I am looking to buy a used F-150 soon. I am considering years 2002-2005. I know then 2004's look a lot different, but I am wondering about significant changes that were made, other than appearance obviously. Were there big improvements made to the drivetrain, reliability, safety, etc?

The kind I am interested in is a supercab, 4x4, with the small V8. I would like to get a manual transmission, but the tow rating is so low on those that I will probably just get an automatic.

 

Well, i dont think that manual transmission was available in 04-08 anymore

 

Frame and body structure were improved greatly in the 04+ F-150's. The 97-03's were really weak structure wise.

 

Basically everything 04 and newer is stronger or better.


And manuals came with the 4.2 only

 

x2 on that

 

Yeah Ive seen those before, pretty astounding difference.

 

Im really glad you posted those 2 videos.
Solidifies my choice on truck year. I definantly dont want that happening to my SO or kids.

 

The motors changed in 04 I believe they went from the 2 valve to the 3 valve. Also when buying a truck that old, there shouldn't be much price difference between the two v8's. Do yourself a favor and get the 5.4

 

The 04+ also has Coil-Over suspension which is a vast improvement over the Torsion Bars of the 4x4 97-03. The interior is way nicer, and the body is better looking IMO.

Outboard mounted shocks is another suspension improvement in 04+. Fully Boxed Frames in the 04+ better than the Open-C Frame of the 97-03.

3v 5.4L in 04+

I could keep rattling things off if I thought about it longer, but that's all I got for now.

 

Definitely go with the 5.4, especially in a supercab 4x4. The 4.6 is rather underpowered for a heavy truck and the gas mileage difference is minimal.

My brother has an '01 regular cab 4x4 with a 4.6 and Ive got an '06 supercab with a 5.4.

He gets 15-17 mpg and I get 14-17 mpg.


Dont let one $400 spark plug change steer you away from the 5.4. I had my plugs changed at 96k and it cost $408 with two broken plugs and wont need to be done again for quite a while, maybe never again in the life of the truck.