I took my 2002 5.4L F-150 in to get estimates for the exhaust manifolds. My passenger one could use replacing, but one of the mechanics that I took it to said that my lifters also were making a ticking. I am trying to figure out which tick it is that bugs me the most. When it is in idle, there is a tick, but it doesn't really bug me, the one that bugs me is the one I hear when I accelerate or go up hill. Maybe it's a combination of the two, but which would be louder? If it doesn't cost too much, I may end up just having both fixed. Also, when I make a hard left, there seems to be a grinding in the rear. Someone on here told me to have my rear differential serviced I believe, but I have not done that and today it was actually making a squeaking as if metal was rubbing (it is very wet today). I am more concerned about the tick, but I would also like to get opinions on what the grinding/squeak may be. Thanks in advance!

--I posted here rather than the maintenance section because I want to hear from people who know the 97-03's.

 

Are you mechanically inclined if so you could change your lifters yourself although on these trucks they are called hydraulic lash adjusters your exhaust tick is probly the more annoying one though

 

Ok, thanks. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but don't have much experience. I read that I could try a thicker oil and some Lucas additive to possibly unstick them. What viscosity would you recommend. I use Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-20. If this doesn't work, I guess I will have to fix them. Do you have any guess as to how much it might cost to have a mechanic replace the adjusters? Thanks again!

 

Don't go thicker I'd stick with 5w20 you could try some engine restore it's in a silver can at Wal-Mart it quieted mine down some and Idk for a price I was planning on doing mine on my own

 

Oh and with the other additives Idk if they actually help any I guess you could try one if you want

 

Thanks. Do you need to drain your oil and put new in when you use the engine restore?

 

I was a little low so I just added it in I think it's about a qt so either wait until your next oil change if it's not too far away or take a little out so you don't overflow it