1998 Ford LT9513

Introduction

The 1998 Ford LT9513 was a heavy-duty pickup truck initially introduced with a 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine and an automatic transmission. The truck was also available with a gasoline V10 engine option and a manual transmission option. The LT9513 was praised by owners for its towing and hauling capabilities, but it also had several known issues.

Engine

7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

• Injector O-Ring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fuel from the injectors, rough idle, poor performance
  • Solution: Replace the injector O-rings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L V10 Gasoline

• Spark Plug Blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfire, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs and inspect the cylinder heads for damage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R100 Automatic

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift properly, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

ZF S6-650 Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to engage or disengage gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc and pressure plate
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise while driving, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, reduced load capacity
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming or flickering lights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: 02E040 - Alternator Overheating
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but fails to start
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: 01E029 - Starter Motor Replacement

Exterior

• Body Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on body panels, particularly in the rocker panels and wheel arches
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Belt Buckle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt buckle does not release properly
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt buckle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: 98V079 - Seat Belt Buckle Release Resistance
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard material
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or repair the cracks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Ford LT9513 had some significant issues, particularly with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine and the 4R100 automatic transmission. These issues can be costly to repair, but the LT9513 remained a popular choice for heavy-duty hauling due to its towing and payload capabilities. Owners should be aware of these potential issues and budget accordingly for repairs and maintenance.