I am looking to purchase a 04-05 f150 this Christmas, and was wondering what problems are common with these years? Do any of them come in manual transmission? Whats the gas mileage for the 4wd version?

Any other suggestions?

Any help would be great. I miss my old 87, but I need a new truck...

 

All the V8 equiped 04-05 F150's are Auto's, the only manual trans came in reg. cab, LB XL's with the V6.

4x4's are all autos.

Problems, well, it depends.

4.6L's, no real problems, just low on power for a truck that weighs more that its predecessor. Auto trannies, no major complaints. average mpgs 15 -20 but medium to heavy towing is much lower.

5.4L, Spark plug removal, search the forum, lots of post about this. Otherwise, the favorite engine of choice. Best power, Economy that rivals the 4.6L. really comes alive with a tuner. Auto trannies, good, reliable, and strong, just very mushy shifts. Again, the tuner helps immensely. Average MPGs, 13-19, only moderately heavy towing bring the MPG down to 10-12, heavy towing, 8-10. 300hp and 365tq. down low where it counts.

Brakes, GOOOOOOOOD Brakes. Ford got these right in most owners minds, Lots of dust though, most switch to ceramic to avoid the dust problems.

Seat material (except leather) stains with just water it seems, but gradually wears away. (at least in my experience). Leather capt. chairs are the most liked option. Softer that the fabric seats.

Towing, great towing with the 5.4L, easily tows 6000#'s, many owners tow way more that this regularly. with little problems if any.

Payload, my 04 screw's manual says 1720lbs. I have the only bed for 04 screw, the 5.5' short bed. 05's could get the 6.5'.

I love my 04 F150.

 

I like the sound of the mpg, better than the Dodge I have now. But of course, its probably heavier, and 5.9 vs. 5.4 heaviness.

Are the trannies 4spd or 5spd?

Whats the difference in power and mpg between 5.4 4x4 and 5.4 2wd?