Esaloom

If you are looking at exhuasts, The top 3 manufacturers in order from cheapest to best quality would probably be Flowmaster, Magnaflow, Borla

Rosie

Forgot to add in my future I see a 6" lift, I'd reccomend you'd do the same.. Just high enough to be king of the road for the most part and still pratical.

BigDaddy750

I've owned 2 different 4.6l trucks. My first was a 97 4x4 off-road with 100k. It ran great on and off road till I traded it at 150k. My current truck is an 07 xlt 2wd. I bought it with 22k and it now has 47k. I just did a DIY exhaust like the magnaflow that exits before the rear wheels, Gotts mod, a 3"/1" leveling lift, new 17" Rims with Fallen 285/75-17s. The programmer is next on my list, esp with the bigger tires. That 5.4 may have a bit more power, but imo the 4.6 is proven to have less problems.

greenf1502007

If you can find a good condition 5.4 XLT then go for it. But if you don't want to gamble with having many issues, then go with a 4.6, although you still have to make sure the engine is good too. Although the 4.6 is less likely to have problems and are cheaper to fix, they can still break down too. My 4.6 is having trouble right now, and I wish I would've inspected the truck more thoroughly before purchasing last month. There was a coat of mud about 2 inches on the axles and underbody, and the engine's really dirty. Just a few things that you should definitely look at before buying. I was just so excited to get my first car and the deal was great, so I wasn't thinking very thoroughly. I don't regret the purchase though, I've ridden in a few Chevys and driven a Dodge, and even though the F150 isn't as powerful, it's definitely more comfortable and has a much better interior.

greenf1502007

And to answer a few of your questions...
You should try to get one that averages no more than 20k miles per year, so like 120k on an 06 or 140k on an 05 etc. and when it comes to lifts and mods, there's so much information in this forum. Just look around a bit

PJB

Ive got a 5.4 with 102k (bought with 48k) and havent had any engine trouble.

The spark plugs are a bit expensive to change because they break but even then its about $450 or less.

The only real issue Ive had with my truck was the bearings going bad in the rearend around 93k, an $800 repair. Other than that no other problems at all and almost all parts on my truck are original.

To me the 4.6 is underpowered, especially with a Supercab or Supercrew 4x4. You wont save gas because youll have your foot into it more, especially if you put bigger tires on it.

As for mods Id recommend a programmer like the Edge Evolution Ive got.

$12k should be able to buy you an '04-'06 Supercab 4x4 with 85-100k. I only paid $14,700 for my '06 XLT Supercab 3 years ago with 48k on it.

'04-'05's have an issue with cam phasers, '06+ dont. From what I understand its mainly a noise issue though.

MyFirstTruck

I'm thinking a lift kit instead of leveling kit incase I want to do some more serious off-roading (deep mud). Also, I'd like something with 4 doors (whether it be a supercab or crew cab). Exhaust wise, I'd like something better than stock but not something that's screaming when you're cruising.
Jerrybizzle, Your truck is a good example of something I'd like to own (minus a lift kit)
Rosie, your truck looks very nice to me and I don't know why you wouldn't like that.. That's something I'd own aswell..

jerrybizzle

Thanks man. As badass as a 6 inch lift kit would be, it wouldn't fit in the garage and since I don't drive it everyday, I like it protected.

apoirier594

Personally I love the sound of magnaflow.


http://www.stage3motorsports.com/pro...8-1101-C12669A

And those grills are awesome

MyFirstTruck

If I did go with a 6 in lift, what should I do with the gearing? Also, If I wanted to be the king of the road and be able to do some major off roading but I didn't want the whine of very knobby tires, what size, brand, type of tires do you recommend? Also, good looking wheels?