Hello all,
I am looking at a 2007 XLT 4x4. Build date is 5/07, so from what I read it may have the spark plug issue but probably not the cam phaser issue.

64K miles, quiet, no knocking or ticking.

It was just run thru a local Ford dealer for their multi point inspeciton.

I am thinking of doing a prepurchase inspection to check for signs of the cam phasers and to check oil psi since I read about some issues with the oil pickup in the pan.

Will the Ford dealer be able to do that? Is it easily detectable, or will I get the same info by warming it up and listening?

Thanks!

 

If you want to do pre purchase inspection, you would be better off doing it (independent shop) outside of the dealer lot. No biased result.

Those 04-08 trucks aren't quite perfect but they're darn good. Love them to death.
I have 07, it's excellent, and yes I'm concerned about spark plugs breaking. But would replace them early around 60K instead of 100K.

 

go in early morning, start the truck yourself from a cold start

listen to the valve train. a little clicking is normal (injectors). Anything louder though means issues. I've heard a few trucks that are as loud as your/mine PSD


as for spark plugs...way overblown. The removal tool is $100. If they break, buy or rent the tool and get them out. It's not overly hard. Several guys even have DIY removal tools that cost <$5 to assemble.

As for oil, just check the color and look at the bottom of the fill cap. These motors commonly form a whitish foam around the cap. It is condensation formed after many short trips where the motor didn't get to operating temperature.

Oil color should be light Karo (corn syrup) to a darker amber. Avoid anything brown or black.





The 06+ trucks were damn fine machines...so were the 04-05's after a few stumbles. I suggest you take it out on the highway and see how the Cruise Control works. Then floor it a couple of times and see how the transmission reacts.




oh yeah, the trans has an adaptive feature. It learns how you drive. So if you do buy the truck, I highly suggest you unplug the batteries for >30 minutes to clear the PCM. It'll run funky for a few miles, but then she'll smooth out and start learning your driving quirks

 

Thanks, its a private sale and I am meeting the guy at the local Ford dealer for a pre-purchase inspection.

I need to update my sig. Sold the PSD a few years ago and miss having a truck!

 

I would meet him at his house instead and hear it from a cold start. Just me though.

How much is the Dealership charging to inspect?

 

It was $115 and I asked them to run an OASIS and they did. It showed no warranty work at all.

 

Not overly bad

You buy it?

Pictures?

 

Yeah, working the loan process now. Will post pics when thing are finalized.
I am considering a vehicle warranty thru my bank just in case of the cam phaser issue. I wonder if that is considered normal wear and tear?

 

Normal wear/tear is brakes, clutch, wiper blades...etc

Cam Phaser is a motor failure IMO


Btw, after you get it, change the oil with Motorcraft FL-820s filter, and I highly highly suggest only using 5w20 per Owners Manual

The 5.4 3v is particular about her oil. 5w20 is good enough for 500+ RWHP motors, and served me great with my Supercharged 5.4 3v

 

Before you take possession make sure the 4wd shift motor works as well. And Rock Auto sells the Lisle spark plug removal tool for about $65 plus shipping. Rock Auto is also the cheapest place I've found for tune up parts too.

 

This truck has a manual 4x4 shifter! I found that odd, since just about all the F-150s I've seen have the electronic shift on the fly. It's nicely optioned otherwise, so I wonder if it was special ordered with the 4x4 on the floor.

Has 3.55 LS axle, premium sound, auto headlights and steering wheel controls.

 

Manual shift transfer case was standard on most trucks with 40/20/40 seating in front. ESOF is mandatory with captains chair seating arrangement like I have on mine. Sounds like it'll be a fine truck. I bought an SCT x3 programmer with custom tunes for my truck and the driveability is really improved. There is no more hesitation when I mash the throttle and it shifts so much better. I can't say fuel mileage increased any, but driveability sure made the purchase worth the expense. I also have 3.55 L/S and even with those gears it pulls my enclosed 20' car trailer just fine. I get slightly better mileage than I did with my 05 PSD empty and within 1 mpg towing of the diesel. The only other area you may have problems with are the power window switches. I've had to replace them once in both front doors.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. It does have the 40/20/40 seats.
I picked up the Motorcraft filter and 5w20 today. Hope to get the truck soon, waiting on the sellers lien to clear.