Currently I have a 95 F-150 supercab 4x4 with a 351/5.8. It was totaled out a couple weeks ago and my original plan was to fix it myself but I’ve really been contemplating upgrading to an 11th gen crew cab 4x4 with a 5.4. The four doors would be nice now that my kids are getting bigger. Does anyone think I would regret this move? Anything in particular to watch out for on these trucks?

 

Just research the reliability of the 3V 5.4. If you choose to assume the risk afterward, that's fine, but go in with your eyes wide open.

Research spark plugs and if the PO can't provide proof of a recent change, you might plan on doing those yourself. OTOH if they have been done recently, watch closely for misfires and it might be wise to put a scanner on it. Careless plug changes can create more problems than they solve

If you're looking at 4x4, the electric shift system on these is just as problematic if not more so than on the OBS's

The trans shifter cable likes to eventually get burnt through on the exhaust, but that's a cheap part and EASY fix.

 

My 95 has manual hubs and transfer case so I haven’t had to worry about auto hubs and electric shift

 

My '07 XL also has a manual t-case but it seems to me crew cabs tend to be more heavily optioned. I'm sure there were some plain Jane white crew cabs in fleets, but then you're also facing the possibility of vinyl seats, manual windows etc

The IWE's (basically, the auto hubs) are unavoidable with this IFS. They're relatively easy to troubleshoot and quite easy to replace, so it's not the end of the world. I've contemplated 1) wiring the IWE solenoid on my own switch or 2) eliminating it altogether and installing a mechanical vacuum switch in the cab so I have complete control over when the "hubs" lock, but I doubt I'll ever take the time. It would allow for 2lo, though

 

I think everyone on this forum with some sense would advise you against it. We all love our trucks, but they are prone to issues due to just all around terrible engineering on the 04-08's. Even if you got one from one of us who has done extensive work, there is still tons of random risks with the 3v 5.4L that quite frankly, nothing will "bulletproof" as some users would put it. I have ran into people who had no issues, and then there are us who know them all, because we have them all. A lot of the shady dealers will "specialize" in selling these trucks for that reason. They know. We'd love to help you and steer you in the right direction, but IMHO, I think it's in something other than an 04-08. Now if you are talking Super Duty... hell yea. Do it. Hell, I'll trade ya models

 

In '18 we bought an '08 F150 crew cab for my fiancee. It had an Icon leveling kit, MBRP exhaust, 5 Star power tune and 35s

It only had 88k miles and had been tastefully modified and well cared for. I warned her at ~150k it would require some substantial investment and if I was busy with paying work in my machine shop we'd farm it out (I can't justify a timing set job if purchase orders are piled up). But she loved the truck and the price was very good.

​​​​​​I had already been screwed by a 3V V10 so I knew what the 3V's are capable of (ie royally screwing you)

But here's the thing: I love her truck (right now, while it's not making typewriter or diesel noises). It actually gets good fuel economy on the highway, does have plenty of power even at our Colo altitudes (I'm guessing the 5 star tune helps), rides like a dream (probably Icon), and while I feel BFG is over-rated the BFGs kick *** in the snow.

It's far and away my favorite vehicle for road trips. But honestly, I could see us just using it until the inevitable ticking gets moderate and just dumping it off. I may not be willing to do to a timing set when the time comes and unwilling to pay a competent shop, too. She wants a Bikini Blue Gladiator, anyway.....not that FCA quality is a single bit better than a Ford 3V

Basically the 5.4 3V is like that really hot girlfriend you once had: fun when she's working right....until she's not....then she's just more trouble than she's worth

 

LOL WUT? I mean, mine is tuned too but it still sucks down the gas. I'm lucky if I get 340 miles per tank and that is overflowing it. During winter having to use 4WD it's more like 290. Never really felt like the power was there at all either. Even after a tune. Compared to other trucks in those years though, it's pretty equal, unless it's a Dodge. Then don't even bother, you'll get embarrassed. Chevy and their 5.3L has pretty low gearing, and mine is a lucky winner with 3.73 gears, so that helps, but the RPM is noticeably higher than a 3.55 I have ridden in. Still, I'd kick it up to 4.10's and have given it some thought, but it would put me at just over 2 grand right around 60mph and fuel mileage would drop even more... so not really worth it considering I don't tow.

Either way, gearing changes a lot so I suspect you have the 3.55. I guess fuel economy could be worse, but not by much lol. A totally stock 04-08 with a 5.4L is rated at 14/19 for fuel mileage... which is bull****.... nobody is getting 19MPG on a stock 04-08 5.4L even when they were brand new. 17, maybe... more like 15-16 and 13 city now days, and that is with all the new work like new cats, sensors, and well... a new engine lol. I am at a 13 average.

Pretty amazing watching my families V8 RAM 2500 (I know right... who TF buys a V8 2500?) get over 20mpg. Feels like I am stuck in the stone age.

All things considered, I'll bet it's still better than the 95 with a 5.8, but I'd take that model over pretty much EVERY model of FORD trucks any day. Even saw one being sold for 15k just after I bought my 06, and I cried myself to sleep that night. It was spotless.... a Montana garaged square body F150. There is also a guy who I see driving one every so often in the Flathead Valley when I get into town and surrounding areas that everything about it is just custom, beefed up, durable and you know that truck will NEVER be sold. Such a fantastic model year for FORD. But I respect OP's desire for a 4 door.
/rant

 

Y’all are making think I should just stick with my current truck and fix it (or buy a similar one). I’m only considering an upgrade because the insurance gave me a pretty good offer on my truck. But I’m thinking maybe I’ll stick with a 9th gen and deal with climbing around the seat to get to the back for now. A 12-14 raptor is what I really want but that’s not in the budget yet.

 

how about a 2012 with a 5.0 ? You didn't say you did a lot of towing ?

 

how about a 2001-2003 with the 5.4...... Did not have the VCT 3V system back then.. I have had two of them.. Great trucks. No excessive HP, but lots of torque. I pulled a 10K trailer many times. .......... life in the 250K range.

 

You can get the 2V 4.6 until '07.... although I suspect it'd be hard to find in a SuperCrew 4wd

....and I will say my '07 4.6 (RCSB 4x4) is damn gutless. I'm sure it needs plugs, but I can't see fresh plugs magically adding tons of power as it otherwise runs great and gets 17/20

I believe you need #8 in the VIN to be W for the 2V 4.6

 

Absolutely horrible crash rating. Yeah, I know crash ratings aren't cool, but you won't really care about it until you need to... and then it's too late.

 

I also agree with this. I'm not a huge fan of the bubble bodies but recently worked on a heavily optioned '03 and was impressed by the interior. The only thing with the 2V 5.4 is sometimes the mileage to power ratio seems dismal

OP, honestly.....I'd look to a GMT800 with the 5.3 (or 6.0). Great trucks, ride well, easy to work on, and even with pushrods tends to get better mileage and lasts a lot longer than OHC Fords (at least the 3Vs). Zero spark plug issues, tons of room in the engine bay, etc etc.

I know that'll fire some guys up but blind brand loyalty does not a solid argument make....

 

I mostly do light towing and hauling. Occasionally I’ll tow something heavier like a tractor and bushog on a 16ft trailer. I would get an 11+ with a 5.0 but they’re a bit out of my price range. This wasn’t a planned purchase as I had planned to keep my current truck a few more years at least. The 97-03 body style never was my favorite and always seemed small but I would consider one.

 

Yeah, drive a few bubble bodies in better condition....you might be surprised