Ford F150 - Any years, models, engines to avoid?
 

I expect to be buying a used F150 this year, assuming my deals with Mexico go through.

It has to be a 4 door Crew Cab and 4WD. I'm looking for Value here. I have looked at the Lincoln LT as well, since it is basically a Ford F150 with all of the options.

Again, any years, engines, etc, to avoid?

In some respects, I'd prefer a Super Duty F250 with a diesel, but those seem to be a bit pricey, even for the lower end units.

The 5.4 gas V-8 has a good reputation, as far as I know from guys talking about their pickemups on the Mustang boards...

Alot of the 5.4 Triton engines (maybe others as well) had issues with the spark plugs. The metal fails and the plug either strips or removes a chunk of cylinder head metal. Don't mean to say this is common, but there is a Ford Factory repair kit for it (time-cert)... Our local mechanics keep them in stock. They are even known to blowout of cylinder head by themselves. Changing the plugs is not a happy-happy joy-joy event either as with each turn of the spark plug took you are wondering if it's going to come out OK or come out very very badly.

This is not to say this is a bad vehicle - far from it, this is a good, smooth running, strong engine. But it is a very widely known problem.

Spark Plug Ejected From Engine - Ford Problems.com

angela

I think the mid/late 90's F150/E150 had two gas tanks with a cross-over pump which sometimes caused trouble with rust/sediment/electrics.

Here's a bit from my experience. I have had about 60 F-150's and F-250's over the last dozen years (contractor).

2004 to 2009 - get the 5.4. The 4.6 was anemic then and the trannies prone to failure. Also, regardless of engine size, the front rotors have made-in bearings that are prone to failure. Not much to do but replace - fortunately they are not that spendy. These trucks have a great ride!

2010 (maybe 2009) - 4.5 is a 3 valve - much smoother, better power, better tranny.

2003 and earlier - completely different truck. Engines are solid, most common problem we've had is an occasional bad coil pack. They do not have near the ride of the 2004 and later trucks.

Hope that helps.

Oh yes, I second the thought about staying away from the two tank trucks. This is a definite weak point in the early F-250's.

Thanks for the replys. I expect it will be 2004 or later model. Most of the ones I've looked at were the 5.4 liter. Good to know about the plugs, I'll make sure that they are changed first thing and have anti-sieze installed on them.

We have had a spark plug failure exactly as described - but only once, and on a pre 2004.

I'd avoid the ones with a blue oval on the front...

:D

I picked up an '04 F150 with 5.4l and went out and bought an extended Ford factory warranty right away. The spark plug issue wasn't a problem since they were replaced once prior. The intake gasket did develop a leak however and was covered by the wty, but I doubt it's a common problem. The clutch pack in the rear differential is known problem; mine is starting to slip on tight right turns under load from a dead stop. Turn a hard right, apply the brakes a little to load the diff, and then apply some gas to move the truck. There is a TSB on this problem. Having said all that, I really like the truck.

No problem, I'm really looking for a MK LT

Any Tundra is a better choice than the F150

I wonder which would be cheaper to maintain in the long run. The Ford parts are very inexpensive, and we get 300K hard miles out of them before we sell them for 10 - 15% of the purchase price ($2-3K).

On the F150 forums I belong to, the spark plug issue is known, but not a real concern. The accepted method to avoid blown out plugs is to install them dry and 28 ft lbs.

Edit: I have 188k miles on my 01 SuperCrew, with just regular maintenance.

What you should want is one o' them ol' F150's with the 300 CI straight six. Good power, torque, gas mileage and reliability. Folks are still waiting to see how many miles it takes to wear those motors out.

Hi Dave
Not trying to start anything here just stating my experience.
I was a Ford guy and after a buying Tundra I wouldn't even consider a Ford. All thing considered including maintenance costs.
The only issue I have had is brake rotors and cryogenic treatment fixed that. I guess diving into corners and trying to get a 4600 lb truck to take a set is hard on brakes.

As my Tundra owner said after towing his 23 ft toybox, guess I need to buy a big boy truck.

Tundra 5.7L@381 hp 400@3600 rpm
Ford 5.4L 310@5,000 365@3,500

The experts say:

"The last time we compared the Tundra and F150, the Tundra was safer and more powerful than the F150. The Tundra had more standard safety equipment, a better tow rating, more horsepower, bigger brakes, and better overall performance. While Ford will finally be adding standard Roll Stability Control, there’s no mention of improving the 5.4’s power or tow rating, or improving the braking system."

Now if we're talking diesel why would you want an F150?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1282362743.jpg

Diesel would be for an F250.

Note: I must have a truck with a GVWR over 6000 lbs...

