2001 F150 Supercrew Lariat 4x4. Every available option. 337,000 miles on 5.4L. Never wrecked. No rust. Body perfect. Runs fine, and smooth as silk (but know law of averages, I'm overdue for breakdown) Steering tight, etc. I'm second owner.
Since new comparable trucks are selling upward of 70K, would it be worth putting 12K or so refurbishing, (crate engine, transmission, new leather, moonroof repair)?

Thoughts or opinions?

 

I would look for something newer. Every available option to me means everything can go wrong.

But it's an individual decision. To some people $12k is nothing, to others, it's a fortune. Some may want this as a fun project, others may find it a last resort.

If you have the time, interest and money, go for it.

 

In all fairness, a loaded ‘01 isn’t anywhere near as complicated as something pushed off the assembly line in the last handful of years or so. Heck, my Ram 8.4” radio crapped out last year. If that’s the worst of that truck, I’m thrilled.

OP, how much do you like the truck (probably quite attached, huh?) and do you have to rely on it?

If you can afford a project, go for it. I’m gonna fight a similar battle with my ‘03. I just did plugs Saturday and all six were oily. No shock, but most of $3000 for a long block isn’t appealing, either. The darn thing just runs so good with fresh plugs, too. It’s got 276K+ miles and owes me nothing.

 

Is this is your primary ride, do you depend on the truck for your livelihood, did you do all the miles... how old are you??

lots of questions that the answers factor into the answer. I have found the older I get (I just retired), reliability matters more. I would say if you can afford it, buy a new truck and sell this on while the used market is still in solid shape. Just me 2 cents.

 

My in-laws bought the truck new, and I bought it from them when the fuel pump went out.
I'm thinking that knowing the entire history is worth something. Just hate to invest in another used one, because you never know what you're buying.

 

Where do you see yourself with this truck in 10 years? How many miles will you have put in her by then? If you do not use it much and those miles were mostly highway miles, it might hold up well enough and not cost you significant $'s over that time. But if you will be using it a fair amount each year, more than 5K miles/year, you will be looking at some kind of drivetrain rebuild in that 10 years.

If it was mine (I drive 3-5K/yr) I would hold on to it since the body is in great shape. Give it good maintenance and drive it regularly so it doesn't sit. My 02 has no rust either and only has 68K miles.

 

I looked all over the place for a long block 5.4L 2v as I did not have the time to rebuild one.
What I have found out is that Powertrain has the best warranty at 5 years unlimited miles and $75.00 an hour shop labor time standard on their engines.
Now for around $300.00 more it goes to 7 years and $125.00 hour for shop time.

Their engines came and with the tailgating truck to my house was $2,700.00 and I live in Florida. They give you 30 days to tell them to come to get the core as they want your old engine. The only thing I had to put on this engine was my intake and valve covers with the fan and all that stuff. Their engines come with a high output Mil oil pump and so far the engine is running well as one year has passed on the engine change.

I had to laugh at Jasper and some other engine builders as Jasper wanted $6,000.00 for a rebuilt engine and others wanted over $3,000.00. I can't remember the other companies' warranty, but the shops I know that have worked on Powertrain told me that they were the easiest for them to get their money out of.
Note: DO NOT BUY an engine from ADVANCE auto parts or you will be sorry. The company that does their engines no shop wants to work on them as they cannot get their money from them.

If you are like me and just plain like a truck, then fix it and be happy. If you are where you don't like one then by all means get rid of it.
But as the saying goes, buyer beware as I know more than one person who has bought a truck (Chevy 2013- 2019 look for the transmission to go or the 5.3 engine. Dodge has the same problems, but more so on their engines.) and a few weeks later had to put a transmission or engine as they did not have any type of warranty with their trucks.

 

I would not do anything to the truck until it broke and just start saving money for the repair or a new truck at that time
Hell someone may hit you and total the truck in the meantime

 

My 1997 has 450k miles on it and runs perfect. I intent to keep it forever unless someone hits it and bends the frame.
these engines and transmissions are EASY to rebuild. You can do it yourself.
I have NO INTENSION of ever buying these NEW trucks with this BLACK BOX technology.