5.4 removal question !!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
5.4 removal question !!
Hey Guys ,
Just curious if you have to remove the motor on a 5.4 expy to remove the heads or can you do in the truck ? If removal is the answer , can it be removed without the trans like the good ol days . Got the oil leak on the right side , its not leaking on the ground , hasn't since I owned it , about a 1.5 years and I noticed the leak a year ago . I figure I should fix it though . Any Ideas !!
Thanks
Just curious if you have to remove the motor on a 5.4 expy to remove the heads or can you do in the truck ? If removal is the answer , can it be removed without the trans like the good ol days . Got the oil leak on the right side , its not leaking on the ground , hasn't since I owned it , about a 1.5 years and I noticed the leak a year ago . I figure I should fix it though . Any Ideas !!
Thanks
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
My educated guess would be "NO, you do not have to remove the engine to remove the heads". You can also disconect the tranny from the engine
However, the idea that you are considering such an undertaking for a Class I leak* leads me to suggest that you get yourself a service manual or ANY type right away!!
*Leaks are classified (in my book) in three level.
Class I - Forms a wet area but does not produce enough to form a drop.
Class II - Forms a drop but doesn't fall to the ground with any regularity.
Class III - Forms a puddle on the ground. (Immediate repair!)
However, the idea that you are considering such an undertaking for a Class I leak* leads me to suggest that you get yourself a service manual or ANY type right away!!
*Leaks are classified (in my book) in three level.
Class I - Forms a wet area but does not produce enough to form a drop.
Class II - Forms a drop but doesn't fall to the ground with any regularity.
Class III - Forms a puddle on the ground. (Immediate repair!)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
I read that when Ford performs the head gasket fix, they acutally remove the body from the chasis. The problem with these vehicles is that the engine sits so far back, a portion is actually more inside the cab than in the engine compartment.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
I agree with Monsta, if its not a serious leak dont fix it. Clean the engine once every 6 months and change your oil regularly.
Monsta those classifications look very familiar, like the ones from the US Army maintenance manuals.
Monsta those classifications look very familiar, like the ones from the US Army maintenance manuals.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Oconomowoc, WI
buzzard...You are correct. When the local dealership fixed my headgasket they did a full body lift. I couldn't believe it. But they did a great job. Lifted it 6' straight up. Did what they needed to do and dropped it back down. Not a scratch and no rattles. The tech that worked on it said it was much easier than trying to get it out the front.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Originally Posted by HomerWinzlow
Monsta those classifications look very familiar, like the ones from the US Army maintenance manuals.
______________
I guess I was correct about not having to remove the engine...just the whole body!!
Holy crap! 
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Oconomowoc, WI
Trending Topics
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
I've done quite a few now by lifting the body off. I think it's by far the best way.
Ford says the engine should be removed to replace head gaskets. Some guys do them in place, some lift the body, some pull the engine.
Ford says the engine should be removed to replace head gaskets. Some guys do them in place, some lift the body, some pull the engine.
