I have an 04 supercab fx4. it has 174k miles and runs like new except the cam phasers. im debating whether to tackle the job myself or just trade the truck in on a newer crew cab? any input would help. and if I was to do the job myself where is the best place to buy the timing kits with the cam phasers. I found them on ebay for less than 600 for the whole kit? thanks

 

That's a tough question and can probably only be answered by you. If it were me and the truck was paid for I'd probably tackle the job myself (or even pay someone else) and keep the truck. For me it would depend on everything else with the truck, if the phasers and related parts are the ONLY thing wrong I think it would probably make sense to repair it. But if it's getting rough everywhere then may be time to get rid of it.

 

the truck is in decent shape. has some chipped paint and one spot of rust on the bed which I am fixing now. but the cab corners and rockers and frame are all in good shape. truck is not paid for. that's the only thing making it a rough decision lol.

 

Many times it is the leak at the adjuster that is the root of the noise.

 

I just did this job and did find that the tensioner seals were blown out, the right timing guide was broken into a few pieces and I had 13 bad lash adjusters. If I were you, I would change out all of the same items, this just gives added knowledge on the maintenance of the vehicle and since you have to remove the valve cover anyway, its not that much more to remove the cams and change those out as well. I got the Ebay OEM kit for the phasers and timing parts for around $508 and the followers/lash adjusters for $279. Both with free shipping. Good luck
Tom