Okay. Brand new here. I have an '01 Lightning and a 2013 Focus ST. I'm considering trading the ST in on a 2010 Black FX4 with a little over 33,000 miles on it. I need a work truck I can take up to the cabin. After being in the Lightning and ST, the FX4 feels gutless, but I sort of expected that. Anyway, I have heard of problems with the 5.4 L 3-valve motors. If I go with the FX4, what problems am I looking forward to ? It appears it has been taken care of by the previous owner.

Thanks guys.

 

I never had an issue with my '08 F150 5.4l through 4 years of daily driving and occasional towing of an 18' and 26' boat. I kept it stock except for a flow master muffler...it was slow but served me well.

 

I'd jump on it. Mine was flawless. We have a ton of work trucks with that motor and well over 200k on some. I don't think any have been In for repair. Just don't go cheap on the oil.

 

I personally would never get the 5.4 again. I had mine completely rebuilt with revised parts and after about 20 000k it started knocking again. Traded in on my 2014 5.0 and am really enjoying it

 

I'd recommend going a year newer with the 5.0.

 

From the comments posted on this forum, seems like both engines have had their problems, but more on an individual basis, meaning neither engine seems universally good or bad or any particular area(s).

I have had no problems with the 5.4L. The 5.0 is considered a "hotter" engine. Sure, I want a powerful engine, but I place reliability above everything else. The 5.4 in my truck has been every bit of that. But then, not so for some others.

Might I suggest reviewing the maintenance record of the particular truck you're considering, if available, before you decide? More to see if that particular engine, whether 5.4 or 5.0, is sound - or less so. And if there are no records available, that would make my decision easy: These trucks are excellent vehicles, but they have to be maintained. IMO, no records, something is amiss.

 

Thank You, and while I will agree that keeping maintenance records is a great idea, especially if you plan on selling or trading in, I have not been so diligent in that area on any of my vehicles, all of which have lasted me a long time. I do the standard stuff myself on a regular basis and really don't keep a record of it. I know it's simple and doesn't take any time, but I have always kept my vehicles long enough for them not to really be worth that much because of the high miles. So unless something major happened where I would have to take it to the shop, which would be extremely rare, I would have no official record. It's a habit I should start though and I'll check to see if it has one. Good idea and thanks, everyone, for your input.