Thinking
The Bear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,505
Likes: 61
From: Georgia
Number one problem we had with the 97-03 5.4 was crankshafts. We replaced 6 in 9 months. Ford warrantied all of them. Second was head gaskets or intake leaking into the valley. Third and the most irritating was the piston slap. We had numerous complaints and Ford did one engine, and many others got put off. The one that was pulled, had an over of .004-.006 excess. Talk about a noisy engine. Something about the 5.4 that they overbore the cylinders in some cases. This was called within specification, by Ford, along with 7# oil pressure being acceptable. These were all under the 36k b2b warranty/60k engine warranty. I remember that all were under warranty, thus less than 60k on the clock.
Personally I really like the power of the 5.4, and I've seen 500k miles on one, but I've also seen 79k and the motor was gone. It is all in how they are taken care of, but if you should forget, problems can and do arise with this motor. Don't even get me started on the 400M. That square engine (4in bore, 4 in stroke) is a total bust. That is why is only lasted until 82. No oil pressure, weak mains, etc when they get some mileage on them. Not one of Ford's better ideas.
Don't forget, the 05 and up to 12's have a class action suit against Ford for the 5.4. It isn't just the VCT problems, it's about the overall engine. There was one started back in 04 for the earlier engines, but I don't know what happened in that one.
Personally I really like the power of the 5.4, and I've seen 500k miles on one, but I've also seen 79k and the motor was gone. It is all in how they are taken care of, but if you should forget, problems can and do arise with this motor. Don't even get me started on the 400M. That square engine (4in bore, 4 in stroke) is a total bust. That is why is only lasted until 82. No oil pressure, weak mains, etc when they get some mileage on them. Not one of Ford's better ideas.
Don't forget, the 05 and up to 12's have a class action suit against Ford for the 5.4. It isn't just the VCT problems, it's about the overall engine. There was one started back in 04 for the earlier engines, but I don't know what happened in that one.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by FordmanUGA
Two different 5.4's. the 97-04 were the 2 valve and better. The 05 and up were the 3 valve and garbage. My brother had an 06 with the 3 valve. Yeah, it had more HP, but my 2 valve was a bit stronger. If I'm not mistaken the 2 valve gets to its max torque at lower rpm than the 3 valve. I could be wrong. Oh, and mine has 209,000 on it and I'm just now having issues that need attention. However, the most expensive fix this far was the ball joints up front. That's what bothers me most about this generation.
The Bear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,505
Likes: 61
From: Georgia
I just found it odd that my '89 had no front end issues with 337k on it while this one's front end was shot well before I hit 200k, it has just taken me a bit to get the funds to fix it, lol. It's nice not have a squeaky truck anymore.
Last edited by FordmanUGA; Feb 11, 2017 at 07:38 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by FordmanUGA
I would've done mine except I didn't have the tools to do the ball joints, lol. I had to shell out $1,200 to get it fixed, and that was on the low side of the respectable shops.
I just found it odd that my '89 had no front end issues with 337k on it while this one's front end was shot well before I hit 200k, it has just taken me a bit to get the funds to fix it, lol. It's nice not have a squeaky truck anymore.
I just found it odd that my '89 had no front end issues with 337k on it while this one's front end was shot well before I hit 200k, it has just taken me a bit to get the funds to fix it, lol. It's nice not have a squeaky truck anymore.
The Bear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,505
Likes: 61
From: Georgia
Dude you can rent the ball joint press/installer from your local parts store and the torque wrench, pickle fork, etc. that's what I did. I recommend trying to find a better/cheaper shop too. My local shop guy did my exhaust manifolds and drilled the old rusty bolts out etc for only $450 including parts. If you can find someone that cheap who does good work then you'll be set for life
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by FordmanUGA
Lol, I'm in college full time and student teaching, I didn't have the time for it. The mechanic I used is one of the best with the lowest prices here. He backs up his work and uses quality parts. I used a cheaper mechanic once that was referred to me by a friend, that was a mistake, lol.
The Bear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,505
Likes: 61
From: Georgia
Yeah, I know it too well, lol. I've been going non-stop fall, spring, and summer semesters since 2014. I'm married with three kids, lol. Weekends are non-existent as that's when I've had to work. But I graduate in May and hopefully I'll get my first teaching job and start this fall. I can't wait to live a normal life again, lol.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 45
Originally Posted by FordmanUGA
Yeah, I know it too well, lol. I've been going non-stop fall, spring, and summer semesters since 2014. I'm married with three kids, lol. Weekends are non-existent as that's when I've had to work. But I graduate in May and hopefully I'll get my first teaching job and start this fall. I can't wait to live a normal life again, lol.
The Bear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,505
Likes: 61
From: Georgia
Good luck to you. I don't know ow how I could've done it without the GI Bill. I get about $1,200 a month for housing as well as my college paid for. So I get all.if my financial aid back. That's been great as there is no way I could've worked full time while being in the early childhood education program.