1997 Ford LN8000

1997 Ford LN8000

The Ford LN8000 is a medium-duty truck introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year. The LN8000 was developed per a joint venture between Ford and Iveco. The LN8000 was offered with a variety of powertrain configurations; for the 1997 model year, the available engine choices were the Caterpillar 3126, the Cummins 5.9L B Series, and the Ford Power Stroke 7.3L. The available transmissions were the Eaton Fuller 7-speed manual, the Eaton Fuller 9-speed manual, and the Allison 4-speed automatic. The LN8000 was discontinued after 2006, with its replacement being the Ford F-650/F-750.

Engine

Caterpillar 3126

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, high oil consumption
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Cummins 5.9L B Series

• Cylinder head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Ford Power Stroke 7.3L

• Injection pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the injection pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, high oil consumption
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Eaton Fuller 7-speed manual

• Synchronizer failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Eaton Fuller 9-speed manual

• Synchronizer failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Allison 4-speed automatic

• Transmission failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No forward or reverse gears, slipping gears
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering when shifting gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked leaf springs, sagging suspension
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per spring
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive body roll, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per shock
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, electrical components not working
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting the engine, electrical components not working
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust on the body panels, frame, and other components
  • Solution: Preventative measures include regular washing and waxing, as well as rust proofing. Repairing rust typically involves grinding away the rust and applying a rust converter and paint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Torn or faded seat fabric, worn-out seat cushions
  • Solution: Replace the seat covers or cushions
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per seat
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning heater or air conditioner, difficulty controlling the temperature
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the specific component causing the issue (e.g., blower motor, compressor, blend door)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1997 Ford LN8000 has a range of potential issues, some of which can be severe and expensive to repair. The most common issues reported are related to the engine and transmission, particularly injector failure, turbocharger failure, and synchronizer failure. While the suspension and electrical systems generally do not experience major issues, rust can be a concern for this vehicle if preventative measures are not taken. The interior is generally reliable, but seat wear and climate control issues can occur.