Hello everyone, usually I am trolling the 6.0 diesel forum, so forgive me my ignorance on the 5.4 motor. I currently have a 06 superduty that I am looking to trade for an F150. The reason is that I just dont need the capability any longer. I will no longer will be towing the way I was. To have that diesel just sit in my driveway is no good. It needs to be used. Anyway my question is this; has Ford debugged the 5.4? In terms of the spark plug issue I heard about and the cam faser? Are there any other issues that are inherent in this motor? I am trying to hold out for the 09 F150 but after looking through some of these posts, I am concerned. I know the 09 has not been released but maybe a few of you guys may know a little something.
Thanks in advance
cam phaser was a 04/05 issue
injectors were a 04/05 issue
clutch packs were a 04/05 issue
butl pads were a 04/05 issue
see the trend. by the 06 models, Ford had pretty much ironed out all the problems...but the one your most concerned about.
spark plug are a 04 to mid year 07 issue. word on the street is that late year 07 and newer 5.4 got a solid piece sparkplug to fix the problem
so, if you're really really concerned about the sparkplug problem in the 5.4 3v, you need to buy a leftover 07 (if any exist) or a new 08 model. I wouldn't buy a 09 personally. There are always those kinks that need to be worked out. (look at the 04's).
Look into the 06's. You can find a nice Lariat with low mileage for under $20k right now...better than paying $30k + for a new one
True - spark plug issue was worked out in later 07s --- but i have seen the specs on the 09 5.4 and they will be putting out 320 hp in stead of 300 from the current models--- i'd hold out for the 09 engine - but i dont really care for the 09 body style, but then again coming from a 250 you might like it
True - spark plug issue was worked out in later 07s --- but i have seen the specs on the 09 5.4 and they will be putting out 320 hp in stead of 300 from the current models--- i'd hold out for the 09 engine - but i dont really care for the 09 body style, but then again coming from a 250 you might like it
Although those #'s have not been offically released from FORD?
I see that there are quite a few good deals out there now on trucks just a few years old. But as rplatt said, I actually like the look of the 09. Not to mention the features they are offering on it that I currently have on my Superduty. (Tow command, trailer package and a real full size crew cab) and the flex fuel option. Although I wont be towing like I used to , there will still be a need for the occasional time where I will. Even though it wont be the same weight or distance. My main concern is the dependability and longevity of the 5.4.
IMO the reason to buy an 09 F150 will be the 6 speed auto. Other than that, it's pretty much styling as far as I've heard. Oh and towcommand!
Hopefully they'll offer some deep rear end gears to go with the 6 speed like 4.10s or even 4.30s (please!). But this is Ford we're talking about, so I won't hold my breath.
The rumored 20HP and 25ft/lb bump in power is nothing to write home about.
IMO the reason to buy an 09 F150 will be the 6 speed auto. Other than that, it's pretty much styling as far as I've heard. Oh and towcommand!
Hopefully they'll offer some deep rear end gears to go with the 6 speed like 4.10s or even 4.30s (please!). But this is Ford we're talking about, so I won't hold my breath.
The rumored 20HP and 25ft/lb bump in power is nothing to write home about.
Mike
quite the contrary, the 4.10s that came with the HD package are now gone, max is 3.73. I wouldn't be surprised if max on the non HD package is gonna be 3.55s...
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2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 V10 - soon to not be stock anymore.
2004 F150 XLT screw 4x4 5.4 - 2.5 leveling kit, 34.5" BFGs - Gone
2004 mach1 mustang, holding the garage floor in place.
The new Tranny has a 4.17 to 1 first gear. thats pretty low and the 3.73 will equal if not be better than the current truck with 4.10 gears for starting a load
heres a comparison just trans gears X axle ratio... shows the 3.73 with the new 6spd is perfect, to get the same ratio with the 4spd you would need a 5.48 rear, so i think itll handle big tires well
Well turning oversize tires or for that matter towing a trailer isn't just about having a granny gear to get you moving. A manual transmission needs it, but an automatic can put a lot more torque to use from a dead stop that a manual without resorting to 'granny' gearing.
IMO, having a direct 1:1 ratio gear in the transmission and the proper axle ratio for the tire size or combined towed weight is way more importand to keep you moving over varied terrain without the transmission hunting and shifting or having to keep it stuck in underdrive.
Notice the new six speed doesn't have a direct gear. Just four underdrives and two overdrives. This didn't seem as important to me before. I always considered the F150 an economical light duty truck. But with the rapid increase in fuel price and Ford's emphasis on the new F150's 11,000# trailer rating, this could cause disappointment when more folks settle for F150's for trailer towing as a more economical alternative to the thirsty Super Duties.
GM has already put a similar geared 6 speed behind their 6.0L gas engine in their heavy duty pickups. Not a lot of love for it from what I have read about.
IMO, the motive for the trend toward these new six speed transmissions is emissions compliance or CAFE ratings. Just my $.02.
