I don’t believe they’re rare on the 5.4.

 

I have a 5.4L SuperCrew with the 3.73 limited slip axle and factory tow package with trans cooler and 36 gal fuel tank. It towed my 5,000lb trailer flawlessly, was rated up to 9700lb. with 17in tires. (towed great going up mtns @ 10,000ft-just put it in 2nd gear and it pulled like a mule.) 4WD will drop your tow capacity at least 500lbs and cost your some MPG. I've changed my trans fluid/filter and rear axle lube every 30K, new fuel filter and that was key to keeping it in prime towing condition. Also changed plugs @50K per recommendation of selling dealer and none broke coming out. Also used synthetic oil with good filter; didn't go past 6K on changes when towing.

 

Hi everyone,
The more I research, the harder to get one lol (good one that fits my pocket). 5.4L can have more headache then I choose 4.6L. 2004-2008 are the "stay away from"...
At first, I aimed on 2000-2003 5.4L 4 doors, mostly for towing the boat and home depot stuff. Found out that can be a little under power especially towing up hill. 2009+ can be little more than I expected. So, I chose 2007-2008; which I found that these engines has design flaws. I am in the state of sitting back and think, should I be back to 2002-2003 V8 5.4L and close my eyes and tow, or should I try harder to get 2009-2010 V8 4.6L, or should I bite the bullet and get 2011+ with the v6 ecoboost, and make it a family car too?
What do you guys think?

 

BTW, what is flex fuel? Does anyone know which year it started? Good or bad?
Thanks.

 

Flex fuel means you can run E85 (higher % of ethanol) gas or regular gas in the truck.

Be aware, E85 is cheaper, but that cost is offset by the fact that it is less efficient (IE lower MPG). I would highly recommend running regular 87 octane over E85.

 

I would happily go 02-03 with either v8 engine. Both are good engines and good trucks. I had an 2003 with the 4.6 and It was a great truck. You had to rev it to pull, but it was happy to do so. It's the same engine that the cop cars had (essentially) and can rev for days.

if you go 2004-2008 5.4 3v, I would be very tentative and need to know the history. If i couldnt confirn Extended oil change intervals are really the pitfall of the engine. If you don't mind doing timing chains and phasers on a 200k well maintained engine, you can likely get a good truck for a decent price. The saving grace of this truck, is parts are available and you can get good quality parts still. Ford is still supporting them directly.

if you go 2009-2011, they seem to be better but those in good condition dition seem to be demanding higher price. A d looking at the prices, I'd say spend the extra money and get a 2012+.I suspect the MPG will make up the difference pretty quickly and you'll have a better truck. I'll add that the 2012+ NA v6s were extremely reliable, and easy to work on with all the space. I wouldn't shy away from one of those as long as the tow rating is sufficient. Just beat it like a rented mule to tow heavier stuff.

 

thanks everyone.
Thanks spike for the analysis. This help my decision.

Thanks LoneWolfTrucker,
When reading an ad, it said "Flex Fuel", which mean the car should have some options which a normal car/engine doesn't have. Am I correct? So if I don't use it I should buy it, or buy the car with the flex Fuel option is ok as long as I don't use flex fuel?

 

#15 addressed this, but to clarify: flex fuel gives you option to run e85, but not required to run it. At current prices (and all historical prices that I’ve encountered for e85), it does not pay off to run e85 due to loss in mpg when running e85.

 

Thanks laterongc,
I just wanted to know if I exclude those ads indicate their cars are "flex fuel" or include but not use it. So it doesn't hurt if I can include but not to use it.
Thanks again.

 

You need to be concerned with a tow package . You need a trans cooler for towing ,you can add one but it comes with a tow package.
Any real hills or mountains are a killer for a 4.6 . Also your brakes must be first class with a brake controller for trailer brakes . Good balance of tongue weight , it should not be raising your front end endangering your steering . Don't speed when towing , don't put too much junk in your boat overloading it . Always stop in a couple of miles and 360 your vehicle looking for trouble . Its easy to miss something , feel your axles /wheels for heat . Repack your bearings on trailer at least twice a year . Towing is an art , get a good feel and trust your gut . Getting there safely is much desired over speed /time . You don't want any fish tailing .
Air up all tires each time .