Notices
2004 - 2008 F150 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Ford F150's with 5.4 V8, 4.6 V8 engine
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Least problematic v8 from this generation?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2025 | 10:21 AM
  #1  
craveman85's Avatar
craveman85
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Least problematic v8 from this generation?

I had an 08 f150 with a 5.4 3 valve. Kept up on regular maintenance with it but one of the tensioners broke when it was about -10 the one day and the rest of the motor went shortly after. I've been thinking of getting another truck from this generation and was wondering which engine is generally the least problematic. I won't be towing so I don't necessarily need the most power but the 6 cyl isn't going to do it. Kinda thinking of looking for something rust free from the south and just replacing the engine anyways with a warrantied reman unit. Are there any that address the mod motors weaknesses like the phasers, tensioners, plugs etc? Or would i have to do all that work on a new motor before putting it in? Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2025 | 04:50 PM
  #2  
tbear853's Avatar
tbear853
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 2,624
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Was the broken tensioner plastic or metal, AM or OEM? I've seen 5.4-3v engines run over 300K. They like clean oil though.

My '07 is @ 87K and hard to hear run. Something happens, if possible, will get it fixed.
 

Last edited by tbear853; Dec 9, 2025 at 04:53 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2025 | 05:46 PM
  #3  
jr105's Avatar
jr105
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 37
From: Groton, MA
The least problematic V8 from this generation is the 4.6.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2025 | 12:00 AM
  #4  
WhoKnew's Avatar
WhoKnew
7th Gear
5 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
The 4.6 gets my vote. The 4.2 as well, a bit better on MPG but won't win you 0-60 in dash race.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2025 | 04:51 AM
  #5  
techrep's Avatar
techrep
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 2,846
Likes: 277
From: Virginia Beach
hands down the 4.6 but, they all have their problems.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2025 | 08:46 AM
  #6  
Trawlerphil's Avatar
Trawlerphil
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 24
My 4.6 in my 2005 F-150 is a "2 valve" which I think was the best of the breed. More complexity means more problems. My 2001 F-250 has a 7.3 diesel with 325,000 miles on it and it is just broken in!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
father6
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
2
Feb 15, 2016 07:19 AM
blue66tang95f150
Engine Swaps
5
Dec 11, 2013 04:19 PM
NitrousXpress
1997 - 2003 F150
5
Oct 5, 2003 05:30 PM
Kevin Duffy
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 1, 2003 05:11 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:16 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE