Afternoon folks, first timer here (yay). I've recently purchased my buddies dad's truck. It's an 03 xlt 5.4 v8
When I bought her in September she needed a new set of brakes and parking brake cable.

I live on the east coast so the frame is rusted (naturally) after driving around for a few weeks, I heard a loud "pop" from the rear. Pulled over to find my rear passenger leaf poking up through the bed. I hobbled home and put her on my floor jack to relieve some pressure...the shackle had rusted out. Ordered a set of shackles hangers and Springs off of truckspring.com and tried my darndest to get the front hanger off with a torch and impact wrench. I've heard of using an saw to cut the heads off and pop the bots off. I haven't tried that yet...because I have vacuum leaks in both banks and a maf sensor malfunction codes. Rough idle and no engine power.

Now my truck sits on my lawn. I haven't worked on her at all this winter. Last time I did, I tried replacing what vacuum hoses I could and also replaced the ICV and PVC hose and elbow connector to back of throttle body. Had to take off throttle body to fit my fat hands into that tiny space where the elbow lives..replaced the gasket from TB to manifold while I was at it.Turned her over and the revs were all over the place.

I have a VERY general idea as to what I need to do in order to get this truck moving...I don't know the order of importance..what needs fixing first. Long story short these are my issues as of today

Both leaf Springs need replacing
All vacuum lines/hoses need replacing
New maf sensor and connector
Automatic transmission shifter tube
Possible electrical issues (constant 'flicking' sound when turned on, hazards flash and constant beeping) that's a new one..happened last week on a nice day figured I'd get back at it. Now I'm back to square one!

Any and all help is tremendously appreciated. I'm not sure of the general format of posting but from reading a lot of posts in the past I hope this doesn't **** anyone off or my lack of basic knowledge offend anyone. If it does then move along. Thank you!

 

it seems like all the problems you mentioned need to be addressed before it is road worthy. with that being said it probably doesnt matter much what order you do them in.

It may be worth, however, getting an idea of cost before you do all of that. Unless you have some emotional attatchment to the truck you may find that it isnt worth as much as you are going to put into it and your money maybe better spent on a new vehicle.

 

Neo, I'm estimated at 1,800 for everything. I bought a '16 f150 at the same time. This '03 is going to be the work Truck. (Awful on gas) but I like it. I'd really like to keep it...and working on it is something I enjoy doing. It's a project truck for me...I just need some guidance

 

gotcha. hope it works out. Like I said all seems pretty crucial but at least you arent dependent on it and have some time to work on it.

 

I'm sure you probably have codes but get a good code scanner (I have a BAFX one that was 20$ish on amazon that works well) and scan the truck over. Isolate parts and move from there. Beyond that sounds like pretty much everything is "critical" to repair before you drive it again.

Start with the vacuum lines for the engine would be my advice.

 

Would engine vacuum lines from a 99 expedition line up with an 03 f150?
Their both 5.4 v8
Can't seem to find engine lines for my truck. That's first on the list then I'll have to change out my shifter tube assembly because my previous Dorman replacement snapped where end bracket attacked to the a piece of metal with 3 torx screws. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. http://www.ebay.com/itm/252840352088