thedecimator150

ok guys, i bought a 2005 f150 XLT with 143k miles on it. at 145k i did an oil change and air filter change, after the oil change i was idling at about 600-800RPM(when before i was idling at about 1200-1400RPM) and would stall out after a while if i just came to a stop. i took it in to an auto parts store and ran the computer code. Camshaft code. took it into good year, they said they wouldnt even touch it. so i took it into my local mechanic. after running multiple test all went back to the cam phasers. says i can have them replaced for a hefty price anywhere from $1500-2000, or i can have a remanufactured engine dropped in it. which is what he recommends, because the truck has a 145k on it and things will probably go bad one thing at a time. i feel like i would have to a tranny rebuild after an engine drop in because that would be the next thing to go... SO my question is. should i do the engine replacement. and have it dropped in for $700 from dealer i bought it from(i gotta pay for a new engine) OR should i take it into a ford dealership as a trade in and start payments on a newer truck like a 2009 for $15-17k? any help would be great.
Thanks guys!

ToughFX4

I personally would not have bought a truck with that many miles knowing that the cam phasers are problematical. Did you get any maintenance records? I'd trade up for sure, lot less headaches in the long run. My 2 cents.

thedecimator150

The carfax had the maintance records, i bought it from a small dealer who bought it from an auction. i had my mechanic check it out and he said it was a good deal. so i think i am going to trade up!

it ran flawlessly until the oil change... how much do you think i could get trade in value? in rough condition its worth $6000 but the body is flawless and clean. has all brand new tires. and the only code poping up is the cam shaft. i think P0340

so i think i will trade up..

tareed94

If you have mechanical skill you can replace the phasers, tensioners, timing chains, and chain guides, yourself in a weekend for about $500, you'd also want to replace the VCT solenoids while you were at it for an extra like $100 if I remember right. There's a write up on here about exactly how to fix all of it. Before buying the parts though I'd check to make sure there's not heavy scoring on the cams.

thedecimator150

I just talked to my mechanic. he said just sell it and save the headaches. i can put in 20w-50 and it will build up the oil pressure and prevent it from stalling and just trade it in to a dealer and purchase a newer truck. After calling the dealer, they said all they do for trade ins, is start it up make sure it runs. and drive it around the block to make sure brakes and such work then they can go in on the pricing after checking the carfax. SO i think i may have a plan here. i got screwed over time to sell it to a dealer who can actually fix it and sell it. and have it be their issue! haha not morally correct but im done. no more 5.4l for me. Im going 3.7 or 4.6 this time.

ToughFX4

Yep, heavy oil and sell it. If you can swing the payment get 5.0

tareed94

Sounds like a plan! Haha. I'm sentimental with mine so it's not going anywhere. The heavy oil should help, and since that's all they'll do with it let them fight with it.

thedecimator150

why the 5.0? I do some towing and hauling. but its mostly highway and commuting, so thats why i was thinking the 4.6L because its still a v8 and can town but it also gets better on the gas mileage.

im looking for a 2009-2011 with under 100k mileage for like $15-$19k.

thanks.

atnolan94

I have the 5.4 but a buddy of mine has a 4.6. My 5.4 struggles enough towing and that 4.6 feels like a lawnmower with a load.

The 5.0 has better hp/TQ/overall design than the 5.4. Its a significantly better power train overall. you can get a 5.0 XLT for 19k if you're lucky.

Othe option is to buy a really late build date 5.4 cause they're less bad

Snowhite

My 2010 isn't "less bad" hell it's not bad at all.

4 1/2 years and the only parts iv gone through are oil filters, 2 batteries, brake pads, rotors, and tires.

I might just be blessed to have such a truck, but I do meticulously take care of it.

To be honest iv test driven the 5.0, and the ecoboost, I wasn't impressed with the 5.0 at all, now the ecoboost surprised me. I'd pick the Eco any day over the 5.0. Yeah it's mostly personal preference but in all I just decided to keep my 10' because it's been so reliable. Eventually I will buy a raptor and keep my current f150 but not having a truck payment is great.

Good luck.