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Ford Truck advice please

Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:37 am
Posted by tadman
Member since Jun 2020
3904 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:37 am
Looking at a few 2008-ish 5.4 f150 with around 80-120k miles for towing a boat, moving appliances, occasionally (monthly to quarterly) carrying large but not heavy work stuff.

Anything to look out for?

I've heard the 5.4 has timing chain issues. I've also heard there are problems with the individual coils-on-cylinder thing around that time, thought?

thanks guys
Posted by FenrirTheBeard
NOLA
Member since Jun 2012
6441 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:47 am to
I have the 4.6 with 120k. It could be for sale
Posted by nosaj
Member since Sep 2010
2201 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:50 am to
Don’t buy a 5.4, terrible engine. I sold parts for years and they have a myriad of issues. If it needs to be that age range, but a 4.6, or get one a few years newer and buy a 5.0 - I had a 2012 with a 5.0 and put over 135k on it without a single issue.
Posted by weadjust
Member since Aug 2012
15197 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:54 am to
quote:

I've heard the 5.4 has timing chain issues. I've also heard there are problems with the individual coils-on-cylinder thing around that time,


The coil pack thing isn't a problem. I would worry about the cam phaser timing chain issue. It's carp shoot. May go 300k miles or need $3000 worth of work tomorrow. I would want to see documentation of oil change intervals before proceeding.

quote:

I have the 4.6 with 120k. It could be for sale


The 4.6 is great engine. I owned 3 of them and pulled a boat. A bit under powered but very reliable.
Posted by meeple
Carcassonne
Member since May 2011
9456 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:55 am to
If you get a 5.4 in that generation, make sure the spark plugs have already been changed. Or else you’re looking at $1k minimum to have someone do it.

The issue is that Ford factory-installed 2-piece plugs that break off when removed. I changed them on mine but it was a huge PITA, had to buy the special removal tool (Lisle), and had a buddy with a drill press because we had to mod the Lisle a little bit to bite into the remnants of one of my plugs that broke off.

ETA: Looks like it was redesigned for 2008, so applies to anything before. 4.6’s as well. Here’s a good write up

The Ford Three-Valve Broken Spark Plug Blues

This post was edited on 10/1/22 at 12:08 pm
Posted by Colonel Angus
Member since Aug 2007
1653 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 11:58 am to
The 5.0 Coyote is one of the most reliable engines Ford ever put in a truck. Like others have said, stay away from that 5.4. The 4.6 is a solid option if you can't find the right truck in your price range with the 5.0.
Posted by armsdealer
Member since Feb 2016
11546 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 12:09 pm to
Look into a 5.0

I wouldn't touch a 5.4
Posted by LSUPilot07
Member since Feb 2022
5854 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 1:05 pm to
5.4 was a piece of shite. If you’re getting a half ton in that age range do yourself a favor and buy a Chevy with the 5.3L. Much better and more powerful engine. If you can afford it though buy the f-250. I love my Powerstroke. If you’re set on a 1/2 ton ford though get the 5.0 engine.
This post was edited on 10/1/22 at 1:06 pm
Posted by footballdude
BR
Member since Sep 2010
1075 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 1:33 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/26/22 at 9:19 am
Posted by CaptainsWafer
TD Platinum Member
Member since Feb 2006
58417 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 1:36 pm to
Like others have mentioned I’d maybe look for something a little newer with the 5.0. If not, then go with the 4.6 if you can find one.
Posted by BorrisMart
La
Member since Jul 2020
8842 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 2:42 pm to
I had an old 07 5.4 and it constantly had an issue where it would shake and rattle when shifting for some reason. Tried to fix it numerous places many times and it never was fixed. I think it was a lemon.
Posted by justaniceguy
Member since Sep 2020
5492 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 2:54 pm to
Chevy
Posted by rexorotten
Missouri
Member since Oct 2013
3970 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 2:58 pm to
A couple of years ago I was moving and needed to get rid of a truck. It was a 2002 Ram with 127k miles. Ran fine, but body and interior was rough. I was needing to get rid of it so I called one of those places that buys vehicles. They offered me 250 for it, I told them no and they said best they could do was 275. I told them to frick off and sold it to a friend for 2500.
Posted by DownHome
Below the Equator
Member since Jan 2012
10346 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 5:04 pm to
Don't buy Ford, get something else
Posted by TigersnJeeps
FL Panhandle
Member since Jan 2021
1742 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 5:25 pm to
I had the 2 valve 5.4 (pre 2004 IIRC).

No issues.

Always heard the 3V, 2004 and later had issues.

Pulled jet-skie and 2 horse trailer with no issue.
Posted by Mordecai225
Member since Mar 2017
137 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 6:28 pm to
My advice, don't. 5.4 triton is a terrible engine.
Posted by frequent flyer
USA
Member since Jul 2021
3040 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 6:49 pm to
Do NOT buy a 3v 5.4L engine.
Posted by Saintsisit
Member since Jan 2013
4006 posts
Posted on 10/1/22 at 6:50 pm to
Honestly I would never buy a used 5.4 Triton. Ours has 150,000 and runs perfect, but bought it new in 2014 and never been late on an oil change. Makes all the difference in the world on that engine.
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