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David in MD 12-08-2004 13:05:14 165.221.129.1 11901 Report to Moderator	I have a buddy who is thinking about buying a 1996 F150 4x4, 80,000 miles with the 4.9l inline 6 engine. Any reports good or bad on this truck and engine would be appreciated. [Reply]  [No Email]
'Nother MD Dave 12-16-2004 18:16:09 69.72.27.136 11950 Report to Moderator	Re: 1996 F150 in reply to David in MD, 12-08-2004 13:05:14   Have 1 '90 with almost 250,000 on it and haven't done anything but routine maint.Heck,just put an alternator on it las tyear,and replaced the original battery the year before.The 5 speed is the weak link,IF it's a manual.Still on the original clutch,but it's THIN-I try not to tow too much anymore.It's a Mazda tranny.Mine has always run cool-turns out the factory thermostat is defective-always open.Might keep me from getting max mpg,but I'd rather have the longevity.Just got lucky with this truck,I think.Have a '93 with 302-it's a POS.Dave   [Reply]  [No Email]
ff316 12-08-2004 20:36:06 207.246.76.83 11905 Report to Moderator	Re: 1996 F150 in reply to David in MD, 12-08-2004 13:05:14   My dad's 96 F150 has at least twice that mileage, and the 6 cylinder keeps on ticking. I drove it to Minnesota and back this summer, from Kentucky, about 1800 miles with no problems. I think there have been a few recalls for problems with the dual fuel tank transfer switch, you may want to check and see if it needs fixed. Just give a dealer the VIN and they will tell you. Other than that, same as any older truck, check all the fluids, repack front bearings, etc... Good luck.   [Reply]  [No Email]
dhermesc 12-09-2004 12:33:30 68.110.220.22 11908 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 1996 F150 in reply to ff316, 12-08-2004 20:36:06   The 4.9 is the metric designation of the 300 inline 6 that Ford first started building back in 1965. For durability and dependability you'd be hard pressed to find a better engine - bar none. The only mechanical problem it might have is in a 1988 or newer truck the engineers designed it to run hotter to help with emissions. With this in mind make sure the radiator is in good condition along with the thermostat. Do that and change the oil every couple years and it will last about 150K. Keep it well maintained and it will last 300K and beyond. The only down sides to the 300 6 is the fuel mileage tends to be on the low side and it seems a bit low on power. When it comes to towing (torque) it will embarrass a 302 and keep up with a 351. We had a 1966 Ford F600 with one that had well over 300K of hard miles but good maintenance.   [Reply]  [No Email]