I am about to buy a used 2005 Ford F-150 FX4 with the 5.4L 3v engine. It has 139,000 original miles and is basically bone stock. Is there anything i should do right after i purchase it to ensure it will run great. I currently have a 2000 F150 5.4 2v with 260K all original and i have babied it. I was reading that a heavier grade oil would be better? i have Valvoline 10w-30 high mileage oil in my 2000 right now and it is smooth as butter. Should i use the same grade oil or go with a lighter/heavier oil? Also how often does the VCT go bad and cam phasers? I don't want to spend a pretty penny when i first buy this. Any help/info would be great

 

For oil - stick with MC semi-synth 5w-20 and an MC FL-820S filter. Both are terrific - both available @ Wally World. And both are what the Factory recommends. Not going to do any better for any price. Avoid the heavier weights.

Maintenance - there is a lot to do if you do not have a lock on the history of the truck, to bring it back to a known (good) state, service history-wise:

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/new-mem...4/#post3399434

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/new-me-...9/#post3291654

^^ read through ALL the linked threads in there.

Job # 1 is the plugs, fuel filter, all fluids, clean MAF & TB. Inspect FPDM.

VCT - with yer mileage it's probably coming due for at least an inspection if not a full R&R of the components. Be advised that, uless you are willing to do this work yerself, it can be upwards of ~$1500+, all-in.

 

How hard is it to do the VCT? I saw a thread that said parts would cost around 500 or less but how expensive is the work

 

That would depend entirely upon yer skill & comfort level. None of it is rocket science, but it does take time (and a couple special tools) - hence the bulk of the cost being labour. So - what IS ye skill level?

Refer to: http://www.f150online.com/forums/art...placement.html

To get to the chains, tensioners and guides, the front cover needs to be removed. Good time to change the water pump as well - or you'll just have to go back in again.. bad juju.

Use Motorcraft replacement components only - Dorman seems to have quality issues and you really, really don't want to have to do this twice to replace a newly failed part.

More info - VCT solenoids:

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/vct-sol...rdered-229336/


^^^ If any of this is daunting, either pay a shop to do it, or don't buy the truck, and get one with a 4.6 2V.

MGD

 

Do you have a complete parts list for what all i will need to replace. Like i said in my other thead with the 04 i want to bulletproof both of my 5.4s

 

Some info in here (post # 8 and beyond): https://www.f150forum.com/f4/heres-p...-marks-140876/

And more info here: http://www.f150online.com/forums/200...ing-noise.html

MGD

 

Sweet thanks man, that was real helpful