in the market for a 2003-2007 F150. Thoughts?
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Boston, MA
in the market for a 2003-2007 F150. Thoughts?
I am in the market for a F150. somewhere around a 2005 plus or minus a few years. I would like a 4x4. Last full size Ford I owned was a 1996 F150 4x4, auto, 302. I bought it new and drove it 160k. I had pretty good luck with the truck. I now own a 2004 Ranger. I need a full size. I have done a little research. It seems the 5.4 has the sparkplug breakage issue. I imagine the truck I find might have had them replaced already. Anyways all thoughts are welcome. What engines are best? what trannys? any know issues? etc. I do most of my own repairs. TIA.
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I would be inclined to consider an 09 if it's affordable. It has the 6spd transmission. Any 5.4L built after Nov. '07 has the plug issue corrected. That's when the re-designed cylinder heads found their way into production. So if that's the way you plan on going I would recommend looking for an '08 or newer with a preference for '09 for the transmission with 5.4L engine. There were some issues with shift flare or hard shifting on the '09 6 spd. trannies, but a re-flash or a programmer with transmission programming capabilities should be able to correct that.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boston, MA
I would be inclined to consider an 09 if it's affordable. It has the 6spd transmission. Any 5.4L built after Nov. '07 has the plug issue corrected. That's when the re-designed cylinder heads found their way into production. So if that's the way you plan on going I would recommend looking for an '08 or newer with a preference for '09 for the transmission with 5.4L engine. There were some issues with shift flare or hard shifting on the '09 6 spd. trannies, but a re-flash or a programmer with transmission programming capabilities should be able to correct that.
Cargo Master
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From: South Carolina
Would anyone here have any good thoughts about a Ram or Silverado? I doubt it! I just concluded a search similar to yours. I wanted an 04 or newer F150 4x4. Found a 2005 FX4, but it took a lot of looking over about 4 or 6 months. Some were too pricey, some were too rusty, some were almost worn out. The one I ended up with has dents and scratches from being too close to young horses. That was OK by me. Also, it had just had the plugs replaced (5 of 8 broke off during removal). I figure I won't have to change them now. It is now the 3rd 5.4 in my driveway. Good luck in your search - patience pays off.
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From: Langley, BC
Any truck of that era would likely have high enough miles that would've called for the spark plugs being replaced already. There was a TSB released a long time ago about this famous issue on the 5.4L, and in it was called for a new type of spark plug. So, if they've been done once, chances are high that you won't have to worry about them seizing in place anymore.
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From: Langley, BC
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Fleet Mechanic
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Just saw this 2010 on CL. I talked to the guy. I think he would take 7k. Truck was never worked. It is exactly what I want except for the 4WD!
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/4656984343.html
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/4656984343.html
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I researched GM and Dodge of the mid 2000's when I was looking to get out of my 06 F150 and go back to a 3/4 ton diesel. Both are quite a bit lighter than the F150. Both are lighter duty in the suspension area than F150. They both seem to rust quicker than a Ford. And both seemed to have a cheaper looking interior than the Ford. And both have worse brakes than the F150. These comparisons are for 1/2 ton to 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton to 3/4 ton. And Ford seems to have fewer engine problems than GM. And a properly equipped Ford has more towing and payload capacity than the GM or Dodge. I work with some guys who have Dodge or GM. While they have been happy with them they all concede that a comparably equipped Ford has more capacity and better brakes.
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