I need a good used Truck and have been thinking of going with a F150. I would probably have to get a 2000-2002 model. I have been reading horror stories of the spark plug problems with the 5.4. I have also read of some head gasket problems (I think it was head gasket, maybe intake manifold gasket?) with certain years of the 5.4. I know this is a Ford Forum so is there a certain year or motor that I should avoid? I will be pulling a 16.5 ft Lund boat so I will need a little power but I think the 4.6 should handle it. Just need some advice. I just sold my 95 Chev. with 180,000 so I need to upgrade quick. Thanks

 

welcome to the site!
i have a 4.6 and i think it has plenty of power my friends brother has a 02 or 03 f150 with a 5.4 and that is loaded with power compared to mine
i havent heard of any problems with the 5.4 but i never really looked for one!
im sure some other people on here will more than likely know about any problems

for work i pull a 24' double axle loaded with golfcarts, i use my bosses 06 chevy5.3 and the trailer drives the truck but evern now and then i use my 04 4.6 and it throws that trailer around

 

its all about how the trailer is loaded.

 

I have a 2001 with the 4.6. I put a cold air intake with throttle boby spacer and chipped it. I run a 16" rim with 33's and pull a 17' trailer with a 91' f-150 with 44 agriculture tires on it all day long. It does just fine. You won't break any speed records but it's got plenty of power.

 

As cheap as they are now you can get a new one with no frills for 13,000. The 4.6 has adequate power and Ford has worked the bugs out since it entered the market in the T-Birds and Crown Vics. I am VERY happy with mine.

 

Is there really a thought process in buying a F150? Its a good solid truck. I say go for it.