So the front journal on the driver side head broke allowing the cam to walk all the way into the cps.I have a 2004 f150 with the 5.4 3valve motor with about 140,000

So that leaves me with a couple of options
1. get a used or rebuilt head and replace the just driver side
2. Replace both heads
3. I've located a used chassis with a 5.4 motor with 120,000 about five hrs away. Just swap the motors
4. save up and buy a new long block

I cant wrap my head around whats the best viable option I work seasonally so right now im laid off and cash flow is slim to none

 

I'm having my heads replaced right now for a similar thing. Damn camshafts don't have bearings in these modular heads, so they are deemed "non-serviceable". From what I've seen, it's only 1-200 more dollars to do a longblock as opposed to the heads and all of the other parts. Being an 04, I'd replace the cam phasers and timing tensioner too since they are known issues and have updated designs. They would be included in a long block. With these known internal issues in the early 5.4's I'd be hesitant to buy a used engine with 120k on it. You might be in the same boat in another year if you go that way.

 

I'd go with a long block if it was me and start fresh. I had the task of putting a reman long block in an 04 5.4 about a month ago that rolled a follower off the valve and wiped out the camshaft. Cost the customer about $6500 installed. And I thought that wasn't too bad for being a Ford dealership.

 

Ended up going the used block route put 10,000 on it and
(no issues so far knocks on wood)