About to purchase...
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
About to purchase...
Hey all -
I have bounced around the F-T.com forum for years. Started with my 2001 Screw, then a 97 F350 Powerstroke, then a 70 Bumpside, back to my 2001 Screw and now am a week or so away (awaiting a commission check) from an 04-08 Fx4. I have my eye on several. I have 330k on my Screw and have loved that truck (bought it, sold it and bought it back). But it is time to get something with less miles. I really like the 04-08 style and have found many with around 100k on the clock. I think lots of it is the same as my '01 with a 5.4 but thought I better check and see if there is anything I need to watch out for when buying. I see some stuff on here about timing phasers - don't believe I have ever dealt with that issue. There were rust issues in the 97-03 door panels at the bottom - I wonder if they fixed that in the 04-08s? I've done ball joints twice on my '01 so I'll be looking underneath. I suppose plugs need to be changed at 100k as well and the COPS can go about any time. Anything else I need to pay special attention to when kicking the tires?
Thanks a ton...I should be on here soon!
I have bounced around the F-T.com forum for years. Started with my 2001 Screw, then a 97 F350 Powerstroke, then a 70 Bumpside, back to my 2001 Screw and now am a week or so away (awaiting a commission check) from an 04-08 Fx4. I have my eye on several. I have 330k on my Screw and have loved that truck (bought it, sold it and bought it back). But it is time to get something with less miles. I really like the 04-08 style and have found many with around 100k on the clock. I think lots of it is the same as my '01 with a 5.4 but thought I better check and see if there is anything I need to watch out for when buying. I see some stuff on here about timing phasers - don't believe I have ever dealt with that issue. There were rust issues in the 97-03 door panels at the bottom - I wonder if they fixed that in the 04-08s? I've done ball joints twice on my '01 so I'll be looking underneath. I suppose plugs need to be changed at 100k as well and the COPS can go about any time. Anything else I need to pay special attention to when kicking the tires?
Thanks a ton...I should be on here soon!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Running this test will let Ya know how the climate control interiors are. If a -l88 shows up it's good. I'd do a crawl under. My rack and pinion seal has leaked since I bought it. Also check Fel Pro part# 70801 oil filter housing gasket. Gets overlooked often.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 312
If you’re looking at trucks at 100K miles, this isn’t the generation for it. At least not with the 5.4 models, because it’s a crapshoot that you’ll be forking out money for a timing job soon enough. A 4.6, sure, but I think they top out in XLT trim.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 579
Likes: 6
From: Riverbank, CA.
Subscribe to this YouTube channel. Seriously. Watch this video.
I love my 2004 SCrew XLT 4x4, but it's been a journey. My advice is to find one with a blown engine, or one that needs a lot of mechanical work, buy it as cheap as you can ($2500-3000?) and then drop a new remanufactured engine and transmission into it ($4500 total) and replace the fuel pump driver module. Rebuild the suspension (new struts/shocks, control arms/ball joints, tie rods and sway bar links), and put in new rear bearings/seals. If it's a 4x4 slap some new front hubs and actuators on it, drain and refill the transfer case, drain the differentials and put some fresh 75w-140 gear oil in it. (probably $2000 for all of the rest mentioned). So for about $9500 you'll have practically a new truck!
I love my 2004 SCrew XLT 4x4, but it's been a journey. My advice is to find one with a blown engine, or one that needs a lot of mechanical work, buy it as cheap as you can ($2500-3000?) and then drop a new remanufactured engine and transmission into it ($4500 total) and replace the fuel pump driver module. Rebuild the suspension (new struts/shocks, control arms/ball joints, tie rods and sway bar links), and put in new rear bearings/seals. If it's a 4x4 slap some new front hubs and actuators on it, drain and refill the transfer case, drain the differentials and put some fresh 75w-140 gear oil in it. (probably $2000 for all of the rest mentioned). So for about $9500 you'll have practically a new truck!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 579
Likes: 6
From: Riverbank, CA.
