sierra with a 4.8l instead and I already have owned one of them and know they are good and easy to work on, but these Fords from 1997-2003 were very good. I would try to find a 2000-2003 which has better updates and time for Ford to have fixed some of the issues the 1997-1999 models had. I still prefer the OBS Fords over them, but for the money these are well worth it with the 4.6l engines only. I would not buy one unless it had the 4.6l in it.

[@marcboucher3263]

I have the 4.2 v6 5 speed. I have yet to see a review that states any problems with it, nor have I had any problems.

[@robertgaylor7881]

Own a 99 150 with 54 2 valve engine great truck couldn't give me a 3 valve engine

[@jplifts3008]

I had a 2000 f-150 for my first truck. Then I sold it and got a 96 f-150 with 140,000 miles on it

[@jplifts3008]

And the 2000 was a huge pain in the butt to change the oil on. You couldn’t get to the filter very easy

[@Wicked_RotF30]

I miss my 4.6L crew cab 4x4. I stupidly title pawned it for low cash, when i was waiting on my tax refund. REPO man snatched it on my bday. I got my refund like a week later but was so pissed about it, i didnt even attempt to get the truck back. I purchased a clapped out 1977 coupe deville project for 1k which is what i pawned the f150 for. Still had the money to get the f150 back. I dont know what i was thinking. Dumb. I paid 3.5K for the f150 the year prior. It was the last vehicle my father checked out for me before he died. I still have my 96 K1500 that my father put together for me, his v6 F150 extended cab and his P71 Crown Victoria. But yes not being a mechanic, the fords engines are very intimidating.

[@jonyang6982]

My dad bought a 2002 ford f150 lariat back in 2020 and my dad past away in 2021 i took the truck and I drive the f150 more then my new tundra .

[@GadgetMan-rr3ik]

I would buy older, 87-90 90-95, the closer you get to 2000 and today's models the worse it gets when it's time to give these trucks tlc in the garage.

[@ImTheManStan90]

I wasnt excited about this body style accept for the little flareside. It just looks better with a curvy bed

[@DFarmer00001]

355,000 miles. Just picked up a 2001, 4.6, Auto, extra cab from work. Also, not a ford guy. This is my least favorite truck body style ever made. But it's growing on me. The fuel mileage is impressive.

[@skippythetubrat]

"They're never aligned." Just like the front ends on the old twin I beam suspensions on the 80s/90s Fords.

[@kellyblackmon2805]

I have now had 3 97 F-150's with the 4.6

[@davedarling6512]

I've got three 98's, one 4.6/5 speed, one 4.6/auto and an f-250 with 5.4

[@caleblopez7327]

Can you do a review on a 2nd gen Dakota review? Both V6 and V8 models

[@GrumpyMonkeyGarage]

Just gotta find one in budget and absolutely I will

[@JoeTAMAULIPAS6881]

@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage hi there sr what would be better in these trucks the 4 door or a crew cab

[@themimioguy3298]

500k on a 2014 5.4 3V. Solid as a rock!

[@sonatabella1390]

Lol i have 6 motorcycles Two mini coppers ( one i imported and placed on the freight ship from Liverpool uk to canada) and own a 2010 ford f 150 Looking at two trucks A 2005 dodge 1500 ( body has had work and needs work done)high mileage Both lifted 6 inches dont know which to buy Or a 1998 body perfect but needs pinion seal done Currently have a a 2010 ford f150 5.2

[@StoicJason]

A zip tie fixes the gear indicator problem.

[@thomasgrasmick568]

But I like my 2v 5.4 🤣 got about as many electrical issues the dodge from the cheap tow video with this 98 but that's just because someone wrecked it then my dumbass bought it. 97 XL 5.4 4x4 other than some rotted vacuum hoses and a leak from the water pump it's not bad. Definitely haven't launched a spark plug and neither has the 2v in my 04 Expedition.

[@laillahilaallah001]

man those bubble headlights just scream 90's cant look past it.

[@sashimiturtle]

97-03 is not the "OBS"... that was the 96 and earlier F150 and the 97 and earlier F250 and 350. The round body trucks replaced the old, squared off design that had been around since the 70s.

[@lavaman9162]

It looks like a more round version of my 94 ford ranger with a different grill

[@85MasterV]

Other than ugly, I’ve only heard these trucks called the ‘space shuttle’ gen. The 4.6L with 2v or 4v are some of the best sounding, most reliable V8s ever made.

