greentractor

im looking into buyin a 2003 ford f-250 with the 5.4 triton what can you tell me about those trucks, the goods and the bad

nfldfordman

the 5.4 is generally a good motor if you look after it. main issue they are known for is some spark plug trouble. I believe 2003 would have a 2 valve 5.4 so that avoids the later 3 valve's cam phaser issues.....

if it has relatively low miles, and seems to be well taken care of, I'd say it's a good choice, that will be a good reliable truck if looked after. but many will warn you that the F-250 is a lot of truck for a 5.4 if you're working it hard.

do you have any other specifications on the truck?

greentractor

haha ya iv heard already about it being a heavy truck for the 5.4, whats that motor like for pulling? wondering to if it will be more of a gutless truck with it being so heavy with that motor iv never had the chance to drive one yet or none anyone who has one.

nfldfordman

I don't have much experience around them I'll admit, but I hear them called too much truck for the motor etc....it'll be reliable but I'm thinking it won't be a racer or a real heavy hauler....just to mention, I've heard people with experience around both say the 6.8L gas V10 has way more power, and similar fuel economy

bcangelo

The 5.4 in the 250 is a pig pulling. Also the truck feels underpowered when running down the hi way empty. I don't recommend it if you are worried about mpg or if your plan on towing.

flyinryan517

It's all gearing my dads got the fx4 with 4.11 gears and its got all kinds of power the motors not everything

bcangelo

What year is his truck, I have never seen one with 4:11s, maybe 4:10s.

With that small of an engine you would need 4:10s to pull anything major but your mpg will suffer. I ran 3:31s in my diesel and never had an issue pulling grades.

flyinryan517

Yeah it is 4.10s and it really ain't that bad on gas it's a truck who cares bout good mpg lol

KScountryboy

hey guys... I am also looking at trading my F150 screw for a 05 F250 ccsb 4x4 w/ 5.4. I dont haul anything heavy very often, but do carry a lot of stuff in the bed (hating my current 5'er). How 'doggy' is the truck during daily driving? Is the mpg really as bad as the v10's?

Pity7700

my dad had an 01 Excursion with the 5.4, pretty sure that truck is heavier than the 250. the engine ran great. he pulled a 30ft trailer for years to hunt in. engine still had tons of power after 116k miles.

5.4 is a great motor, hands down.