Lackeys'GT

Is it just me or does it seem like you guys are having tons of problems with your trucks, I had a 97 f150 4x4 with the 2v 4.6L and it was a little rough but it ran fine and never gave me any problems (228,000). I just bought a 04 fx4 with the 5.4L and got on the 04-08 forum and it is kind of scaring the crap out of me because every post is a bad one.

Did I just buy a lemon, it runs great right now but has 100,000 miles on it.

Adam013085

Are you having problems with your truck? If so post them. Just because you bought an 04 with the 5.4 does not mean you have a lemon.....

Cutless009

There are only a lot of posts about the problems with the trucks because people come here for help.

The 5.4l 3v from Ford is a largely misunderstood motor (in my opinion), but still a solid one.

I was a little put off by all the comments at first too, but after owning my truck for a while I can honestly say I wouldn't put much stock in them.

My truck had issues but it was entirely because the previous owner(s) didn't care for the truck and do the required maintenance.

As the first responder said, if you are having issues with your truck, post em up and we'll try to help you, otherwise I wouldn't worry too much about having bought a lemon.

corey_lax

5 years with my truck, 175,000 KM, No problems. Keep up to date with regular maintenance and you should be good. All I have done to my truck is oil changes, brakes once, spark plugs once.

No matter what forum you go on, you will see all the posts about the problems. Not many about the good trucks.

cfeick333

no mate. these trucks are great, there are just a handful of known issues that can spawn without proper maintenence. the 3v 5.4L is strong, yes they used stupid sparkplugs but thats only really an issue on the first change. the shift on the fly 4wd system can be fickle but easy to self diagnose issues and not very costly to repair the usual suspects. dont be intimidated by cam phaser talk as it doesnt seem to affect everybody. i have seen many of these beasts with over 200k on the motors. i have 2 now with 80k/110k and no major problems with either (plugs, cops, iwes, vacuum valves, steering shaft) just routine stuff that you experience with every vehicle and of course you will read more about issues from those that spend a lot of time off the pavement. they have been good to us and most repairs are DIY if you choose so cant complain there.
ive lurked here for years as every time that i had a hiccup, google would show a related post and iwas able to handle it. Now that its time to start playing with mine i figured i would join in on the fun and cant wait to finish building up over the summer.

Cutless009

I would say the only down side to these trucks is there aren't a lot of things you can do to get more power out of the motor. Even with a supercharger you'd be lucky to get 410-420hp to the wheels.

I have no idea if that's the case on other trucks or not, but it does make me sad about my truck.

Other than that the actual block etc seem to be pretty much bulletproof.

Lackeys'GT

Thanks guys! My truck doesn't have any problems it actually runs like brand new! I also drive a mustang on nice days and am a very active forum member on a mustang forum so I'm hoping to learn from you guys like I have over at the other forum.

The truck I bought actually had the cam problem and the motor was rebuilt under warrenty so the motor has very low miles on it. I love this truck though and can't wait to start modding it, I'm going to start with some 31s then I've been looking at a leveling kit (which height should I get), I've also been looking at headlights but I want somethimg that looks factory but has a black background if that makes since lol I also wish I could find a saleen grill, a company should really make a replica they would make a killing!

Thanks for your help guys!

joe mcmillan

My '04 is a lemon with repeating issues. About every two to three weeks I have to put gas in it.Once a month I have to wash it. Twice a year wax. If not for these issues it would be problem free.

screamineagle

Currently at 191,000 trouble free miles on my 06 5.4. She is still quiet as a church mouse. The key to longevity with the 5.4 3v is to run 30w oil. 20w oil coverts it to a diesel!

Lackeys'GT

So are you guys running 5w30 full synthetic?