From my research I discovered that you most definitely will want to use OEM phasers. The OEM kit has come down a lot in price. When I was first looking for the kit (1yr. or more ago) it was $300-400. Higher than it is now. I guess the recommended oil pump is the Melling 360 model. The Cloyes Timing Chain Kits have pretty high recommendations also. It just as easy to get the OEM kit and a hv oil pump and be done with it. Just bite the bullet and do the job. I will when I find the money 💰 and time.
Mine has been making the phaser noise for almost 10 years now. Somewhat worse now but I can’t afford it or I’m procrastinating. Maybe both.

 

upgraded lifters no I phone reluctor wheel not reflector. Make sure you buy the tools that fordmakesuloco uses. Follow the tutorial. He also had a side video that makes installing the oil pump easier. While you are in there toss on a new ford water pump and new belt. I also put new belt rollers on. Use OEM a few bucks more but you are doing it right. Also not VCR valves but vct lol. Do it one and do it right. Check around I bought my tools on Ebay and Amazon then sold them to a guy on this forum.

 

I Bought the Freedom racing Timing kit with the CNC after market phasers and just seen a Video about how they are Junk, Im worried about putting them in. The front of the engine is apart and cleaned up ready to go back together but I am worried about the Phasers. How long ago did you do this Job?

 

I would try to get a refund on them and even as bad as I hate the cost, I'd bite the bullet for new pure OEM Phasers.

 

Buy genuine ford put the new vct valves in steel adjusters and melling pump. I say again this is a big job. It is explained correct. Village ford and other ford dealers are giving deep discounts on ford parts for 5.4s .lots of cases cheaper then after market junk. Don't believe me? This forum is full of horror stories concerning after market phases. Most lifters are made in china. You want to get the upgraded ones with larger holes that are American made.
You can probably get by with the cloyes chain set its american made. But do not buy after market phasers they are junk. They will last about a year

 

Hey guys so about a month ago my truck was running fine 1 minuet & then all of a sudden it started acting up, hooked my snap-on scanner up & it showed 2 different codes, a P0021 & P0022, did some checking & it looked like it was related to the VCT Solenoids, so the other night I bought 2 new solenoids & replaced them. Took the truck out for a test drive & it ran great. Took it home & parked it for a half an hour & then decided to take it to town. Got about 15 miles down the road & it started acting up again & throwing the same P0021 code & I also had several misfires on every cylinder. I limped it back home, tried unplugging the vct’s & it ran a lot better but I read somewhere that it’s ok to unplug them to test them but don’t run it to long like that, so now I’m at a dead end & don’t know where to look next. I have no other codes but that one. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Did you use Motorcraft parts for the VCTs?...more will chime in here but the prevailing thought is to use Motorcraft parts as there have been several changes to the original VCT design and Motorcraft will work best and last longest (many reports of using aftermarket parts and failures of those parts)...good luck

Bill

 

Echo what was said about the valves.if they are aftermarket and not ford that could be the problem.
Exhaust valve timing solenoid or a phaser locked to far in advance. Have you done the timing job yet?
If not be sure to use motorcraft stuff. Ford had 3 renditions of an upgraded vvt and if you bought after market that could be it. Also check wiring

 

I've been fighting this noise and power loss for 4 years now and have learned a lot. most important is to use Motorcraft oil filters with the silicon drain back valve.
I just purchased 1800.00 worth of parts for my final repair attempt. Comp cams, phaser lockouts, Tuner and all new followers.
We'll see how this turns out. I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a dumpster fire

 

Phaser lockouts are a bad idea.