1998 Ford LT8501

Introduction:

The 1998 Ford LT8501 is a heavy-duty pickup truck available with three engine options: a 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, a 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline, and a 5.4L Triton V8 gasoline. The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel produces 235 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline produces 310 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. The 5.4L Triton V8 gasoline produces 260 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The LT8501 is known for its ruggedness and towing capacity. However, it has also been plagued by several issues over the years.

Engine

7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors can become clogged or fail, causing the engine to run rough, misfire, or stall.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail, resulting in reduced engine power and efficiency.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.8L Triton V10 Gasoline

• Spark Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The spark plugs can fail, causing the engine to misfire and run rough.
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The EGR valve can fail, causing the engine to run poorly and emit excessive emissions.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

5.4L Triton V8 Gasoline

• Cam Phaser Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cam phaser can fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the cam phaser.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The spark plugs can fail, causing the engine to misfire and run rough.
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip gears or refuse to shift.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The leaf springs can break or sag, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can wear out or fail, causing the vehicle to wander or pull to one side.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain rapidly, even when the vehicle is parked.
  • Solution: Identify and fix the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, causing the vehicle to lose electrical power.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter may fail, preventing the vehicle from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: The body and frame of the vehicle may rust, especially in areas with high humidity.
  • Solution: Prevent rust by regularly washing and waxing the vehicle, and applying rust-proofing protection.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may fail, causing the vehicle to become too hot or too cold.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the climate control system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seat may fail to adjust or move.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the power seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may fail, causing the gauges and lights to malfunction.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1998 Ford LT8501 is a heavy-duty pickup truck with a proven track record of reliability. However, it has been plagued by several common issues, including engine, transmission, and suspension problems. The severity of the issues can range from minor inconveniences to major breakdowns, and the cost to fix them can be significant.