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My girlfriend is looking at a 2003 Supercrew that her good friends have owned since new. The husband has passed away and the wife wants to sell it. It has the 5.4L, 4x2, XLT, 112,000. Many of those miles are highway miles from Tucson to Phoenix or trips to Disney Land. Apparently this guy was a Ford nut, restoring many Mustangs and other projects. My gf thinks he would take very good care of all his vehicles. So, we haven't looked at it yet but I would like some info from you guys on the issues these trucks have. Spitting plugs, etc. I am very familiar with the newer 5.4L and V10's but not these older 5.4L's I also found something odd. I can run the VIN and get a basic listing of the truck(like stock specks but no options) but when I try to get a window sticker they say the VIN is invalid. Thanks for your help guys. This lady is a keeper and I think this particular truck will be great for us and her & the grand kids. MUCH better than the Tauri (as I call it) that she is driving now. (Taurus)
I have a 2002 with the same miles. No issues. Your not in the winter salt, so rust / rocker panels should not be a problem. See if the spark plugs were changed about 100k miles, if not, then do it....... other than that, your good to go.
It should be a great truck. My brother in law has a 2003 S'crew 4x4/5.4L with over 230k miles on it... He bought it with less than 100k miles and has only changed brakes and tires. Good luck!!
I have the same truck with the exception of mine being 4x4. We blew a sparkplug at about 50k miles. The truck currently has 80k miles. Purchased new in 2002. Other maintenance was an 02 sensor, brakes and tires. Glad to hear others have 230k on them, mine is basically brand new then.
We were able to finally make the drive and pick up the truck. It has had seat covers on it since new, fresh oil change, new a/c compressor(ice cold inside) good meat on the tires. Not a speck of rust under her. Also got 3 oil filters and a set of new wiper blades. lol My g/f does not like the camper shell so that will be coming off soon. Don't know if there is a market for a used shell for that very specific model truck.
Put the camper shell on craigslist for $400, take what you can get.
If you never use the truck to haul stuff, a camper is a nice addition to keep stuff in the back dry and clean, see if you can talk her into keeping it.
As an '03, it should have the improved heads with more threads in the spark plug holes, so spitting a plug should not be an issue. At 112,000 miles you have plenty of life left in the engine, and as said, being in the desert, no rust to deal with for the most part. Only thing to really check is the front end parts (ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links etc) and maybe a total fluid change (oil, transmission, rear end, radiator).
No idea whats up with the VIN, try stopping by a dealer and running it.
The shell is more of an "I can't see behind me" kinda thing and trust me it's probably safer for the rest of the drivers on the road to take if off for her. lol So far I have found the rear pinion seal is weeping and the headlights need restored.
Gotcha. Can be kind of hard to see with the camper on.
For headlights, sometimes it is just easier to get some clear lightning style headlights. Better light output that the OEM ever had, and easy swap for $50.
but not these older 5.4L's I also found something odd. I can run the VIN and get a basic listing of the truck(like stock specks but no options) but when I try to get a window sticker they say the VIN is invalid. Thanks for your help guys. This lady is a keeper and I think this particular truck will be great for us and her & the grand kids. MUCH better than the Tauri (as I call it) that she is driving now. 
(Taurus)
