2004 vs. 2003
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2004 vs. 2003
Sorry to be posting such a simple question, but my brother is looking at getting a used 2004 F150 supercrew... his concern is that it is the "first year" for the "newer" model.. however.. am I correct in thinking that the drivetrain is the same?
What were the major changes other than cosmetics.. and has there been many issues with this "first generation" of new style F150s
Thanks so much
Melanie
What were the major changes other than cosmetics.. and has there been many issues with this "first generation" of new style F150s
Thanks so much
Melanie
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
The 04's were the first year with the 3v 5.4l's. Watch out for the spark plugs getting stuck in the heads when they need to be changed. The 04's also have a higher rate of vibrations, brakes problems, the computers will usually need to be flash upgraded to get rid of electronic throttle hesitations. The clutch paks in the limited slip diffs also were also giving problems and usually needed to be replaced under warranty. If it at all possible, it would be a smart idea to avoid the 04's. As my Ford dealer likes to tell me when I have issues with my 04, "Never buy a first model year of any ford product." If he is really stuck on getting an 04, ask the dealer for an Oasis report. That will show all the problems that were fixed at the ford dealer.
Last edited by ford9c; Dec 1, 2006 at 12:33 PM.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
So you think that an '03 would be a better choice then?
Seems like everyone around here is either an '03 or an '04.. plus he is trying to stay in budget for his business, he is hoping to find one that is 50K miles or less and around $20K max...
Thanks.. just trying to have him not get a Toyota.. (which is "the other" he is looking at) LOL
-Mel
Seems like everyone around here is either an '03 or an '04.. plus he is trying to stay in budget for his business, he is hoping to find one that is 50K miles or less and around $20K max...
Thanks.. just trying to have him not get a Toyota.. (which is "the other" he is looking at) LOL
-Mel
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
I recently bought a used 04 and have not had any problems yet, honestly with 50K miles, you are likely to have any new model bugs it would have had, already fixed by the previous owner. All vehicles new and used have issues, its just that you will see a lot of issues on a forum, because that is where most people come first to seek advice to a problem they are having. Doctors dont typically make people sick, but if you go to a doctors office, you are going to find a lot of sick people. Its how you want to look at things I guess. I think the benefits to owning a newer bodystyle, interior, and engine upgrades are worth it to me at least especially for a company vehicle, and especially with one with 50K miles. It has been driven enough to work through the problems.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 187
Likes: 3
From: New Bern, NC
I have an 04 STX reg cab 2X4, 4.6L with the LS 3.55 rear. No problems at 37K. Well, OK, just one, the non-powered sliding rear window rattles. No rattles other than that, no vibrations, tires and brakes wearing well. He could look at the 04 Heritage line. They are really 03 leftovers.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by phatpony
I have an 04 STX reg cab 2X4, 4.6L with the LS 3.55 rear. No problems at 37K. Well, OK, just one, the non-powered sliding rear window rattles. No rattles other than that, no vibrations, tires and brakes wearing well. He could look at the 04 Heritage line. They are really 03 leftovers.
-Melanie
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
Drive train on the new design 04's is not the same, newer beefier transmission on the 5.4 units, braking system redesigned, larger brakes, beefier box frame, better ride due to newer suspension geometry.
Clutch pac problems were also in the 97 and newer as was the ring and pinion problems.
I have an 04 Lariat SCREW and have not had any braking problems or vibration issues as one has posted.
Clutch pac problems were also in the 97 and newer as was the ring and pinion problems.
I have an 04 Lariat SCREW and have not had any braking problems or vibration issues as one has posted.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Canada
For 20k he could be looking at 05's anyways. I test drove the 03 and 04 before purchasing, and the 04 was clearly a winner. Just go sit in/drive one!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
I have an early production 04 (Sept 03) and once they fixed the differential (a problem since 97), it has been a great truck. If I was a newe car dealer, I would disparage an 04 model in the hopes of selling a new one or shutting up a complaining customer who has one with the hope of selling a new truck. Part of the problems with the 04 is that they made them to quiet. Many of the earlier ones had the same noises that people with the 04+ trucks had but you couldn't hear them over the other noises from the wind, road, etc.