1994 Ford CFT8000

Introduction to the 1994 Ford CFT8000

The 1994 Ford CFT8000 is a Class 8 heavy-duty truck designed for both on-road and off-road applications. It is powered by a variety of engine options, including a 12-liter Caterpillar 3406E, a 15-liter Cummins NTC-400, and a 16-liter Detroit Diesel Series 60. Transmission options include a 10-speed Fuller RT10609A, a 13-speed Eaton Fuller RT13609A, and a 16-speed Fuller RT16609A.

Owners like the CFT8000 for its powerful engines, durable construction, and versatility. However, the truck has been plagued by a number of issues that have led to recalls and customer complaints.

Engine

12-liter Caterpillar 3406E

• Blown head gasket: Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, and loss of coolant. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Fuel injector failure: Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and black smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the failed fuel injector(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per injector
• Turbocharger failure: Symptoms include loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, and high oil consumption. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

15-liter Cummins NTC-400

• Injector pump failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting, poor fuel economy, and black smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the injector pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Turbocharger failure: Symptoms include loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, and high oil consumption. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

16-liter Detroit Diesel Series 60

• Cylinder head cracking: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the cylinder head(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ per cylinder head
• Fuel injector failure: Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and black smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the failed fuel injector(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per injector
• Turbocharger failure: Symptoms include loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, and high oil consumption. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Transmission

10-speed Fuller RT10609A

• Synchro wear: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, and popping out of gear. Solution: Replace the worn synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Input shaft bearing failure: Symptoms include noise from the transmission, vibration, and difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace the input shaft bearing. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

13-speed Eaton Fuller RT13609A

• Synchro wear: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, and popping out of gear. Solution: Replace the worn synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Output shaft seal leak: Symptoms include transmission fluid leaking from the output shaft. Solution: Replace the output shaft seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

16-speed Fuller RT16609A

• Synchro wear: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, and popping out of gear. Solution: Replace the worn synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Countershaft bearing failure: Symptoms include noise from the transmission, vibration, and difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace the countershaft bearing. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Suspension

Front Suspension

• Ball joint failure: Symptoms include clunking noises, vibration, and poor handling. Solution: Replace the failed ball joint(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per ball joint
• Tie rod end failure: Symptoms include vibration, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the failed tie rod end(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per tie rod end

Rear Suspension

• Leaf spring breakage: Symptoms include sagging suspension, uneven tire wear, and poor handling. Solution: Replace the broken leaf spring(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per leaf spring
• U-joint failure: Symptoms include vibration, clunking noises, and difficulty steering. Solution: Replace the failed U-joint(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per U-joint

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering lights, and a dead battery. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Starter failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, grinding noises, and a clicking sound. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Battery failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, weak headlights, and a clicking sound. Solution: Replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Door hinge failure: Symptoms include sagging doors, difficulty opening and closing doors, and broken door hinges. Solution: Replace the failed door hinge(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per door hinge
• Tailgate latch failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the tailgate, and a loose tailgate. Solution: Replace the failed tailgate latch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Seat cushion failure: Symptoms include sagging seat cushions, discomfort, and poor support. Solution: Replace the failed seat cushion(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per seat cushion
• Dashboard cracking: Symptoms include cracks in the dashboard, fading, and peeling. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• HVAC system failure: Symptoms include lack of heat or AC, poor airflow, and strange noises. Solution: Repair or replace the failed HVAC components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Summary

The 1994 Ford CFT8000 is a powerful and versatile truck, but it has been plagued by a number of serious issues that have led to recalls and customer complaints. The most common problems involve the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. These issues can be costly to repair, and they can significantly impact the reliability and safety of the truck.