Thinking about an F150
 

Hello all, I hope to joining you all here shortly with my F150.

I am in the buying process of a used 04-07 ish F150. What I am trying to figure out is what years to avoid what motor tranny combos to look for.

I heard ups and downs about the 5.4 and the 4.6 mostly lacking in power and the 5.4 having cam phaser issues as well as spark plugs seasing.

What should I buy in the near future? Theres many to choose from my main requirements are 4 doors half or full dc and 4x4. It will be used for some light towing as well as mostly commuting 15 miles a day to work. And some occasional off roading in light trails.

I currently drive an 07 accord because I commute to college that is 30 miles one way. I plan to sell the accord and move into the truck I always wanted. Thanks for any advice you guys throw at me.
I tried to search the forum but it kept taking me to eBay believe it or not :D

Good choice! The 5.4 will run a lot stronger and tow more, but the 4.6 is much more reliable and cheaper to keep running. Fuel economy is comparable. What are your priorities? JMO, I wouldn't recommend you buying a 5.4 unless you are willing to deal with the issue's you mentioned. Are you a pretty good shade tree mechanic?

I have a 2008 with the 4.6 (all years similar) it ran flawlessly to 300,000 before a spark plug blew out the head. not a huge problem with the tritons after 04 but it can happen.

I drove mostly highway using it as a commuter and avg 18-19mpg. never towed with it so I cant comment on that but it did have plenty of power on the highway for passing (truck is 5800lbs empty).

Gas mileage is similar between the 4.6 and 5.4. My dad has had his 08 for 5 years now with 0 issues so don't sweat it. Good luck on the search

I plan to use mostly commuting but towing and some off roading will be quite frequent as well just can't decide if I need the 5.4. I'm pretty good mechanic I've done quite a bit sides pulling a motor. Done a clutch before mostly just the usual parts like suspension work. I know my way around a vehicle. Just having trouble deciding.

Get the 5.4 3v. All engines have there issues. At least the 5.4's are predictable. Phasers, timing chain guides and tensioners or seized plugs are your main issues. Very predictable, and very easy to repair, especially since your handy with mechanics. The 4.6 is a dog IMO. I drove enough of them to know I didn't want one at all, ever.
I'd take a Windsor 5.0 over a 4.6 any day.....I'm Not trying to slam the 4.6 crowd here, but that motor lacks what is needed to get these trucks moving.. The 5.4 3v doesn't.

Good to know ill try to test drive both when I find something. I really would like to avoid work right off the bat with the truck but ya never know. Are you saying the 4.6 has issues that aren't the normal? Like unexpected stuff with the 4.6.
I'm really liking this forum guys over at driveaccord.net are rough around the edges haha

Well I think I have found it. 06 f150 4x4 with 96xxx miles dealer is asking 13500 I think I can talk him down some with just cash. What do you guys think?

If the plugs are a big concern, then purchase an 07. Ford fixed the issue. Plug removal is still an issue, but nothing hard to overcome.

It's actually depends on the engine build date and if I remember right it was engines built in November 07 and later so unless its got a rebuilt motor your looking at an 08 if you want the new heads. Correct me if I'm wrong.