dos0711

Over the long haul, it appears that at least most people are happy with the 5.3

gforceman

Had my issues now fixed( phaser chain ) been driving 70 miles a day since June runs great

Blown Ford

89k and just ran a 12.4 in the quarter mile with my 5.4 3V. Never been in it. Has handled being supercharged since 35,995 miles. Towed anything and everything I've wanted to tow. Mobil 1 Fully Syn 5w20 and K&N oil filters. Love this motor.

diamondback2k9

Would I rather have the new 5.0L Yes but Im not too disapointed in the 5.4

Moremoney

mine now has the dreaded start up rattle on occassion. MIne has run great till now, tows with zero issues. I have used motorcraft for all my service work.

But too many issues with these motors to love....hasn't given me any problems till now, but I feel like it's like walking on eggshells.

connorcovington

Love mine so far with 129,000 miles and since I've gotten it I've pulled like its a diesel with it. Pulled a ram 4x4 and my rock crawler with it. Still runs awesome.

dbhost

Bought mine used in '06, and although it isn't quick, it tows like a beast even with the 3.5whatever gears.... I have towed a 21' fishing boat, 30' travel trailer, and I guess it's a 20' landscaping type dual axle trailer with sideboards and probably 6 or so cu /yds of fill dirt (back and forth) with the bed packed with fill dirt, wheel barrows, shovels and whatnot...

Yeah, I use it like it really is a pickup, not just a mall queen...

Crazy4x4

I'm fairly happy with my 04 5.4. It is strong enough for what I need and can handle itself quite well with good enough MPG for a V8. Including towing a 25ft tantum axle travel trailer, throughout the mountains with steep hills.

But power to power comparison my Dodge 5.9 V8 Magnum has more torque and HP than (even with rolling on 35's) the 5.4 with half the MPG (90's tech vs 2000's). LOL Oh yea I can't trust that transmission, 90's Dodge automatic transmission are notorious. So I got a NV4500 waiting to be swapped in one day.

Rouge River

So far I am quite pleased. The ultimate test is just two weeks away, 7800# boat (no fuel) Interstate 8 and 10, San Diego to FL. Mileage on test runs has been ok. Anyone have any suggestions for handling the one large grade out of CA? Trailer equipped with 4 surge disc brakes.

Chad81

I'm happy with my 5.4. I average about 16-17MPG commuting with a 4x4, the truck has plenty of power with the edge evolution and Gotts mod. The only issue I have with the engine is the dieseling/knocking noise after my truck warms up. When I start the truck up cold it's completely silent there is no noise, once it warms up you can hear it clear as day in a drive through or in a quiet area when completely stopped. I'm going to have to take a peak and see if my exhaust manifold studs are intact, I also suspect it could be the VCT solenoids.