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Least problematic v8 from this generation?

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Old Dec 9, 2025 | 10:21 AM
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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.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2025 | 04:50 PM
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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.
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Old Dec 9, 2025 | 05:46 PM
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The least problematic V8 from this generation is the 4.6.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2025 | 12:00 AM
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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.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2025 | 04:51 AM
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hands down the 4.6 but, they all have their problems.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2025 | 08:46 AM
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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!
 
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