Okay,

It's been a few years since I've owned a truck, and I've been looking for Ford F-150's between 2003 - 2006 and I want a Supercrew.

Any advice?

Any thing I should look at or be concerned about for any of those model years?

Which engine is best?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Well from late 2004 up you have the new body style which is out now.
If you are frequently towing or want the most power then the 5.4 is for you. If it does not really matter and you do not tow that often then the 4.6 will work fine. There is not much mileage difference between the two and the 4.6 will do everything the 5.4 will do the 5.4 will just do it easier.

Some of the earlier 04 and 05 had problems but not all of them. If you can I would be looking more at a 06 that had some bugs worked out but a lot of the earlier year trucks are just as good. When you find one get the vin and go down to the superduty forum and post it in the oasis thread. An oasis report will give you any warranty work that has been done to the truck at Ford dealers which will be very helpful in not getting a lemon. Hope that helps.

 

Well Im no expert on the matter, there are guys here that could really give you a better answer who know far more than me.
But I would go with the 5.4l engine, and stick with a 05 or newer if you can?

Good Luck..
SDTruckMan

....grrrr redneck beat me to the punch

 

So there are 2 body styles in 2004?

 

I think in 05 they started putting round fog lights on the trucks, if the truck has square fog lights then its 04 and earlier ... someone correct me if im wrong.

 

Yes there is a heritage which is the eairler 2004. Below is the heritage.

 

I got cheetah like typing speeds
.

 

The new body style in 04 and 05 has the rectangle fog lights and the 06 and up has the round fog lights im not to sure on the other changes from 04-05 to 06 and up I have an 04 and the ABS light is on and off im pretty sure its a wheel sensor but i havent got it checked out yet besides that i have had no problems and i love it. I have heard about people having wheel vibration at highway speeds from 65 to 75mph or so something with the E brake cable so that might be something to look for also some trucks ive seen the plastic on top of the tailgate starts to come loose maybe worth it to look haha good luck and hope you find one you like
Matt

 

Did anyone mention the plugs?????????

For Pete's sake, please look into the plug sticking issue if you plan to get the 5.4 3v engine. Might make you change your mind completely.

Also, if you want the 5.4 3v, I would definitely consider the later year, 06' up, b/c of possible cam phaser issues(might sound like a diesel). Not sure completely but might even involve later years as well.

If just a cruiser without hauling much and don't care about racing, the 4.6 might be a better option. The 4.6 has been a Ward's Top Ten for years. Weak somewhat but quiet and darn good. I've got it in an expedition.

 

....wasnt this solved with the newer 06 / 07's ????

 

I have yet to hear of it being solved. I've yet to hear Ford actually say it's a problem. I've heard they might be using antisieze now from the factory but I don't know if it's true or not. Also, I don't hear of many 06' up people talking about changing them themselves or having them changed at 100k, since it's so early for them. I'm thinking though, same narrow plug head design, same crappy crimped cigar-looking sparkplug and shield, therefore probably in the same boat as the 04's. Oh, heard about 06's up getting a colder plug(whatever that means), don't know if that plays a factor. I'm certain the carbon will build up the same unless something significant was done to alter this design. I don't know if a little antisieze is going to do it. Time will tell. In the meantime, here we sit; tick, tick, tick, waiting for Ford to wake up and smell the coffee.

 

Okay, I'll probably never really tow (do mountain bikes count , and I'll have some cash for upgrades...if I get a 4.6, is there a good batch of aftermarket goodies to increase engine performance on the 4.6?

 

I haven't done anything with my 4.6 exped. but I'm sure there are chips, tuner, CAI s/u's, exhaust mods that can help.
Though right now I think the 4.6 might be a better motor than the 5.4, the power and lack of noticed b/n the 2 motors, makes me favor the 5.4. Also the tranny you get with the 5.4 is an updated heavier duty tranny than what comes witht the 4.6.
Being you want a supercrew(a heavy SOB), the lack of power compared to the 5.4(which isn't a speed demon either) the 4.6 might have you disappointed after a short time.
The only problem with the 4.6 in the exped. is that it can't get out of it's own way. It's a pure slug. My wife likes it b/c of the room and doesn't have a habit of roadrage like I do, but when I drive it, I feel like I'm pulling a 10k pound boat behind me. Need I say more?