All,

So, now that Uncle Sam has me stateside, I have my restored 76 F100 up and running. And I'm using it to go to Home Depot. Not cool. So, I'm buying a truck, needless to say what brand. I'm looking at an 05 FX4 w/the Triton - 75K miles.

Is this a good engine? I hear the 4.6 is great but I'm hearing rumors about the 5.4...

 

Yes, its a damn good engine. Don't listen to the rumors. But maintenance will be VERY different from your carb/distributor '76 model. Forget adjusting idling jets or twisting the distributor to get more advance! Maintain it and it will serve you well. But, if you're going to self maintain this one, you will need a couple of new tools - (Lisle extractor tool and scan tool). With 75k on it - you probably should plan on a plug change soon - which means you'll need the spark plug extractor tool right away. But the members here will provide plenty of help dealing with

 

The 5.4 3V is a pretty good engine. Though they have their issues. Cam phasers, VCT solenoids, timing chain tensioners... (In '05 they had an issue with the injectors sticking open and flooding the engine just in that year only). Spark plugs like to break the shell off during removal too, which the Lisle part # 65600 works great at removing the shell. IMO, I myself would probably avoid an '05 because of the known injector issues for an '06 year. In '06, they had updated the cam phasers and don't have as much trouble with them as well. All-in-all, it's all in how you maintain it. I have an '07 that currently has 127,130 miles. No issues with it, what-so-ever. I use Motorcraft SB 5W-20 and Motorcraft FL-820S oil filters and change every 3,000 miles. Smooth as silk.

 

Ok, Im iffy now. Sometimes the internet is a bad thing, reading all kinds of stuff. It's a real nice truck though. What kind mileage can I expect? If it's amintained, is it relitavely trouble free?

 

iffy? I thought you were oft. lol


The price part of the equation is likely the more important thing. However, 75K is not a lot of miles for a 5.4L. Mine '04 has +200k. 07150Lariat5.4 says his has "127,130 miles. No issues with it, what-so-ever".


Mine's not a 4X4, but it gets around 13.5 mpg mixed city-hwy, and will approach 20 on the highway - 65mph. IMHO you could expect the 4X4 to get within 1 mpg of that.


If the truck you're looking at hasn't been abused, with even decent maintenance it should give lots of trouble free service. But - I would recommend changing plugs pretty soon and bite the bullet and buy Motorcraft SP515 plugs. Some will probably break whilst taking them out - so heed the advice here (and all over the forums) and get an extractor tool BEFORE you start. [Also, I'm no expert - but I personally believe the 'carbon buildup' should be cleaned out of each spark plug hole real good before installing the new plugs] More on this 5.4L spark plug issue and my opinion about the issue here: 5.4L 3V Spark Plugs Engine Build Dates before 10/09/07 - Page 86 - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans


Happy motoring with your new truck. Go for it

 

Bought it!

1st thing I'll do when I get it home on Friday - post a picture.

2nd thing - change the plugs, after I get the extractor tool. I tend to listen to folks that sound like they know what they're talking about...

 

Congrats on your purchase! You shouldn't have any trouble with it. As long as you keep up regular maintenance, I wouldn't be surprised to see it go to 200,000.

 

Congratulations iffy, (I mean oft!). On both my prior posts, I realized, regrettably, after clicking "post" that I had forgotten to say "Thank you for your service".

 

My Pleasure!

I went an unbought it. Turns out my buddy is selling a 2010 crew cab 50K miles on a 5.4, show room condition for 5K more.

Seems like a no brainer...

 

I'm going to be honest with you, oft: I think you made a better choice going with the 2010. The cam phasers had another update in 2009 to make them even better. They have a little less trouble than the '04-'08 trucks do. Plus, a much nicer 6 speed transmission.

Good luck with your new ride, sir! Also, want to thank you for your service too.

 

19 years - can't say every moment has been a blast but I wouldn't change a thing. We're really looking forward to getting the truck. My 76 can stay in the garage when I have to make a home depot run. And my buddy is meticulous with his vehicles so I know it's in good shape. Besides, If I have an issue, I have the forum.

 

AAARGH! My buddy backed out. He can't sell his 10. So, I'm back w/the 05. No worries thought it's a nice truck, I'll take care of it and hopefully it'll give me a couple years of worry free driving.

 

So he's back in. I lost my $200 deposit on the 05 but I'm getting a better truck I think. And I know he's taken care of it. I'll fly to his place in May and pick it up.

Roller coaster ride for sure

 

That it is!

Either way ..... yeah, it's a good engine. Just needs taking care of.

So ..... as it stands, you're back into the '10 ..... I think?

There are many guys here with over 200K and even 300K on the 5.4 3v.

Here's one out of an '06 that didn't make it ....... it laid down with low oil pressure ..... at 417,000 miles.

 

417 - nice

Yes, it's a done deal, I just have to wait till Mid May to get it.

2010 Crew cab, 50k Miles black on grey, 20 inch rims and winter tires on 17s, tow package. Great deal, my buddy is up in Canada and the exchange rate is killer. Better yet, I've known him for 20 years, he's a car geek like me so I know the truck has been taken care of. Cant wait to get it!