1998 Ford L8501

Introduction

The 1998 Ford L8501 is a heavy-duty truck with a 7.3L V8 Power Stroke diesel engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. It produces 215 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. The L8501 boasts a robust frame and suspension, making it suitable for demanding work applications. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of reported issues.

Engine

7.3L V8 Power Stroke Diesel Engine

• Injector Sticking
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, poor fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant loss
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Gear Shifting Difficulty
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fails to engage gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling engine, shuddering while driving
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor ride quality
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive bouncing
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim lights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to crank, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, reduced visibility
  • Solution: Replace headlight lenses
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Crack
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in dashboard plastic
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Ford L8501 is a capable workhorse, but it is not without its issues. Engine problems, such as injector sticking and turbocharger failure, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues are also common, including gear shifting difficulty and transmission slipping. Other problems, such as leaf spring failure and dashboard cracking, are less severe but still add to the overall cost of ownership.