lemansz20

Hey guys, ive been reading like an animal trying to figure this out. I am looking at 2 models right now. They are both 4x4 models with the 5.4 motor. I like the 04 better to be honest, but the reviews arent the greatest when you look at these years. So what do you guys think?

Its either go with an 04 5.4 with 80k miles, or an 05 with 109k miles. The thing is, seems like 04's have quite a few issues. Am I crazy? (still reading all the knowledge from you guys on this forum lol)

Rh2008150

I went thru the same thing not to long ago because I wanted the looks of the 04-08. After all the research I did I ended up getting a 08. I don't know if you're dead set on one of those two but if you are it seems like the 04-05 both had the same problems and they all had the cam phaser issue the one thing that did change was most of the 08s don't have the plug issue. With the miles that are on those I would find out if the plugs have been changed and the cam phasers if one of them have those done I would go with that one.

Matticus06

I also did a lot of research on these trucks with the 5.4 3 valves. I read a lot of negative and positive reviews. Unfortunately the negative reviews kinda stick with you more so than the positives IMO... I took the plunge and bought a '06 F150 Screw that had 52k miles back in February this year. I recently discovered that I have a slight hesitation/misfire at high RPM, but I'm guessing its a spark plug issue and nothing catastrophic. I love the truck though, its big, beautiful and is more than capable of all my needs.

Going back to the '04s, my buddy bought his new and traded it in for a new ecoboost. His had over 100k miles and never gave him any issues. He definitely regrets getting rid of her! As long as you keep up on maintenance and treat her well, she'll be kind to you.

grss429

160k on mine just now need to do timing components

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

If you like the 04-08 bodystyle, either get the 08 with a 5.4 or any year with the 4.6. Honestly though, if you dont mind about 2K in engine work down the road, then buy any of your choice. If my cam phaser go bad in my 07 before I am ready to unload it, it will be getting cam-phaser lock-outs along with all new timing guides, chains, oil-pump, vct solenoids etc. But I have 147K now, so a new crate motor may be the option. I just need it to last exactly one more year........which I am sure it will. This truck runs like a top.

scobar

iTrader: (4)

I'd plan on plugs, vct, and removing a set of the cats from the 04-05, these came with an extra pair. You could do lock outs/tune depending on your goals.

The later 08 5.4 will have the revised heads which makes doing plugs less of a chore.

connorfx4

I think only early 05s have four cats. I have an 05 built in November and only have two cats.

I just rolled over to 160k on my 5.4 It does have the "diesel noise" But it runs great. I plan on doing a timing overhaul and headers to get rid of the exhaust leak soon.

lemansz20

the owner of the lower mileage one says he had the spark plug issue handled, and the cam phasers too. He said he did it a while ago, but i am trying to see if he can get service records or if he did it at a dealership, so I can call and find out.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

Very good info you have found! Hope he can back it up with records. But all that is out the window if he didnt use all Motorcraft parts.

lemansz20

That was going to be my next question, assuming he got it done, can the issue reoccur. I remember on my other cars, alot of times to fix an issue permanently some aftermarket parts were required.