1997 Ford F800 LPO

Introduction

The 1997 Ford F800 LPO is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was highly regarded for its powerful engine, rugged construction, and impressive towing and payload capacities. The F800 LPO was available with a wide range of engine and transmission options, including a 7.3L V8 diesel, a 9.0L V8 diesel, a 12.0L V8 diesel, a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1997 Ford F800 LPO generally praised the vehicle’s durability, off-road capabilities, and customization options. However, there were some common issues that plagued the vehicle, ranging from engine problems to electrical glitches.

Engine

7.3L V8 Diesel

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blown head gasket, resulting in coolant leaks, overheating, and loss of power
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking or clogged fuel injectors, leading to poor engine performance and fuel leaks
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

9.0L V8 Diesel

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning turbocharger, causing reduced power output and increased exhaust emissions
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

12.0L V8 Diesel

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn synchronizers, resulting in difficulty shifting gears or grinding noises when shifting
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn clutch disc or pressure plate, causing slipping or difficulty engaging gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty shift solenoid, leading to erratic shifting or transmission slipping
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken leaf springs, resulting in sagging rear end and decreased ride quality
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning alternator, causing insufficient charging of the battery and electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Damaged or corroded wiring harness, causing electrical malfunctions such as flickering lights or instrument panel issues
  • Solution: Repair or replace wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust and Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion on body panels, frame, and other metal components
  • Solution: Rust repair, body work, or replacement of affected parts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard due to sun exposure or temperature fluctuations
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or use a dashboard cover
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty HVAC system, causing inadequate heating or cooling
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace HVAC components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1997 Ford F800 LPO was a capable and reliable heavy-duty pickup truck. However, it was not without its issues, mainly related to the engine, transmission, and electrical components. The severity of these issues varied, with some being relatively minor and others requiring significant repairs. The cost to fix these issues could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the problem.