I'm still wondering why the 5.4 is a negative?

 

Please explain.

 

Whitey......he's talking about my original posting of the problems I stated with the early 5.4's when I worked for Ford. Remember, I told about the cranks and out of round cylinder in 97 and some 98's. I don't think so much a problem anymore, since I've owned 3 now, but my experience in warranty led me to believe that they were a most problematic unit than it seems they are.

 

What to do...The cross-over exhaust on the 98. It's bad and a PITA to work on since it's pinched between the trans and transfer case. Wish I could just drop the Y and bench weld a section in but don't want to...can of worms affect, already broke a few frame rail bolts for the cross plate...ah, rusty exhaust fun. Anyone have a back water hamlet fix lol.

 

Hell, I know what I gotta do, just pissin and moanin.

 

I hate working on exhaust....

 

I hate going to the dealer to get the wife's escapes oil changed... can't wait till I have my pole barn to do them all myself. Don't trust the "kids" they have doing it these days and it never is less than 1.5hrs. I like the piece of mind that when I do it, it's done right.

They've stripped the drain plug twice, luckily just the plug. Been replaced. One time they left the oil cap off my truck... got two free oil changes for that one. No one has touched my Highboy for oil changes and no one ever will lol. Soon all my vehicles will me that way

 

Jiffy Lube stripped out the pan on my Brothers Escape. I told him to make them put a new pan on it.... I would have. I changed the oil for him after they did, and all but 2 of the threads from the pan came off on the plug. I'm surprised it stayed in there.

Yeah... I only change my own oil now. I hate the filters most of these shops use. I guess the dealer uses a Motorcraft though?

 

Yeah if I'm not doing it I ONLY go to a ford dealership...won't touch a jiffy lube or Lucas oil place. Although my luck hasn't been too good at dealerships huh? Lol

Only thing better about dealerships are I know mostly they stand behind their work, Plus the dealership by my dad we know the lead mechanics and service desk guys. They treat us right and we come in early on Saturday's so the lead guys will do our changes. Back at my house I'm not so lucky with the employees which is where most of my problems come from.

 

I've had to replace the pan plug once so far...it's due for another. They just wear out after so many changes. They wear in the center of the plug...takes eons, but eventually.

Well, nailed a chunk of metal scrap laying in the express way, just couldn't be avoided. Felt like the front end came off the ground when I did. Pull over, checked it out, couldn't see anything wrong or what was hit. Thought I lucked out.. a little time passed, decided to jack it up for better inspection. Before jacking, noticed a puddle under the truck...gear oil. Cracked the front axle case, just behind the actuator.

So, just hopped online, looking to see if I can find that case section for on of these....rotten luck ehh.