I have the truck in my sig and long story short I bought it in a pinch, I really wanted 4wd (not 2wd) and I wanted a xcab and 6ft bed not a crew with 5.5 or whatever it is. I've got a line on an '02 FX4 xcab with 167k on it. Between the two engines which one will last longer (assuming proper care)?

 

2 valve is generally more reliable, but the 3 valve has more power.

 

Does the 2v have the cam phasers like the 3v does?

 

No, the 2v does not have variable timing. Reliability is a hard thing to pin down, but I think overall the 2v is less complicated and has fewer areas of failure.

The 2v has a problem of spitting out spark plugs if not torqued correctly (not a huge problem, but is something to look out for). It also has a slight issue with breaking the plastic cam chain guide and issues of leaking intake manifolds.

The 3v has issues with phasers, CVT valves, spark plugs breaking, and cam chain issues as well (but associated with phaser issues).

 

Does the older trucks have the throw away driveshaft like the 04 up trucks do?

 

Not exactly sure what that means?
Are you talking about the 11th gen having a clunk from the splines of the drive shaft where it goes into the transmission tail shaft needing to be greased all the time to "fix" it? If so, there have been a few complaints on the 10th gen about it, but not near as common as on the 11th gen.
If that is not what your talking about, no idea.

 

Well I guess it depends on the cab configuration, on my truck it has a driveshaft that can't be repaired, does the older trucks have drive shafts that you can replace carrier bearing, u-joints etc?

 

No carrier bearing (maybe long bed does?), and u-joints are repairable.
Your starting to dig into differences between the generations, which is a lot different than engine only differences.

 

Yeah I am, just trying to buy something I can work on. Seems like the 04 up trucks are a lot more complex than the older trucks.

 

Just learn how to work on a newer truck. in my area the 97-03 trucks are rusting away. most of them have high miles as well. its part of the reason why I dont drive my '13 in the winter, I cant stand rust.

 

Not sure about reliability. I've owned both for extended periods and in multiple trucks and the 2V has WAY more power and less engine noise/ ticks than the newer 3V.

 

Well, I sold the 04 and bought an 03. Gotta say the 03 feels stronger even with taller gear ratio and bigger tires. I love the older body style and thankful to be back in a 4wd.


Very lucky and blessed to get the 03, one owner truck. Guy had a booklet with everything he'd ever done to it with the mileage listed.