Here's a great playlist by Fordtechmakuloco, a "greatest hits" for the 2004 - 2008 F-150/5.4 3v so to speak.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...atJrtpk98y5M9Z
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...atJrtpk98y5M9Z
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I wouldn't sell this 2008 5.4L for $15,000. Runs like a Deere haha guess I won my personal crap shoot in the vehicle arena. Ol girl has been nothing but faithful. Never has left me on side of road though She's done some limping home a few times
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
what Rumble is saying is the 2004- 2009 5.4 3valve motors have a tendency to have timing chain and phaser problems.. Many occure at 80- 100K miles... That does not mean ALL of them, but enough to make it a concern. I think I would agree with him, that if your buying one with 100K miles, PLAN AHEAD... you could be in for a surprise down the road.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Texas
That's Right. I think my phasers, cams and chains were in disarray for at least 120k miles. All the symptoms, sounds and synopses were there but I was lazy to the fact. My valve covers are dated 9-17-07 so I've got a late model 08 in which I think helped carry ol girl overall. Generally speaking on average I see the 04-06s seem to have it worse 
Last edited by Onemoreblessedtexan; Oct 21, 2019 at 06:52 PM. Reason: Fergot a werd
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
Thanks for all the feedback. The 07 I'm looking at is such a beautiful truck! Looks really well taken care of so I am trying to get the CarFax that might show if maintenance was regular or not. The 07/08 body style is just so much nicer than the 09+ when they went to that huge grill. So, I think I'll see where the info points, definitely do a cold start up and see what I hear, and then decide from there. I found a couple of 2012's I kind of liked so I just need to decide how much wrenching I feel like maybe doing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 30
I have been looking for one too. People might point out known 3V 5.4 issues but they are well known and there are lots of parts and support for them.
I want a regular cab long bed boat ramp mule. Presently I always used 80-86 trucks but they are drying up and people want ridiculous prices for them now.
the days of looking at craigslist and finding an 82 F150 with a killer body that didnt run for six hundred bucks is long gone.
yeah so anyway I want a 2004-2008 with a 5.4, maybe even a mechanics special.
Ill be prepared to do the whole bulletproof deal from the get go.
I want a regular cab long bed boat ramp mule. Presently I always used 80-86 trucks but they are drying up and people want ridiculous prices for them now.
the days of looking at craigslist and finding an 82 F150 with a killer body that didnt run for six hundred bucks is long gone.
yeah so anyway I want a 2004-2008 with a 5.4, maybe even a mechanics special.
Ill be prepared to do the whole bulletproof deal from the get go.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I have been looking for one too. People might point out known 3V 5.4 issues but they are well known and there are lots of parts and support for them.
I want a regular cab long bed boat ramp mule. Presently I always used 80-86 trucks but they are drying up and people want ridiculous prices for them now.
the days of looking at craigslist and finding an 82 F150 with a killer body that didnt run for six hundred bucks is long gone.
yeah so anyway I want a 2004-2008 with a 5.4, maybe even a mechanics special.
Ill be prepared to do the whole bulletproof deal from the get go.
I want a regular cab long bed boat ramp mule. Presently I always used 80-86 trucks but they are drying up and people want ridiculous prices for them now.
the days of looking at craigslist and finding an 82 F150 with a killer body that didnt run for six hundred bucks is long gone.
yeah so anyway I want a 2004-2008 with a 5.4, maybe even a mechanics special.
Ill be prepared to do the whole bulletproof deal from the get go.
I wrote a long reply in the personal inbox Bud but Yours was full so message wouldn't send and I lost the copy in clipboard already I believe.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 30
yes Im sorry I did get a notification and cleaned it out.
my apologies
I saw a truck in Dickinson the guy is asking 2500 says it needs bulletproofing and he already bought the parts and will include them.
I just dont like the color
my apologies
I saw a truck in Dickinson the guy is asking 2500 says it needs bulletproofing and he already bought the parts and will include them.
I just dont like the color
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LSUtigers
1997 - 2003 F150
14
Sep 28, 2006 07:21 AM