fordtruckyeah

I’m looking at this truck for possible purchase. Has nearly 260k miles. Could likely get for around $1,800.00
Sounds good, drives well, handles well. 4x4 engages smoothly. Only issue I can detect is occasional noise when trying to start (starter or flex plate), which I’ve found has been an issue for quite a few 5.4 owners. I would be leaving my 302 and the change to a 5.4 seems like a big change. Does anyone have experience with this particular year of the 5.4 and the F-150? Thank you.

white89gt

What are your concerns? There isn't anything in particular about this year that would raise an eyebrow.

Going from a SBF to a Modular motor is indeed a big change. Much different animal.

fordtruckyeah

My 302 seems relatively simple when I look at a 5.4
From some videos I’ve viewed, it seems to be more complicated. The maintenance schedule seems more unforgiving than a 302. Cam phase issues in some models. Coil packs (I’ve never owned a vehicle that used coil packs).

whomrig

is it clean? if ya want it, buy it.

fordtruckyeah

Interior is excellent. A little more rust than I’d like in the bed. I’m sure the truck has seen some adventure driving. But, I can’t drive my ‘89 forever.

whomrig

ok

white89gt

Yes, you are correct. The 302 is much simpler. The 5.4 is a great motor though. The 2000 does not have cam phasers, so you do not need to worry about that. The term for these coils is COP's (coil on plug) rather than coil packs.... the coil "pack" is a bank of more than one coil that serves several cylinders. COP's serve one cylinder per coil. The 5.4 is a good motor, and will serve you well if you treat it right. They do like their maintenance. Anything in particular about the schedule that has you worried?

DarrinT04

the 302 is much simpler. it is the simple OHV or "pushrod" design while the 5.4 is a SOHC design. the 2V 5.4 does not have cam phasers so you don't have to worry about that. those years also didn't have the spark plug issues as the 3V

mbb

Generally they're great trucks
I wouldn't expect to buy a $1,800 260k truck and not put significant money in it sometime in the not-too-distant future.
If you're good with that, possibility, might be a good deal. hell, even if you drive it for one year and then have to scrap it you pretty much get your money out of it. Imo.

white89gt

Overall your 89 will be a cheaper truck to own, quite honestly.