OK I have a 2002 F150 super crew 5.4l xlt fx4 with 251xxx what do you guys think is worth doing to it. It runs fine now other than the need for an intake gasket which I'm doing soon but it's my daily driver and I'm just starting to notice a little lack of power, a minor valve tick I really only notice when I really get into the rpms like passing on the highway, and an extended wait to engage reverse maybe 4-5 seconds seems longer than it used to. Those are my 3 biggest concerns I had thoughts of replacing rings and bearings and valves with springs but is it worth that or dropping a new long block and rebuild my tranny. Or just run keep it running until it quits. just looking for thoughts and ideas I like the truck but how much more life does it have

 

Really depends what the over all condition of truck is and sometimes u can find a replacement engine for cheap with low miles best thing to do is shop around

 

Analyze the cost you'd have into fixing it, then price a used truck with less miles.

The used truck is going to be the better option.

 

If you have not serviced your transmission lately, you might do it now and see if that makes a difference. the old transmission fluid and a lot of debris in the filter can cause problems with the transmission. The engine seems real minor and not worth spending a lot of money on it. Just keep maintaining the engine and don't subject it to a lot of hard duty and it should last you for a few more years. As these engines get old, they wear and loose compression and power but still run well. This sounds like the situation with yours.