Last year, I bought a 2004 F-150 4WD CC with the 5.4L 3V. It has 202k miles on it now. After having the rearend rebuilt and bearings replaced, it drives good. It's my daily driver, and I don't pull with it. I only use 4WD for snow/ice if needed or muddy roads if on farm or hunting/fishing. I also have a '78 F-150 that's an extension of my body - my favorite vehicle. This '04 - not so much. It does the job, and I had considered myself to be a Ford guy, but made the "mistake" of owning a 2003 Chevrolet Z71 Extended Cab for about six years. That turned out to be the best truck that I've ever had - other than the '78. I sold it and got this one because I was looking for a CC to have more room for the family, and also to get back to my Ford roots. Trouble is, that 5.3L with the 3.73 was so quick and pulled from the bottom through the shift points, and sounded good and composed doing it. It was also easy to work on, gave me no trouble, and to top it off, the seats were more comfortable. Now this Ford - having given it a chance for a year - is dependable and drives well, but it is weak as water in the seat of the pants compared to the Z71 - maybe that's due to gearing. It also has the cam phaser (maybe even timing chain issues) that are common, so it seems louder than some of the new diesels at idle if you're standing up close. However, 20 or so yards away, you can't hear it over the exhaust, which is quiet. As you can tell, I'm down on it, but I drive a lot, and have for a long time, so I get to know my vehicles well. This truck is a good truck, but I'd like some more performance comparable somewhat to that 5.3L with higher mileage than this one. My request to you all is to help me out - help me to see the positives of this truck. Also, I don't know if or when the plugs were ever changed in this truck. You wouldn't believe how much I'm dreading that, but would plugs help performance? There is no check engine light, but would coil packs help? Thank you for your advice and suggestions.

 

I had a guy come to the store one day to get a code checked, said truck was running poorly, had well over 200K on it, I think it was 269 K. Multiple misses. He drove a lot. He wanted to get it fixed enough to trade it. It was well taken care of otherwise, regular oil & filters, etc ...... he just had put the plugs off so long he got scared to have them done. No CVT noises, motor was quiet .... just missing some.

Codes indicated multiple cylinder misses. Sent him to local Ford favoring private shop, they had to use the Lisle tool on all but 2 plugs I think. They also did his brakes that were near shot ... he was so pleased he never went to the dealer, he kept the truck.

 

I can't tell that it's missing - it's more of a bogging down. I guess it could be missing, though - I just can't hear or feel it. I know that the PCM will minimize poor running as much as possible, and this could mask it. If there are no lights, is it missing? I may invest in a code reader - I'm past due. If no lights are on, will there be codes?

I've been reading about the plug replacement. I thing dreading it is worse that it actually is. Should I replace coils and injectors, too? I don't want to if there's no benefit.

One more think - is there a way to program quicker throttle response into the truck? Even with my underpowered 2V 351M in the '78, I can goose the throttle on it and response is immediate, with the rpms immediately running up, then falling straight down. With these newer trucks, there's a more gradual running up and falling off of the rpms.

 

I had that engine in my last work truck, now I have a newer 5.0L. The 5.0 coyote motor way out performs that old 5.4. I'd sell it and get one with the 5.0 if you can afford it.


Just my $.02

 

I wish that I could, but I can't. it's between what I have vs. a 2003-2006 (or 2007 Classic) Chevy or GMC CC 4wd with the 5.3L and at least 3.42's (preferably 3.73's). Trouble is, it is so hard to find a clean one, and I'm competing against high school and college kids for these. The clean ones sell fast and high around here.

 

I have a 2008 with 200k miles and it goes along pretty well. I bought it for a winter vehicle and impressed with the way it runs and pulls my 3,500lb tool trailer.
Im guessing you could benefit from a tune up. Possibly your cats are starting to plug up?

 

Finished changing the spark plugs and coil boots last night. I think that it may run a little better off, but it could be that I've driven the '78 the last couple of days, too. Glad that the spark plug replacement is done, anyway. I need to get the converters checked.