If you want more bang-for-the-buck, have you looked at 4x2's? I admit, I had a 4x4 for over 23 yrs and never used it for what it was intended. I went back to 4x2's and have been very happy. Bought my 07 in 09, XLT Scab HD for $14K with 22K miles. I looked for some time before I found the right one but it was worth the wait and has done everything I've asked of it.

Just some thoughts.

 

The biggest problems I know of on the 04's mechanically were the phasers, spark plug removal, and injectors. ut that's on the 5.4L engines. The 4.6L's are pretty much trouble free.

 

I'm not opposed to 4x2, Hell, I think i only used 4x4 a few times in the last few years.