I currently own the dreaded 4.2 f150, I've finally broke down and decided to sell it and get a 5.4, now I know all the issues with the piece of crap 4.2. What issues come with getting a 5.4? Ive heard about the blown plugs, What's that about? And can it be prevented or stopped? Is there any other problems with these engines? Any advice is appreciated.

 

hahaha, If you thought the 4.2 was dreaded. Just wait till you read into those 5.4's

I have a 02 and a 08 both with 4.2's... One with 170ish k miles...(Only problems i've ever had with the engine was plugs/wires/coil) And my 08 f150 has had zero engine problems with 80k miles.

 

I'm sure the newer 4.2's are nice with no issues but mines a 2000.

 

03 is the best as the majority of the bugs were worked out by then. But 97-02 5.4 will spit plug if not properly torqued to 28 ft/lbs. Fornt windows sometime leaked causeing interior gremlins that can be fixed by replacing the gem module. 99+ 5.4 had pi heads. Also try to find one with a 4r100 and 3.73's. Rear windows leak after age due to a dried out rear window seal.

 

I've never had a problem with spark plugs to be honest. Love my 5.4

 

I drive a 02. Changed my own plugs. Till this day, I haven't had one back out(knocking on my morning wood). I did break the fuel rail screw in the back. Zip strips holding good for now.
I also did a lot of research on the 5.4 before I bought. Yes they are known to back out, but at least they won't break in two when you simply try to change them. Henc the later models.
I decided to run with the 02 because I've been in that boat before, and knew the situation I was getting into. I had a 01 mustang 4.6 that needed 4 before I said enough is enough. Heck the shop replaced the first one for a hefty price. So I painfully tapped and threaded the other three myself. Saved money and they actually stayed there.
Depends on how you take care of them. Preventive maintenance will save your wallet and truck.

 

my first 03 5.4 which i still own and am currently in the process of driving into the ground is a constant headache manufacturer production date 12/02

my second 03 which I love is a nice truck to me I went ahead and replaced all fluids and brakes day one... along with plugs, fuel filter, air filter, and cleaned all the carbon build up out of my throttle body... I've had zero problems and I love my truck my buddy owns a 03 4.2 and that thing I must say is one piece of crap.. more power to whoever owns one of those I've replaced that entire front end 3 times in 170k miles.... give me a break on that thing granted now he beats the **** out of it but it still is such a toilet...

 

I'm currently looking at a 02 screw cab with a 5.4, it only has 48,000 miles so I think I'm going to get it. Just wanna know what I'm getting myself into first.

 

Dealership or private party? I would get it without a doubt, and do fuel filter, plugs and boots. Then it would be good for another 50k miles. Be sure to anti seize the plugs before you install them and torque them, that will prevent any chance of them seizing in.

 

It's a dealership but the guy that owns it is a real good friend of mine. I'm gonna test drive it and check it out tomorrow. As long as everything checks out, I'll be buying it.