biglee88

I am looking at trading my truck ( 98 f 150 4x4 with a 5.4 ) for an 05 super crew xlt with the 5.4 Is there anything I need to look at on these trucks? I know cam phasers but anything else

gone postal

Spark plugs (if it's got over 70K miles and they haven't been changed it can get either expensive of be a PITA), FPDM (not a major repair but a PITA when you're not expecting it), IWE solenoid, IWEs, that's about all I can think of at the moment.

Merty

Listen for the dreaded start up rattle. VCT ticking-this dude did a good write up on fixing the ticking.
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/vct-solenoid-171193/

biglee88

Well my girlfriends dad has a used car lot and they just bought it from a dealer auction so no idea on previous maintenance

biglee88

Well talked to a mechanic from the local ford dealer he strongly recommended not purchasing anything with a 3 valve engine rockers lock up and eat cams phasers go out timing chain tensioners he said the whole timing system is problematic he just really made me not want it are they really thAt bad?

rugerchiro

Bought my 2004 Ford brand new...never had it in the shop for mechanical issues...cam phasers rattled for years. After 210,000 engine finally gave out. 5.4L 3 valve..... Just put a new one in last week. Hope to get another 210,000 out it. Oh, and I NEVER had the spark plugs changed.

biglee88

I'm just concerned the truck has 120 thousand but my 98 has 186 and its been great with no major issues I just don't wanna buy a money pit

rugerchiro

IF it was taken care of...I wouldn't be scared of 120k. I would have a TRUSTWORTHY mechanic give it a good evaluation. I would want objective opinions not subjective. Best of luck!

biglee88

Well I'm a certified Chrysler technician the vehicle has been in the mud a little but the vehicle looks to be all original it has a little rattle when u first start it sounds like tensioners needs a air filter and an oil change but runs good and idols a little ruff I doubt it's ever had plugs put in it but no fluid leaks I feel like its a good truck that needs tlc but there again i feel like it can be a money pit ill regret

LUVmyDUX

The 5.4 3V is hit or miss, especially 04-06 years. My 04 FX4 was babied, well maintained, but all that care did nothing for my cam phasers, loud injectors, idling issues etc. very unfortunate because I loved that truck. Loving this current 4.6 too

I say if the plugs were done, no cam phaser ticking noise or very minimal and idles smooth then go for it.