I'm looking to make my 2007 5.4L 3v 4x4 super dependable. It's sitting at about 180,000 miles right now and its been in the shop to get the spark plugs and coil packs replaced and keeps coming back with more of the same trouble. I don't think I sent it to a very good shop. They charge a premium but after doing a little review searching, someone said that they wanted them to do a spark plug change and, come to find out, they only changed some of them. Not saying that's my issue, but it doesn't instill much confidence in my truck or the shop.

Anyway, after doing some research, it seems like this particular engine has some gremlins that are relatively easy to overcome. Once they are, it's not uncommon to see 300,000-400,000 miles out of them. I was in the market to get a new truck before all this but the truck is sort of sentimental so I really don't want to if I can help it. The end goal is to turn it into a light overlander type of truck to take camping with my family as well as take it on some 6-12 hour road trips to shooting competitions. I figured I could save the money that I was going to use as a down payment on a new to me truck and apply it toward my current truck. Only problem is the reliability factor that I was worried about as stated before.

Here is a list of things that I am wanting my NEW mechanic to do in order to provide a good platform for said truck:
M340HV oil pump
new oil pick-up lines
oil pan gasket
timing chain
chain tensioners
cam phasers
head gaskets
valve cover gaskets
spark plugs
coil packs
fuel injectors
exhaust manifolds

All of that to ask this: If I replace those components, is this truck going to get me to the type of longevity that I am hoping for? These seem to consistantly be the problem areas that I come across when looking at this engine.

Any help is appreciated!

 

What's the reason you had them change the plugs and coil packs, preventative, or was there an issue previously.
i think for longevity you want to do the oil pump, phasors, timing stuff obviously. The valve cover gaskets would be part of that job. As would the oil pump. Head gaskets don't need to be replaced as part of any of that work, so I dunno if I'd bother going that far in.
The oil pickup and pan depends on if you have had any chain guides or other debris breaking down and getting into the pickup. Could be done as a extra measure of caution, bit it doesn't necessarily HAVE to be done with the oil pump. 4x4 trucks are more work because you have to lower the front axle to get the pan off. The coil packs are easiest thing to do so I'd save those until or wait until you have some symptom of misfire or indication they're needed. While it's apart I might think about having the cam followers changed out, since that's only about $120 more in parts, but if the oil supply in the truck has been good they could still last a long time on the originals. What weight of oil have u been running In it? Seems people who've used 5w30 from early on have better luck getting longer engine life because there 20 weight recommended by ford just didn't do quite as good of a job long term.
That's my 2 cents. I do my own work and plan on doing a bunch of these items to my 188k mile truck soon as well. I'm going to check my oil pressure at warm idle first and use that reading to make some judgements on how to proceed..

Edit: I don't think I'd mess with injectors or exhaust manifolds either unless you have a reason to, as those manifold bolts don't look fun to deal with.

 

Honestly, I'd wait for symptoms or problems to occur before throwing money at it. I did pretty much everything you listed and some, 30K miles later my transmission lost reverse...another $2500 gone. These trucks are no longer bringing value like the once were and you're talking about throwing down some serious parts and labor costs. Start saving money to put towards a 2011+ F150. Also. check out Brian on his YouTube channel FordTeckMakuloco. There is a abundance of knowledge there and If you can swing it, take the truck to him. He's what we call an expert when it comes to the 5.4 3V. http://bsgautomotive.com/

 

If you don't have any issues now and the engine isn't making a ticking noise I wouldn't bother. Just monitor, change oil regularly, and address when it comes up.

 

Definitely don't shoot the parts cannon at it till it needs it.

 

Making the 5.4 3v super dependable!
Step 1: Remove radiator cap
Step 2: Drive Dodge under cap.
Step 3: Tighten cap and drive away
:

 

Dude, Im cracking up right now

 

a lot of luck and praying

 

what if it is ticking nothing crazy it’s a spongey kinda sound. And I have a misfire in cylinder 3

 

I'd check to see if spark plug 3 is loose. And if it is, remove it and inspect. Can burn it up if it's loose for very long.