25th Aug 2005, 21:44

Brakes = your fault for braking too late too much...

Temp control= don't turn to hard.

Windshield wipers= something stupid, electrical, go to dealer or mechanic.

Seatbelts = wow, get those fixed fast as they 're very important.

Anti lock brakes = how do you know they don't work? Have you ever been in a HEAVY braking situation? Maybe you don't notice it? Is your ABS light on?

1st Apr 2006, 06:49

I have over 200,000 miles on my 99 F150. never had any problems with it. I usually need to do the brakes at about 75,000. it sounds like you are hard on the truck, try another brand and see how long they last and you will be back with the Ford. Simple maintenance will keep it running forever. had a 88 with over 350,000 on it and never replaced the clutch, same thing brakes would go at least 75,000

29th Apr 2006, 10:21

The truck is heavy, and you will probably haul something, further adding to the weight. I recommend ceramic brake pads. Mine have lasted for ~50k miles. I have 95k on the truck. No problems so far and I tow a boat.

4th Aug 2007, 17:11

I have a 99 Ford F-150 and have been going through brakes every year. I can't figure out what the issue is, which is why I was searching for it online and found this forum. I agree with the originator, If you find out what is causing this to happen please post it so I know what my problem is.

16th Jan 2008, 21:29

I have two 1999 F150 pickups, never had any trouble out of brakes. I guess it is because I don't buy the cheapest brakes that you can buy.

If you think this is bad, buy a chevy pickup, and that's where the real fun begins. Trust me, you will buy more than just brakes.

6th Oct 2008, 13:37

Hello all, I to own a 1999 F150 with the 5.4 Triton. I am the 2nd and last owner of this truck.

I do love this truck and do not plan to get another one any time soon, but I will agree that there is a problem with the brakes; within the first 2 years I had to take it to Goodyear for a service about every 3 months, then like that, no more problems, all was good until 4 months ago. I needed new pads and the rotors turned, and now just like before I have to go back. Is it bad brakes or bad techs wanting more money? I just do not know.

Now for the other problems, save your money for new coils, and watch out for the plugs to blow right out of the head passenger side, only this will not be a cheap fix. The good thing is I have always got 15-16 mpg, not too bad I guess.

Well my truck is running fine right now (all but the brakes), and at 160 thousand miles I plan to keep it going. Ford tough.

4th Oct 2009, 13:21

I second the ceramic brake comment. It's a truck, chances are you will be towing or hauling something. Go with the ceramics. If you go to a brake shop to have it done instead of DIY, make sure they use the top of the line brake pads.

9th Feb 2010, 15:06

I had a 1999 F150XLT 4X4 5.4 V8 that I bought from the dealer with 102,000 miles in 2002. Sold it in 2008 with 166,500 miles because I was cruising Europe in a sailboat.

I never had any problems with the brakes, and put in another set of pads on the front calipers myself in 2006. I always do my own work.

My guess is that something is causing your front calipers to apply more than residual pressure, causing the brakes to drag and overheat, thus warping your discs.

Regarding the spark plug popping out of the head on the passenger side, I'm willing to bet one of your heater hoses is leaking coolant onto the plug and coil pack. Mine had a hose clamp that had the fitting pointed towards the firewall, which made it hard to tighten. I just took it off and installed it properly.

The drip leak caused the coil pack to fail, and also caused the right exhaust manifold to warp at the rear upper stud. First symptoms are an intermittent miss. The job is doable if you're an experienced mechanic, but you need to be very careful when removing the manifold studs, because they have a tendency to break. Two broke for me and one was flush with the aluminum head. I had to buy a special bit set from Sears to drill out and remove the stud. Be sure to buy new studs from the dealer, as they have an interference thread and can only be used once. I also recommend anti-seize compound on them.

The manifold was resurfaced at a machine shop. I also replaced my left rear axle seal.

I never replaced the rear drum brake shoes, because I always had around 1/16" or more lining, and Haynes manuals recommended replacement at 1/32".

I loved my Ford truck. If and when I come back to the US, I'll be buying another pre-2005, because I liked the body better than the newer ones. Don't like the new interior either!

31st Mar 2010, 09:09

I own a 1999 Ford F150 5.4L extended cab XLT 4x4. I bought this truck new about 11 years ago now. When I bought it, the truck had about 23 miles on it, now it has over 150,000. I have never had to have my rotors turned, I have only had to have new pads put on twice since 99.

My wipers and heater switch work just fine.

This by far is the best truck that I have ever owned.

My advice to the original poster is to not be so hard on your truck, and they will last you longer.

10th Oct 2010, 22:32

I have a 1999 F150 5.4, it has 311,000 miles.

It has been a good truck although I have had 3 different plugs blow out. Two of them got the threads but I tapped them out and put a heli-coil kit in them and am still driving it.

I have just put a 1100 mile beach trip on it and it ran good. I change the oil at 2500 miles each time, I use Mobil one syn. The plugs are the only problem I have ever had.

Love the truck.