Segment:
Full-size pickup truck, consistently a best-selling vehicle in North America.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.
Strengths:
Robust build, wide range of engine options, towing and payload capability, comfortable ride for a truck, interior space and comfort.
Audience:
Professionals, fleet operators, families, individuals seeking utility, towing, and hauling capabilities.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4R75E, 4R75W, 6R80) and Manual Transmission (M5R2-HD) repair, diagnostics, and service procedures.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, axles, differential, four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, transfer case, hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, power steering, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control module (BCM), chassis control module (CCM), diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, hood, tailgate, frame repair.
Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, diagnostic and service procedures for restraint systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, brake inspections.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension and steering repairs, brake system servicing.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system testing, component testing.
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts, exploded views.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and body repair.
Engine Options:
4.6L Triton V8 (2V and 3V), 5.4L Triton V8 (3V), 6.8L Triton V10, 4.0L/4.2L/4.6L/5.4L/6.0L Power Stroke Diesel (for Heavy Duty variants, but less common in standard F-150 models of this era).
4.6L V8 (3V) Power:
Approx. 248-302 hp, 294-353 lb-ft torque
5.4L V8 (3V) Power:
Approx. 300 hp, 365 lb-ft torque
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (typically 87 octane, check specific engine)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Yellow) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Wheelbase:
Varies by cab style and bed length (e.g., 126.0 in, 133.0 in, 145.5 in, 150.5 in).
Overall Length:
Varies significantly by configuration.
Bed Lengths:
Available in various lengths: 5.5 ft (Short Bed), 6.5 ft (Standard Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed).
Curb Weight:
Varies greatly by configuration, typically ranging from 4,500 lbs to 5,500 lbs+
Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 3,100 lbs, depending on configuration and options.
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 11,000 lbs, depending on configuration, engine, axle ratio, and towing package.
NHTSA Front Crash:
Generally rated 4 or 5 stars for driver and passenger front crash protection (check specific model year and configuration).
IIHS Side Crash:
Good ratings for side crash protection often achieved.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on many models.
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) became increasingly available or standard during this generation.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, and available side-curtain airbags.
Audio System:
Base AM/FM/CD, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, premium sound systems available.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, adaptive cruise control not typically available in this generation.
Bluetooth:
Available SYNC infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming introduced during this generation.
Remote Start:
Optional remote start system.
Backup Camera:
Rearview camera system became available as an option on later models within this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM) system if equipped.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on usage (towing, heavy loads). Consult manual for specific interval.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on coolant type and manufacturer recommendation.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (most common for V8 engines), SAE 5W-30 for some applications. Always verify with the owner's manual or oil filler cap.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine: 4.6L V8 approx. 6.0-7.0 quarts, 5.4L V8 approx. 7.0 quarts.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon V or equivalent. Verify in manual.
Spark Plugs:
5.4L 3V Triton engines are notorious for spark plug issues (breaking off during removal). Requires special tools and procedure, detailed in the manual.
Cam Phasers Timing Chain:
Common wear item on the 5.4L 3V engines, leading to ticking noises and potential performance issues.
Transmission Shifts:
Some transmissions may exhibit hard shifting or delayed engagement, often resolvable with fluid changes or control module updates.
Exhaust Manifold Studs:
Can break during exhaust manifold removal, especially on V8 engines. Manual provides best practices.
Ford Trucks:
Ford has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, with the F-Series being a flagship product for decades.
11Th Gen Introduction:
The 11th generation (2004-2008) represented a significant redesign from the previous generation, featuring a bolder exterior styling, revised interior, and updated powertrains.
Major Updates:
Introduction of the Super Duty-inspired styling, improved interior comfort, and the availability of the 3-valve Triton V8 engines and the 6-speed automatic transmission.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily assembled in North America, with major plants in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City, Missouri.
Sales Figures:
Consistently one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States and Canada throughout this period.
