thebreba

Completely up to you. I went for a 2009 F-150 with the 5.4 3v. Only because not much was changed in the 2011+ other then a new motor and some other small things. Same transmission and everything. But for being 5-7k more on the price tag it wasn't worth it for me. (From what I researched) ... Not saying I wouldn't go for a 5.0 if I had the money but the 5.4 does what I need. Not to mention I've done quite a few things to my truck now. After market Headers... exhaust... Tune.. Etc... I can keep up with, if not beat a 5.0/Ecoboost truck.

Keep in mind they made the 5.4 engine up until 2014.. So if your fear of being "out dated" is the issue. I wouldn't feel to bad. I don't think anyone can argue that the 5.4 is a good engine... In fact. I've questioned just rebuilding or swapping another 5.4 engine in my 09 once the current motor gives out. Instead of trading it in next year and getting a 5.0.

I'm at 149k miles and still going strong.

mustangcobrajc

If you were to get a 04-10 model. Which years would be the best to get. From everything ive read, it seems that the 07+ had most of the major issues fixed and then 09+ they switched to the 6 speed. Also, what year did they start the digital dash, with all the options that you control from your steering wheel? Lastly, what year/model did they start the rearview camera in the mirror?

Manuellabour247

09-10. The 6 speed makes the 5.4 that much more of a potent power plant. The 4 speed worked just fine, but the 6 speed makes it feel like a different engine. It helps for hauling and four wheeling.

Neptunescab

A 6 spd would probably be the must have choice as to the motor you should be fine with either the 5.4 has enough aftermarket support that you can gain back the power difference pretty easily

4.6Intruder

I have no experience with the 5.4 so I won't comment on that other than the known spark plug issues in the earlier models. I love my 2011 5.0. Bought it in 2012 with 12k miles on it and paid 25g which I thought was a good deal considering the miles and year. Have just about 60k on it now and haven't had any issue's thus far(knock on wood). Power is great, mileage not to shabby. Easily get 20mpgs highway. I like how much room there is in the engine compartment. I came from a 03 with a 4.6 so this was a huge upgrade for me. Mine is just an xlt 4x4 model though.

Manuellabour247

I think of you can find an 11 5.0 4x4, the price should be on par with what you're looking to spend. That's so long as you're not looking for a Lariat or king ranch. Lol.

mustangcobrajc

Thats my problem, is i am greedy and want and lariet/king ranch model lol. A deployed life without any vehicle i guess can make you try and get more then you need.

RaceRed14

4.6 intruder brought up a good point . I do love all the room in the engine bay . I also don't miss the 3v 5.4 coil over plug design over the 5.0

KMS

If I already had three car payments, I wouldn't be looking get into another one.

Shane Magnussen

the plugs are easy to change. Get the 3v 4.4 warmed up and then hit her hard with the 3/8 air ratchet. They come out like butter and take about an hour. Just about the same time it takes to change an exhaust manifold on them to0. F350 manifolds are butter compared to f150 also. And get rid of the 5w20 garbage. You get slightly better milage but 15w40 is the way to go. We bought 60 of them in 2005 f350 5.4 3v and ONLY ran 15w40. 400,000km on all of them. Hammering up and down the logging roads like they were stolen, AND packing tidy tanks up the mountains.