ok, just brought my 98 xlt 5.0 home, got some issues...

[white_shadow]

98 xlt 5.0 2wd 166k miles

i know its a 14 yo truck, but id like everything to work like its not, here is what i have found out so far. someone lemme know the PITA factor on these repairs.

- lights behind the fan setting (hvac) are burnt out
- needs atleast new front shocks
- cruise control buttons ( the ones on the right ) dont light up, did not test actual function of the cc but the on/off buttons on the left feel funny when pressed, will replace both sides
- drivers door does not lock, the lock will not go down, maybe something jamming it up? worn bushing internally?
- i think a fog light bracket is broke or loose, easy fix i think
- the temp knob on the hvac turns, but i only get hot air out of the vents unless i set it to ac, i turn it to cold, but still get hot air. suggestions?
- it needs an alignment, has a slight pull to the right
- about an inch tear in the drivers seat ( cloth ), im thinking covers or possibly stitch it back up. im not looking for show quality, just dont want the tear to spread
- passenger mirror has a light in it, drivers side does not light up, possibly burned out bulb

thats all i can think of after a 30 mile drive back to my house with it. any tips/suggestions/advise is greatly appreciated. im not scared to work on this truck, have been working on cars for many years. thanks in advance!

 

[FIND]

98 xlt 5.0 2wd 166k miles

i know its a 14 yo truck, but id like everything to work like its not, here is what i have found out so far. someone lemme know the PITA factor on these repairs.

We'll see what we can do

- lights behind the fan setting (hvac) are burnt out

Real simple. There are 2 194 bulbs to replace. The radio surround comes off easily too.

needs atleast new front shocks

They can be a bit of knucklebusters at times, and rust may get you. But, patience, a wrench and a pair of vice grips to hold the shock from turning with the nut, and you are good to go. Soak with penetrating oil a couple times a day before you start and you will wonder why I even said it would be a knucklebuster.

- cruise control buttons ( the ones on the right ) dont light up, did not test actual function of the cc but the on/off buttons on the left feel funny when pressed, will replace both sides

They normally feel kind of funny compared to other ford vehicles. As for the lights, you can replace the bulbs with bulbs you can find at radio shack, or you can convert them to LEDs. Search in the performance lighting section for more information.

- drivers door does not lock, the lock will not go down, maybe something jamming it up? worn bushing internally?

Check the lock solenoid for operation, replace as necessary.

- i think a fog light bracket is broke or loose, easy fix i think

If not, a pair of new fog lights are cheap on Ebay

- the temp knob on the hvac turns, but i only get hot air out of the vents unless i set it to ac, i turn it to cold, but still get hot air. suggestions?

You mean on the AC setting, you are still getting hot air? Charge your AC. If you mean without the AC on, then that is normal. There is nothing in your car to cool the air coming in other than the AC, and the air coming in is heated from your car and engine and such slightly, as well as heat soak in your heater core, even when you have it set to cold.

- it needs an alignment, has a slight pull to the right

Alignments are cheap

- about an inch tear in the drivers seat ( cloth ), im thinking covers or possibly stitch it back up. im not looking for show quality, just dont want the tear to spread

This may also be a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with the local salvage yard.

- passenger mirror has a light in it, drivers side does not light up, possibly burned out bulb

You mean exterior puddle lamps? Check the bulbs, but, wiring is also sometimes an issue.

thats all i can think of after a 30 mile drive back to my house with it. any tips/suggestions/advise is greatly appreciated. im not scared to work on this truck, have been working on cars for many years. thanks in advance!

Take good care of it. It is a 302, they last forever if they are taken care of.