I’ve spent the last couple of years tinkering with my 2004 F150 4.6L V8…127,000 miles.

Today the diagnosis is that it needs a new engine. Estimated cost of $8,000. Do I get the new engine or cut my losses and move on to another project?

 

Depends on your love with the truck. If you love the truck, replace the engine...maybe customize by installing a different, more dependable power plant than the 5.4 (just don't be one of those people that stick an LS in a Ford -puke).

If you are over the truck, part it out/sell it and buy a more dependable truck.

IOW...it is personal preference. It looks like a clean truck and you take care of it.

AK4wheeler

 

Get a second quote. That seems bananas to me, but I am not sure what a good used junkyard motor goes for these days.

 

That's low miles for a bad engine especially the 4.6 2 v. What did they say was wrong with it?

 

It’s a completely shot 3rd cylinder.

I do love this truck. I’ve had a lot of fun replacing and upgrading a bunch of it.

I never thought about upgrading the engine as suggested earlier. What other engines would work in a 2004 F150? Would that also require a new transmission? I’m not exactly great at knowing mechanical details.

 

I would go back with another 4.6 2v. Your truck seems to be in good shape and it would be a lot less expensive than buying new or even used for that matter.

 

Looks like there's an '07 reg cab STX 4WD with the 4.6 V8 with 142K miles for sale not far from WV listed for $9,000. Also saw a '14 reg cab XLT 4WD 5.0 V8 with 70K miles going for $12,500. I'd probably go with selling the truck for what you could and putting that towards a new (to you) one.

I've had the 4.6L, and 5.4L V8s before, but I'm personally a big fan of the 5.0 V8.

 

Where did you see the '14 regular cab at?

 

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/b...ion_type=se_rp

Not sure how far away it is from you but might be worth checking out.

 

Find a low mileage junkyard donor. The 4.6 was a gutless hog but reliable.