I know this is common amongst these trucks. I knew when I bought it I would have to deal with it one of these days. But I have been reading about the cure to the ticking. Lockouts, and or replacing the phasers. I would just like some pros and cons of both, and which would be my best route, and the work will be done by myself. Any input will be greatly appreciated

 

stuck between doing lockouts or replacing phasers, pros and cons? Best option?

 

Lockouts are nothing more than a band aid. The real issue for the phaser clack is due to lack of oil pressure. Usually from broken chain guides blocking the oil pick up tube or blown tensioner seals. If you lockout the phaser the engine is still being starved of oil in other places, not just the phasers. IMO lockouts are a TERRIBLE idea and could lead to more problems down the road. Fix it right.

 

If you're going in..... do it right.

 

I would agree with avoiding lockouts. I replaced everything OEM on my truck.

 

So my best bet is to replace the phasers with OEM? Will it happen again? Anything I can do to avoid it?

 

If you haven't read this then i suggest you start there. You need to replace several things and use good quality updated OEM parts. If you do that and maintain the truck as it should be (regular oil changes with good oil and filter) then you shouldn't have the problem again. I'm going on about 9 months since I had all of mine changed out. I don't have a lot of miles maybe 8k in that 9 months and have 0 issues. Most people that do it and do it right, followed with regularly scheduled maintenance do not see it return.

 

What are the several things that will need replaced? And where is the best place to find everything

 

It's all in the thread I linked above. Before you dive into this project I suggest you read as much of that thread as you can possibly stand. Here's the link again https://www.f150forum.com/f4/final-r...-sound-141266/

 

Cliff's Notes:
-Motorcraft or Freedom Racing phasers
-Motorcraft VCT Solenoids
-Melling Oil Pump
-5.4 2v ratcheting steel tensioners
-OEM/Cloyes/whatever's decent timing chains & guides
-RFF and HLA to taste
-Switch to 0w or 5w-30 oil if you find wear on your cam caps.
-take your oil pan off and clean out the pick up if you can't find EVERY single piece of a busted guide, should your guides be broken. If your guides are broken, you have to put them back together like a jigsaw puzzle to account for all the pieces. No exceptions or you run the risk of burning up your bearings when they finally clog the pickup screen.