Sorry to be the n00b that beats the dead horse, and mods feel free to point me in the right direction.

Buddy at work has a family member selling a 2004 F150 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat for peanuts and it's too good of a deal to not look into. I'm wondering if 2004 was a year to avoid, or if there is anything for this specific model year to look out for. I read the Triton sticky, and since the truck only has 80k miles and was well cared for, I feel pretty good about the motor itself.

Any insight appreciated. Thanks!

 

If it's a 5.4 V8, it's going to have issues. Has it had a plug change? Cam phaser work?


If you are not mechanically inclined to perform your own work in these areas, be prepared for costly service bills to have this work done; it's not a matter of if, but rather a matter of when with the early 5.4 V8's.


They are great engines, but had some querks.

 

I can turn a wrench. I'm in the market for a truck solely to tow the track car with The spark plugs aren't covered under the TSB?

So 8 plugs and how much is the cam phaser?

 

nm...kept reading :p

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/final-r...6/#post1490100

So basically $500 in parts and 4-6 hours in labor (for myself to do).

Ugh...that looks like a PITA job though.

 

And have the spark plug extraction tool handy in case one (or more) break during removal. The good news is that you'll be installing the one piece design, so future tune ups that require spark plug changes (75 to 100K later) will be much easier!

 

Well...the seller ended up selling it before I even had a chance to look at it. Going to look at a 2012 ecoboost lariat tomorrow. Go big or go home right?

 

You mentioned you will tow a track car with this truck...make sure the eco-boost engine is rated to tow the trailer/car weight you want to pull.

 

Yeah the track car is about 2800, and the trailer is open, so I'm thinking I'd be just south of 5000 lbs. No problem for the 3.5L