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-   -   Cloyes, Melling, or Ford? (https://www.f150forum.com/f4/cloyes-melling-ford-441461/)

Screwed05 03-10-2019 12:20 PM

Cloyes, Melling, or Ford?
 
In the interest of saving a dollar and still going the distance. I'm starting to collect the timing parts for my 5.4 3V timing overhaul.
Here's the plan.
Phasers - Ford
VCT Solenoids - Ford? or?
Oil Pump - Melling 360HV
Rockers & Lash Adj. - Ford Racing
Chains, Guides, Tensioners, ect - Ford? Melling? or Cloyes?

I have always use Cloyes timing parts in my push rod motors, and Melling pumps without issue, but we all know the 5.4 3v is totally different animal. Now I know most everyone here prefers Ford OEM everything, but looking to save a buck or two. So, the question is on the timing set Cloyes, Melling, or Ford? And the VCT Solenoids Ford or other brand?

dukedkt442 03-10-2019 01:29 PM

Go Ford (and I’m not even a Ford guy) for mission critical components, Melling for the pump. There’s a few threads out there of even Cloyes failing immediately. Do you really want to do the job twice to save a few hundred bucks? Ford has updated those parts and the aftermarket may not have kept up. Short term Ford costs more but long term Ford costs much less. Parts warranty doesn’t mean much considering the time lost to do it twice, even your own labor costs you...whats your time worth? If the job is worth doing it’s worth doing right.

You CAN buy Ford cam followers, lash adjusters and a few other parts (VVTs?) at Advance Auto website. I think they’re running another 15-25% discount if you order online right now with free shipping. Toss in another $20 Speedperks coupon (or 2 if you do separate orders) and you’ll get the genuine Ford parts for the price of aftermarket [garbage]. That’s what I did when I did mine. I actually returned Cloyes parts to rockauto (after the return period had ended, too) to purchase Ford parts. For the labor and aggravation involved, that timing job was the last time the truck will even get it, whether it needs it or not.

650NutKase 03-11-2019 12:01 PM


Originally Posted by dukedkt442 (Post 6123361)
Go Ford (and I’m not even a Ford guy) for mission critical components, Melling for the pump. There’s a few threads out there of even Cloyes failing immediately.

Cloyes chains and tensioners? I thought there were a decent alternative.

Regardless, Amazon has a good deal on everything need for a timing job:

Freedom Racing also has this kit:
http://www.freedomracing.com/5-4l-3v...ement-kit.html

All you need from these 2 kits is your new oil pump.

Screwed05 03-11-2019 12:50 PM


Originally Posted by 650NutKase (Post 6124448)
Cloyes chains and tensioners? I thought there were a decent alternative.

Regardless, Amazon has a good deal on everything need for a timing job:
https://www.amazon.com/Ford-Camshaft...gateway&sr=8-3

Freedom Racing also has this kit:
http://www.freedomracing.com/5-4l-3v...ement-kit.html

All you need from these 2 kits is your new oil pump.


I was just about to ask about that Freedom Racing kit. I would also need valve cover gaskets. I called a Ford dealer that I used to work at, and still get a decent deal on parts at. I was quoted just under $1k it has everything the Freedom kit has plus VC gasket, but doesn't have the crank trigger wheel. I was just going to get it one piece at a time, but for a $200 savings I'll get the Freedom kit.

dukedkt442 03-11-2019 01:11 PM

Ford Tech Makuloco, in one of his videos, completely calls out Freedom Racing for being garbage. I just bought the parts and tools he provided links to, didn't feel like reinventing the wheel. The Ford parts are known reliable, didn't want to gamble with unknowns. A good gasket set would have all the gaskets and seals you need, I used either Fel-pro or Mahle. I actually have a spare set, unopened, PM me if interested. I didn't get a new trigger wheel, as the one I had was fine (as yours probably is as well).

650NutKase 03-11-2019 01:22 PM

The Freedom kit used to include the CNC phasers a while back. Those are trash like most other aftermarket phasers. Now, I believe, the new kit includes all OEM parts.

Eric Kleven 03-11-2019 04:47 PM

I'm at about 45,000 miles on the Cloyes timing kit and Melling pump. No signs of them being anything less than what they're billed to be.

ceasefire49 03-11-2019 05:14 PM

I used all the updated ford stuff two years ago. Also did the lifters just make sure on the lifters you get the ones with the bigger galley.sealed power made in us sells these also.
I put the melling360 on also new water pump. Put the new Bosch 4hoe injectors in also with new cops and 7989 plugs. It's been 35k now and no probs sounds great. Been to la.,texas,Oregon twice, Montana twice and hauled a big uhaul trailer back from Colorado springs.not a hitch getting about 18.5 on hiway at 75. With n8ew Bosch injectors 2k on tac is now 77.do the water pump,crank and cam sensors while you are in there.new ford water pump a and relucter wheel. I used steel adjusters. Everything is ford. Bought over two years but it was worth it 272k on the clock been using 5 30 Mobil one every 5k. Like fordtecmakeuloco suggested. Use his guide on you tube. Dont buy after market get the oem ford stuff don't take the chance the internet is full of failures attributed to cheaper stuff spend the money and be secure. Dont be that guy.

Screwed05 03-11-2019 07:15 PM

Freedom has 2 kits listed 1 is a budget kit for about $450 that I assume is junk, and the other is supposed to be all Ford OEM for just over $800

Screwed05 03-11-2019 07:21 PM


Originally Posted by dukedkt442 (Post 6124548)
Ford Tech Makuloco, in one of his videos, completely calls out Freedom Racing for being garbage. I just bought the parts and tools he provided links to, didn't feel like reinventing the wheel. The Ford parts are known reliable, didn't want to gamble with unknowns. A good gasket set would have all the gaskets and seals you need, I used either Fel-pro or Mahle. I actually have a spare set, unopened, PM me if interested. I didn't get a new trigger wheel, as the one I had was fine (as yours probably is as well).

Be careful "just" buying through his link unless your pockets are just that much deeper. Example, in a video he talked about the rocker and lash adjuster set from Ford Racing and provided a Amazon link and the price was $425-$450. The same kit at Summit Racing is right at $310. The only difference is the seller.


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