cr1cket

I'm going to be in the market for an f150 if the money comes out right. I've only driven Fords, and my family has been involved with Fomoco forever. This will be the first truck I'm looking at getting though. I don't know what to look for when looking at a used truck. I know what to look for on Mustangs of all generations, but not f150's. So could y'all give me some tips on the different things to look for, and watch out for? Appreciate it.

Burrich

Get it warmed up and listen for a diesel sound from the engine (cam phasers and everything else that goes with it). If it's a 5.4L make sure the spark plugs have been replaced. Those are generally the 2 largest issues in this generation.

cr1cket

Roughly how long can these motors last before a rebuild? I am looking more into the 5.4L. I did read the sticky about the spark plugs.

TwinTurboFx4

Hard to say on mileage. Because I've seen some blow up in 50K miles and some go 350K. I would buy a 08 if you want the best.

cr1cket

I found an 03 Screw with 152,xxx miles on it for $10,900. I haven't seen it in person so it could be a big pretty turd. Even the leather for 152xxx miles doesn't look terrible. Heres the ad for it. So with it being an 03 is there a way to check to see if the heads have been changed because of the tsb?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...37847908&Log=0

Edit...just realized I was one year behind on the model years. I've been mostly looking at 04-08s but that 03 stuck out to me.

This is the 05 I've been looking at for the passed few days.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=8&Log=0

Mr.Bones

I would go for a 4.6 V8. 06 or 08. Check for tune up, Fluid flushes. Look for dark fluids. Break fluid power stering coolent, Look at the shocks and see if they are leaking. The best will be take it to a shop and have it looked over.

cr1cket

I already have a good knowledge of the 4.6L. They are still 2v's in the trucks right? Windsor and Romeo blocks?

Mr.Bones

04 to 08 had 3V. Most of them are romeo and F1 blocks. I have two of them and i will stick to my 4.6.

cr1cket

What would you say the advantages of the 4.6 are over the 5.4? My brother in law has been having a problem with a COP getting wet and going out on him, He had to fab up a piece of sheet metal to deflect it away from the COPs.

alsatropine

iTrader: (2)

I have a 2004 F150 5.4 3v Lariat 4x4. I have 188000 on mine and have the phaser tick. Keep in mind that its the new body style. I have had to do some work to it, but for the money spent, it was well worth it. I get nothing but good compliments on it. I have done alot of the work myself which saved some money, but if you do regular maint. on these engines they should last a long time. Here are a few pics of mine..