Thoughts on 03 5.4 SD
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NE Kansas
Thoughts on 03 5.4 SD
For reference, I have owned a V10 excursion for 17 years Bought the 00 in 2008. No major issues.
Looking at a 2003 5.4 F250 crew. 84K miles.
What problem areas should I look for?
My plan is to sell my 00 v10 ex and my 06 v10 F240 supercab. I'd keep the 06 except it only seats 2 maybe 3.
My main requirements are 5 passenger, 250K miles life, no major issues. 7K towing a few times a year. Been looking at Tundra also, but the 03 just popped up.
Looking at a 2003 5.4 F250 crew. 84K miles.
What problem areas should I look for?
- frame rust
- engine blow out - can anything be done to prevent?
- I understand the 03s were not VVT, so that's a plus as I understand
- timing chain replacement
- any issues with transmission?
My plan is to sell my 00 v10 ex and my 06 v10 F240 supercab. I'd keep the 06 except it only seats 2 maybe 3.
My main requirements are 5 passenger, 250K miles life, no major issues. 7K towing a few times a year. Been looking at Tundra also, but the 03 just popped up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 898
From: Montana
For reference, I have owned a V10 excursion for 17 years Bought the 00 in 2008. No major issues.
Looking at a 2003 5.4 F250 crew. 84K miles.
What problem areas should I look for?
My plan is to sell my 00 v10 ex and my 06 v10 F240 supercab. I'd keep the 06 except it only seats 2 maybe 3.
My main requirements are 5 passenger, 250K miles life, no major issues. 7K towing a few times a year. Been looking at Tundra also, but the 03 just popped up.
Looking at a 2003 5.4 F250 crew. 84K miles.
What problem areas should I look for?
- frame rust
- engine blow out - can anything be done to prevent?
- I understand the 03s were not VVT, so that's a plus as I understand
- timing chain replacement
- any issues with transmission?
My plan is to sell my 00 v10 ex and my 06 v10 F240 supercab. I'd keep the 06 except it only seats 2 maybe 3.
My main requirements are 5 passenger, 250K miles life, no major issues. 7K towing a few times a year. Been looking at Tundra also, but the 03 just popped up.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 610
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From: NE Kansas
I'm looking for the 5 to 6 passenger w/ 7000# trailer capacity maybe a dozen times a year. I don't really need the towing of the v10 (nor the gas mileage!). This one I came across has 84K miles, so hoping 200K is easily attainable w/ routine maintenance. The asking is $16K though. I don't think I'd bit at that, but maybe 14. Thoughts?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 898
From: Montana
I'm looking for the 5 to 6 passenger w/ 7000# trailer capacity maybe a dozen times a year. I don't really need the towing of the v10 (nor the gas mileage!). This one I came across has 84K miles, so hoping 200K is easily attainable w/ routine maintenance. The asking is $16K though. I don't think I'd bit at that, but maybe 14. Thoughts?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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The 5.4s had some issues depending on the years, but the major issue in the SD was that they need to rev to make power (3k+ RPM), and the transmissions and gearing in the SD....didn't really allow for that. You almost had to brake-torque them to get the RPMs up to get any kind of take-off power out of them. The diesels and V10 were torque monsters in the lower end, which is what you WANT when you're driving a truck designed to work. Most people were used to low-revving big-blocks back then, so when they were trying to pull a bunch of weight and turning 3k+ RPM just to maintain 55mph...they didn't care for it.
When the 5.4 was replaced with the 6.2, it was a WORLD of difference, and was a much more popular engine...and it was rock-solid.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NE Kansas
Yes, a 5.0 would be much better. It's a much more refined motor, and in the F150 gets pretty decent mileage compared to a 5.4 in a SD. Just make sure that you aren't maxing out your payload on it when you're pulling that 7k.
The 5.4s had some issues depending on the years, but the major issue in the SD was that they need to rev to make power (3k+ RPM), and the transmissions and gearing in the SD....didn't really allow for that. You almost had to brake-torque them to get the RPMs up to get any kind of take-off power out of them. The diesels and V10 were torque monsters in the lower end, which is what you WANT when you're driving a truck designed to work. Most people were used to low-revving big-blocks back then, so when they were trying to pull a bunch of weight and turning 3k+ RPM just to maintain 55mph...they didn't care for it.
When the 5.4 was replaced with the 6.2, it was a WORLD of difference, and was a much more popular engine...and it was rock-solid.
The 5.4s had some issues depending on the years, but the major issue in the SD was that they need to rev to make power (3k+ RPM), and the transmissions and gearing in the SD....didn't really allow for that. You almost had to brake-torque them to get the RPMs up to get any kind of take-off power out of them. The diesels and V10 were torque monsters in the lower end, which is what you WANT when you're driving a truck designed to work. Most people were used to low-revving big-blocks back then, so when they were trying to pull a bunch of weight and turning 3k+ RPM just to maintain 55mph...they didn't care for it.
When the 5.4 was replaced with the 6.2, it was a WORLD of difference, and was a much more popular engine...and it was rock-solid.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Montana
Depending on year, you could get either 5.0 or 6.2 with a 6 or 10 speed. 6 speed is arguably more robust... And likely cheaper. There were 6.2s places in the f150 too, but they are harder to find and not super cheap when you do find one.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NE Kansas
Where are you located?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 610
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From: NE Kansas
Here's my criteria. 5.0, 6sp, 4x4, crew, front 40/60 so it seats 6, leather, 90k miles or less, $15K. Possible?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Montana
Possible, yes. You might have to shop around a bit, but I think you could find something around that price point. I wouldn't hesitate to consider a bit higher mileage... Around here there are a lot of rigs with lots of highway miles that run great.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NE Kansas
If you run into a 15-17 5.0 with ~120K for $16.5K, minimal rust, let me know. Leather would be nice. Alternatively the 40/60 front seat. Crew cab. 1 or 2 owners ideally. Ideally the current owner has had it for 5+ years with important service records (e.g. oil changes every 5-7K). Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 986
From: Near Yosemite CA
I have the 5.4 in my 00 Ex 2wd, I will agree, it is small for the SD platform, I re-geared the Ex to 5.13's (I have 35's on it) if I'm going to tow anything over say 3-5k I use my F350, although, I haven't towed with the 5.13's yet, so I can't say for sure, but IMO I would go with the V10 if you can find one, look out in the west, fly out, drive it home.