Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Competitors 2001:
Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Platform:
Ninth Generation (introduced in 1997), a significant redesign from the previous generation.
Body On Frame:
Retained traditional body-on-frame construction for durability and towing capacity.
Engine Options:
Offered a range of robust V8 engines and a capable V6, catering to various work and performance needs.
Interior Design:
Improved interior comfort and ergonomics compared to previous generations, with more car-like features.
Towing And Hauling:
Renowned for its class-leading towing and payload capacities.
Engine Coverage:
4.2L V6, 4.6L V8 Triton, 5.4L V8 Triton
Transmission Coverage:
4R70W 4-speed Automatic, NV3550 5-speed Manual
Body Style Coverage:
Regular Cab, SuperCab (Extended Cab)
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD, 4WD
Total Pages:
~2000-3000 pages (estimated for a comprehensive service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emission controls, diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
NV3550 5-speed: clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, removal and installation
Transmission Automatic:
4R70W: hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, gear sets, solenoids, diagnostic procedures
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc (depending on configuration), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (twin I-beam or SOHC system), rear solid axle, leaf springs, shocks, steering linkage
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, accessories, wiring diagrams (chassis and engine)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, components, and diagnostics
Body:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, bumpers, frame
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, components, and specifications
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all components
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
OBD-II codes and their interpretations, diagnostic flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Type:
NV3550 5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4R70W 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
Automatic Overdrive:
Yes (4R70W)
Manual Gear Ratios:
3.03:1 (1st), 1.67:1 (2nd), 1.13:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th), 0.76:1 (5th), 2.71:1 (Reverse) for NV3550
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Fluid Type:
Mercon ATF or equivalent for NV3550
Wheelbase Std Cab:
129.9 inches
Wheelbase Supercab:
150.1 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
223.0 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
244.2 inches
Width Without Mirrors:
79.7 inches
Height:
73.7 inches (approximate, varies by configuration)
Bed Length Short Bed:
6.5 feet
Bed Length Long Bed:
8.0 feet
Curb Weight Range:
4,500 - 5,500 lbs (approximate, varies by configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 3,000+ lbs (varies by configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,900 lbs (with appropriate configuration)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (for 2001 models tested)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (for 2001 models tested)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front and rear wheels
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point safety belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced safety cage construction
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Around 100,000 miles for Triton V8 engines (platinum-tipped)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG/SH or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.2L V6:
5.0 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.6L V8:
6.0 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.4L V8:
7.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets, particularly on V8 engines, leading to coolant and vacuum leaks.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
4R70W transmission can sometimes exhibit hard shifts or delayed engagement, often related to electronic control or fluid issues.
Spark Plug Ejection:
Early Triton V8s (pre-2004) were known for spark plug blow-out issues due to threads stripping in the cylinder head. Manual covers proper torque and replacement procedures.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, particularly on the 5.4L V8, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Potential for rear main engine seal leaks, especially at higher mileage.
Ford Truck Legacy:
Ford has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Model AA Truck in the late 1920s. The F-Series has been a dominant force for decades.
Ninth Gen Introduction:
The 2001 F-150 belongs to the ninth generation, which underwent a significant redesign in 1997, moving away from the older 'brick nose' styling to a more aerodynamic and rounded design.
Powertrain Advancements:
The Triton V8 engines (4.6L and 5.4L) were key introductions of this generation, offering improved performance and refinement over older V8s.
Manufacturing Locations:
Assembled in various Ford plants across the United States, including Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City, Missouri.