Hey guys im new here, i just sold my f250 powerstroke(loved it) and im looking to replace it with an f150. I am looking for a 2004 and up super cab 4x4 with 5.4 preferable stx edition. Just wondering if there is anything to look out for or stay away from? I am not new to truck and my brother had an 04 f150 so I am familiar, just looking for first hand advice. thanks in advance.

 

if you can afford it id go w/ an 06 or newer model that way you dont get stuck w/ any of the cam phaser issues. other than that you should be fine. i went w/ the crew over the super cab to hopefully keep the trade/resale value up.

 

Plugs will need to be changed if they haven't already.04's-08's(depending what month the 08's were made)came with Ford greatest idea ever(sarcasm of course)2 piece plugs that are prone to breaking off from carbon build up.When you go buy it,tell them about the 2 piece plugs and them breaking off if they haven't changed them out yet.Do not take it till they change them out in my opinion.90% chance if they weren't changed out and you get it done after you purchase the truck,you will get charged a nice sum for it.If you do it yourself,expect some to break off and be prepared to purchase the proper tool for extraction.

Now onto the Cam Phasers.You will get a ticking noise that sounds like a diesel.You can either replace them or just let it go and deal with the ticking noise.Its a crap shoot like Talladega.For some ppl and there trucks,they Cam Phasers go on there own,or don't go and ppl live with the ticking noise.

Have them update the IWE selinoid cover,and have them look over Brake booster vacuum pump.Those are the Major things that i can think of.it sounds like allot,but hey 04 was the change for generations and new parts to try out,lol.Trust me tho,not as bad as all this sounds if you make sure where your buying it from takes care of it for you.

 

Thanks guys, im going to try to find an 05-06 if i can. How hard/expensive is the cam phaser to replace?

 

I might be wrong but Im not sure the stx's came with a 5.4. A quick look through available f150's through yahoo, all stx's that are v8 are listed as 4.6.

 

the cam phaser issue are on a scale of 1-10......prolly a 8 or so depending on your technical abilities from what i have read. biggest thing is the parts are about $250 a piece. but if you get an 06 you wont have to worry about it....

i forgot about the plugs. even if it is low miles just make sure they change them....so you dont have to later down the road....i wasnt smart enough to do this.....

and JohnD brings up a good point...i dont think they made them w/ the 5.4 unless someone purchased it w/ this as a special option.

 

Don't discount the 4.6. It's a little underpowered for sure but a dead nuts reliable engine. I have an stx with the 4.6. I love it.

 

A lot of people I've read are recommending it have a tow package when new; that way you know there was a trans cooler involved. The 04-08 have had some transmission complaints; but from my reading those with the tow package last a lot longer.

 

noone is saying it isnt....just that the 5.4 wasnt an option in the stx

 

I havent decided yet if i want the 4.6 or 5.4 but i didnt realize 5.4s werent an option in the stx. So maybe ill be looking for an FX4. I have put alot of hard miles on 4.6s and i know how dependable they are just not sure how they would do towing.