5.4 reliability?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 320
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From: South Jersey
I have an 06 F150KR with the 5.4, 3:73 gears, Screw 4x4 with 5.5 bed. I pull a 6000lb Grady White boat. I can tell you I hardly know the boat is behind me even when I'm passing. This is my second 5.4, I also had a 98 scab 4x4 with 3:55 gears and that truck handled 6k also very well. The 06 does a nice job towing, with my setup of 7700gvw I'm very pleased.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 5
I really appreciate all the info guys, and time to answer my questions. However, due to my recent experiences with my 6.0 and my dealings with Ford directly this morning, I am swearing off on Ford.
I learned to drive on an old Ford 4 speed pickup. Ford is all my family has owned. Ford are the vehicles my company buys. No more man. Ford can kiss my big white hiney. I won't own another one. Not for me or the company we'll find something else. At the very least we can't get any worse than what we've got right now.
I learned to drive on an old Ford 4 speed pickup. Ford is all my family has owned. Ford are the vehicles my company buys. No more man. Ford can kiss my big white hiney. I won't own another one. Not for me or the company we'll find something else. At the very least we can't get any worse than what we've got right now.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 87
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From: Snohomish, WA
I pull this load behind mine (weighs about 6800 lbs with tools and spare parts in Jeep):
Last May we pulled it from Seattle to Moab UT and back, 18 hours each way, over several mountain passes, the highest of which was around 11K ft. I average 11 mpg as long as I keep my speed down to 65 (55-60 on the long passes).
Last May we pulled it from Seattle to Moab UT and back, 18 hours each way, over several mountain passes, the highest of which was around 11K ft. I average 11 mpg as long as I keep my speed down to 65 (55-60 on the long passes).
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 210
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From: Angelica, NY
I really appreciate all the info guys, and time to answer my questions. However, due to my recent experiences with my 6.0 and my dealings with Ford directly this morning, I am swearing off on Ford.
I learned to drive on an old Ford 4 speed pickup. Ford is all my family has owned. Ford are the vehicles my company buys. No more man. Ford can kiss my big white hiney. I won't own another one. Not for me or the company we'll find something else. At the very least we can't get any worse than what we've got right now.
I learned to drive on an old Ford 4 speed pickup. Ford is all my family has owned. Ford are the vehicles my company buys. No more man. Ford can kiss my big white hiney. I won't own another one. Not for me or the company we'll find something else. At the very least we can't get any worse than what we've got right now.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 5
Sorry to hear of your problems with Ford. I did the opposite being a GM guy my whole life. I bought my first Ford in late 2004, a 2005 F-150. I thought the truck was great. I did a lot of on-line research and Ford made the most sense. GM's stuff had gone down hill quite a bit and Dodge's seemed to still have tranny issues. For now anyway, I'll be sticking with Ford. My dealership has been outstanding also which really helps. If you do switch to another truck I hope you have good luck with it. I have a feeling though you will miss being in a Ford. Cheers
The two trucks I had in mind were the 05-08 F150 and the 05-08 Dodge Ram 1500. After dealing with the Ford customer service and the engineer that handled my last repair I just said screw Ford. I'm buying used so I know even if I buy a Ford they're not profiting from it but I'm just not happy with em.
Its just a damn truck but I feel wierd, guilty and even a little superstitious about going to a differnt company but we'll see what happens. Not alot of info out there about the 1500 with the Hemi - hope its not a pile like the 6.0.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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I had an 04 Ram Quad Cab with the Hemi in it. It was a good truck, but the quad cab was just too tiny (back seat leg room) and couldn't get a car seat in there with much comfort for the front passanger (had to move the seat up). I had no problems with mine when I had it. Most of the bugs in the trannies had been worked out by then.
I towed with it on occasion and it did fine. The 5 speed tranny with the two different second gear ratios was really nice as it always seemed to have the right gear....more than I can say about the 4 speed I have in my now current F150.
As a side note, the 6.0L motor has been nothing but a problem child for Ford.
I towed with it on occasion and it did fine. The 5 speed tranny with the two different second gear ratios was really nice as it always seemed to have the right gear....more than I can say about the 4 speed I have in my now current F150.
As a side note, the 6.0L motor has been nothing but a problem child for Ford.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 5
I'm really up in the air on this. I don't think Ford deserves me as a customer but from the comparisons I've been able to dig up it seems the Ford performs better while towing.
I've done alot of looking at auto reviews. On the Dodges there were complaints of weak trannies, and power steering pumps and racks that had to be replaced.
The Fords had numerous complaints about things like window regulators and cd players going out. Also alot of complaints about bad vibration in the rear end that dealers were unwilling or unable to fix. Complaints about cam phaser noise that also wasn't dealt with.
I owned a 3/4 ton Chevy before the Ford I've got now. Very reliable but struggled VERY VERY hard to pull the my little 18' Travel Trailer and camping gear. Only got 6mpgs while towing.
Seems like no matter where you look you can't find a reliable truck. I see posts all the time where a guys says, "My trucks been great. I've got 40,000 miles and I've only had to replace this, that and the other thing." Its pretty ridiculous.