[@jpherrera4254]

Restore it I love these f150 truck models from the late 90’s and I have a 2000 Ford f150 4.6 v8 2wd

[@jpherrera4254]

🛻🔥💯

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

Anyone in here have the 4.2? Don’t care about how fast is but how reliable and torquey it is.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

5.4 is the same motor as the 4.6 with a taller deck height and they both have 4 thread spark plugs, so the more powerful engine, that is the same but a lot more powerful is worse? mmmmmmmm

[@SWMOWoodsman]

Most reliable? No, but a far cry better than the new junk they are producing today. I have a 1997 F-150, same body style with the 4.6L Triton V8 and a 4R70W transmission. Both the trans and the engine are original to the vehicle and currently has 300K miles on both. Still runs and shifts like a dream. Ford did something right with these and it sure wasn't the horrid design of em, lol.

[@Nickyd.]

The 97-03 5.3 V8 2 valve is decently reliable. The 5.4 you're thinking of is the 3 valve version which is.... problematic

[@tifacola]

You’re funny!

[@shonuffisthemaster]

97+ is not obs...obs is 81-96 or if you want to narrow it down aero nose is what most people think of.

[@24Keeper]

Air bags slammed down with some 22s

[@jasonwakeman3821]

Personally I hate these but all it'll take to get popular is a big KZbinr to build one and they'll go up in value. Like roadkill did to the square body Chevy.

[@scottyellis3442]

I've owned them all & several of them & for me the fords hold up a lot better. And I'm not talking crap about this fellow but for him to be a mechanic & to call that year 5.4 a boat anchor......well that says a lot to me about his knowledge of fords. The absolute worst, untrustworthy engine I've ever owned in a truck was a 5.3 Chevrolet in a Silverado. I didn't trust that engine to get me to my mailbox and back. I've heard a lot of good things about the 5.3 but the one I had was junk from the factory. And don't even get me started on Dodge. Bought a brand new "Dodge" & it blew the front main seal on the way home from the dealership. With the 360.

[@GrumpyMonkeyGarage]

Ah yes, the 2 valve 5.4 is more reliable than the later 3v engine, but still blew it's spark plugs and had it's timing rattle that couldn't be easily fixed. Not to mention the intake gaskets pouring coolant down the intake ports. The legendary 5.3 Chevy with multiple examples making it to a million miles without internal engine work. Guess your mailbox is pretty far away. The Chevys aren't perfect like the Tundra, but Chevy is miles better than a Ford.

[@mikem2315]

The best thing about my old Sierra was the 5.3 engine. The 6 speed transmission on the other hand, was pure trash.

[@tylerw1774]

Anyone can work on this truck it’s nothing like the new shit. Go own a 2015+ anything and you’ll miss this. It’s easy. Also as a mechanic I’ll say, this truck is infinitely more reliable than a dodge or a Chevy. Even the 5.4 is a great engine. I’ve seen many with 400k +…. Torque the plugs to spec, change them on time, and if the head gasket goes put some blue devil in it. There’s all your common issues solved. As far as the door handles : it’s a fucking old truck they didn’t do that new. Atleast they don’t just completely fall apart inside like other brands. These trucks hold up the best.

[@stanb990]

The OBS years ended in 1996 for F150s

[@Sncedayone]

4.2 is great

[@BrownBomber92181]

The 2004 Model F-150 was the 1st year of the 11th gen models.

[@GrumpyMonkeyGarage]

The 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage is still this body style. So I figured I would include it in this list as it would apply.

[@BrownBomber92181]

@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage thanks , I forgot about that model

[@AP.Production]

2v is good though

[@mars2975]

I guess opinions vary

[@anthonyhales4192]

and might i mention you are referring to the white truck as an 04’ but its an 03. you also said the 5.4s have spark plug problems comming out. not the 2v engine. the 2v 5.4 was from 97 to 03 f150 untill they switched to the 3v design in o4 and i would never buy any 3v 5.4 comming from a ford guy. the 2v 5.4 is problably one of the most reliable engines of that era.

[@GrumpyMonkeyGarage]

@@anthonyhales4192 the white trucks a 2004 F-150 heritage, I'm very sure as I have the title. The 2v engines around here fill the spark plug wells with coolant when the intake leaks so they sit and rust if the customers using water, or they fill with a mud goo mixture if it's coolant. It's very hard to get the spark plugs out since these trucks are going to the 200-300k mile category now. The 3V engine is on our worst engine list, I fully agree the 2V is better by far, but still not as good as the 4.6 or a Tundra, Silverado or Sierra of this same vintage. Body style did change in 04, they kept this body style and called it the "heritage"

[@anthonyhales4192]

@@GrumpyMonkeyGarage learn something new everyday. i knew of a heritage model but didn’t know it was labeled as a 2004. good to know. the heritage i believe had beefier suspension and 6 or 7 lugs correct?

[@GrumpyMonkeyGarage]

@@anthonyhales4192 this one here has 5 lugs, the F-150 7700 trucks had that weird heavy duty suspension and 7 lugs, I have worked on one, but only one. It was in for the coolant leak from the intake actually.

[@mr.l520]

Its easy to work on LoL try owning a 90's JDM car.