Now Henry, you know how JD Power operates right? Ask anyone in the business. Much like the BBB spend money with us or else. BTW the data is from 07.

I expect it will be 2004 or later model.
Of course I understand the car business and I also know these trucks.
Are you doubting the results of their survey?

I know a few Ford people how now drive Toyotas and zero that went the other way.
This started out as light humor and seems to have transformed to a pissing contest so I've said my peace.
Cheers

Still light here, how about there? Our 2006 F150 tows our 20 ft enclosed no problem, complete with an early 911 race car with a few Schmidt products installed. Toyota buddies seem to have brake and (gasp) head gasket issues. Toyota, king of the silent recall, mentions none of this.

Henry - you aren't "starting anything." In fact, it is all I can do (generally) to not just knee-jerk support Toyota (I am on my second Lexus - gasp!) I just figure you're speaking from experience.

I have never owned a Toyota truck. However, in the late 70's/early 80's, the Toyota 4X4 was the truck to have. And cruising in the so-called mini-trucks; OMG...

That said, and knowing yours and my good experiences with Toyotas, the F-150 is tough to beat. But of course, YMMV.

earlier 4x4 toyota 4 bangers were tough to beat, or kill for that matter.

David
Enough about trucks.
You should stop by and see my new project. I can't believe I'm building another 911.
69 911T R Gruppe candidate. Twin plug 2.45 engine.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1282369353.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1282369375.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1282369396.jpg

How long are you planning on keeping it? If you expect to do any maintenance or serious repair on it, I would reconsider the Ford route ...

The maintenance on the "modular engine" trucks is not a lot of fun. The engines are set back far into the dash / under the windshield and access to spark plugs or to do any major enigne work is terrible.

I had a 97 F150 that served us well but blew a head gasket (4.6) at 200k. It took me 25 hours to repair this and the job sucked. At the dealer for head or engine removal, the cab is lifted off the frame. I also repaired a heater core on same truck and it took a whole day - the entire dash had to come out.

I had to buy an SUV recently and decided against the Ford because of this engine compartment access issue. I went with a first gen Seqoia - very old school lay out with the engine in the middle of the engine compartment, accessible from all sides. 20 minutes to do plugs ...

I recommend you look at a first gen Tundra with the 4.7. My only complaint is the timing belt vs. chain. The interior, accessories, safety equipment are far superior in the Toyota. You will pay more for the Toyota but you will recover most if not all of that premium when you resell.

George

First gen Sequoia (Tundra will be same)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1282375377.jpg

2007 F150 :rolleyes:
http://0.tqn.com/d/alternativefuels/..._enginebay.JPG
2007 Ford F150 King Ranch engine bay

The Tundra is too light. It will not work for the application...

and there you have it. Tundra is out. Sorry for adding it o the conversation.

[QUOTE=aigel;5517783]The engines are set back far into the dash / under the windshield and access to spark plugs or to do any major enigne work is terrible.
George
That is exactly why I bought a GMC 3/4 instead of the Ford Gas 3/4 ton.
I can see every plug on the 6 liter engine and maintenance is much easier for the most part.
Now reliability, lets just say that for such a low mileage truck, it hasn't been really reliable. OTOH it is the first GM product that has let me down in this way.

OMG - Porsche Pron - I must resist...

R-B:

Well, back to the F150 then, there are no engines to avoid on the V8. The old 6 cylinder was the only one they had issues with.

You should do a bit of reading here Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 1948-2011 Ford F150, Super Duty & SUV owners community and information source. Covers F100, F-150, F250, Bronco, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, Lighting, Escape and More - and possibly ask there too what people recommend. It is a very good board considering how large it is. There are a few dealership techs posting on there - amazing (wouldn't you want to turn it off when you come home?) ;)

George

Hey - have you guys seen the new Raptor? Now THAT is a badass!!!!

angela

My wife has an 07 F150. Only drawback with hers is the towing capacity is about 5500 lbs.

Just don't get the 20" wheels.

I want to say my 01 2WD SuperCrew has a towing capacity of 7500 lbs with the 5.4. As for changing the plugs, it's not that bad. Having the right tools makes all the difference. I had to change a leaking valve cover gasket at about 150k and it took about 5-6 hours with no air tools and in the driveway.

I have wrenched for a long time and know what a PITA job is. I have all the right tools, swivel sockets long extensions and what not. I remember cut up arms and sore back from leaning over into that hell hole of an engine compartment ... ;)

George

I love it too! A bit steep at 40k+. No stick available though - WTF?

George

If it wasn't for the COPS and fuel rails, it would be a lot easier, but I hear ya.