I've done alot of looking at auto reviews. On the Dodges there were complaints of weak trannies, and power steering pumps and racks that had to be replaced.
The Fords had numerous complaints about things like window regulators and cd players going out. Also alot of complaints about bad vibration in the rear end that dealers were unwilling or unable to fix. Complaints about cam phaser noise that also wasn't dealt with.
I owned a 3/4 ton Chevy before the Ford I've got now. Very reliable but struggled VERY VERY hard to pull the my little 18' Travel Trailer and camping gear. Only got 6mpgs while towing.
Seems like no matter where you look you can't find a reliable truck. I see posts all the time where a guys says, "My trucks been great. I've got 40,000 miles and I've only had to replace this, that and the other thing." Its pretty ridiculous.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
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I had a 08 Dodge 1500 QC Laramie (with the Hemi) last year that was bought back from me as a lemon.
I replaced it with a (used) 2006 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat withe the 5.4.
I used both trucks to tow a 4000lb trailer, and a 6000lb trailer. I've had the same reliability issues with the Ford as I did with the Dodge, (maybe the Ford has been in the shop a few more times than the Dodge in the last 3 months) but the price was right. The one HUGE difference between the two trucks is the motor. The 5.4 can't match the Hemi for towing torque. (Not even close, the 5.4 is not a good motor for towing, especially through deep snow.)
If I had it to do over again, I would choose the Ford, but only because the purchase price was lower than the Dodge.
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
I replaced it with a (used) 2006 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat withe the 5.4.
I used both trucks to tow a 4000lb trailer, and a 6000lb trailer. I've had the same reliability issues with the Ford as I did with the Dodge, (maybe the Ford has been in the shop a few more times than the Dodge in the last 3 months) but the price was right. The one HUGE difference between the two trucks is the motor. The 5.4 can't match the Hemi for towing torque. (Not even close, the 5.4 is not a good motor for towing, especially through deep snow.)
If I had it to do over again, I would choose the Ford, but only because the purchase price was lower than the Dodge.
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 5
I had a 08 Dodge 1500 QC Laramie (with the Hemi) last year that was bought back from me as a lemon.
I replaced it with a (used) 2006 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat withe the 5.4.
I used both trucks to tow a 4000lb trailer, and a 6000lb trailer. I've had the same reliability issues with the Ford as I did with the Dodge, (maybe the Ford has been in the shop a few more times than the Dodge in the last 3 months) but the price was right. The one HUGE difference between the two trucks is the motor. The 5.4 can't match the Hemi for towing torque. (Not even close, the 5.4 is not a good motor for towing, especially through deep snow.)
If I had it to do over again, I would choose the Ford, but only because the purchase price was lower than the Dodge.
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
I replaced it with a (used) 2006 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat withe the 5.4.
I used both trucks to tow a 4000lb trailer, and a 6000lb trailer. I've had the same reliability issues with the Ford as I did with the Dodge, (maybe the Ford has been in the shop a few more times than the Dodge in the last 3 months) but the price was right. The one HUGE difference between the two trucks is the motor. The 5.4 can't match the Hemi for towing torque. (Not even close, the 5.4 is not a good motor for towing, especially through deep snow.)
If I had it to do over again, I would choose the Ford, but only because the purchase price was lower than the Dodge.
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
Thats disappointing to hear. But unfortuneatley very common. I've heard the same thing over and over about the Dodge. Great engine, horrible trans.
Oh well, the search continues. I just don't want another lemon.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 142
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-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 142
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Do you know what Consumer Reports is basing this recommendation on?
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
2006 5.4 3v (300 HP...well, originally anyways)
2005 5.7 Hemi (325 HP), non MDS (thank god)
I can tell you first hand that the Hemi HAS NOTHING ON THE 5.4 IN THE TORQUE DEPARTMENT. Gobs and gobs of go at high RPM, but down low, the motor needs a bit. It loves to rev, but off the line, it is not a happy customer.
5.4 is a low revving torque monster that has max torque almost immediately off the line. Perfectly suited for towing and "stump pulling"
5.7 is a high revver with no guts down low. You have to get her above 3,000 rpm before the magic starts. then hold on and enjoy the ride. Hardly a good tow combination IMO...unless you are doing something like a tractor pull I guess
the only difference between your 2008 5.7 and my 2005 5.7 is the addition of the MDS....horrible system that it is. Same HP/TQ ratings, different MPG ratings though. But I'd rather keep my 12 city mpgs than deal with a cranky psuedo 4 banger/8 banger
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 320
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From: South Jersey
Tylus, I've heard the same thing from guys who own the Hemi, that the motor has nothing on the Triton as far as towing goes. I can't speak from experience since I've only owned Fords, but I can say I have no complaints in the pulling department on how good my 5.4 is when it comes to torque / trailering.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
-Bill
2003 IASCA Amateur Street World Champion
2003 SLAP Amateur Street National Champion
Linear Power - Dynaudio - Sony - Scosche
My Little Truck My Other Projects