I've been looking for a truck to have around the house and that'll be trustworthy for the rare 200 mile roundtrip. I've found a 04 F150 crew cab 2wd, 5.4, 155k miles. I don't know anything about about the dependability of this engine other than a mechanic told me this week that the 3 valve version isn't a good engine. Are there any issues with this year model 5.4?

I will say I'm somewhat concerned about this truck: the price is $5900, which is at least half of what similar trucks are bringing around here with 200k+ miles. The body seems to be in good shape. I haven't driven it yet or heard it run.

So, what do y'all think?

 

The 04' is a blending year...Ford produced a "Heritage" version which has the new body style but with previous engine/drive train. SO this year only can have either a 2valve engine with Heritage or the newer 3valve engine in the typical f150.

Some will argue that the previous model 97'-03' is better. Honestly they both have their pluses and minuses. They (Ford) produced a massive numbers of either generation. The 3v engine made better power the 2v.

It is like anything if it was taken care off...it will last a while. SO try to find out how well it was maintained and go from there.

 

Ok. That explains why I was confused about the year. This one is the redesigned model. I knew my son had an 04 Lightning that was the "old" design.

Thanks for replying.

 

As someone who owns one F150 with a 5.4 2V with 209 Kms and a 06 F250 4.3 3v 199 Kms as well as a 08 F250 5.4 3v with 298 Kms I may as well chime in.

My 02 with 5.4 2v has been nothing short of amazing,I have has no major issues with the truck, everything has been standard maintenance items batteries, tires , alternator, brakes, tie rods, ball joints etc The truck has never left me by the side of the road. Always done the maitenance on time regular oil and fluid changes and it has been all good.

My 2006 5.4 3V has been a good truck, I recently had an issue with one of the timing chain guides rather than just replacing the guide I replaced both cam phasers , both guides, both tensioners, timing chain, solenoids and oil pump and of course assorted gaskets and fluids as well. I figured if I am under the front cover take care of it all now and dont have to worry about it again and thats what I chose to do. I had a slide in service canopy in there and it was on that truck including all the gear and it performed well, no complaints.

My 08 5.4 3v has just been a dead on horse, pulled trailers here there and everywhere and never really had an issue until recently now this truck has 298, Kms on it and this will be the first major repair to be had. I could just fix the issue at hand but I am actually considering dropping a new engine in it. You may say "new engine... what? " Te reason behind the possibility of a new engine is because I am looking at the trucks Kms and the cost of the repair to the engine as of right now. If I repaired, I still have an engine with 298Kms on it or I can kick in a few more bucks and have a new engine that will be under warranty and a lot of life left in it

It really will depend on if it was maintained. If it wasnt maintained you will be the first to find out down the road. As enriched stated both engines have their pluses and minuses, but I will give my nod to the 5.4 2v as one of the most trouble free.

If you have concerns about it take it to a auto shop you deal with or a dealer and get an inspection done and get them to look it over and do a compression test. It might cost you a couple hundred bucks but it may save you thousands down the road.

If the inspection looks good then you can go from there, if not the you can run like hell and search on

 

Thanks for your reply. I haven't decided what to do. I really want a 4wd, so I may keep looking.

 

If you do any back roads driving or in winter conditions where you get snow. I would consider a 4wd as well. A little more maintenance sure, but the trade off of being able to use the 4x4 when needed is priceless. You'll wonder why you didnt get one sooner