2004 Ford 5.4 Triton Engine - Would U Buy?

LakeCleElum · 09-02-2015, 03:56 PM

Looking at my neighbors PU for my brother. I haven't bought a rig from the Big 4 (3 or whatever) since 1968, so need input.

It's a one owner 2004 Supercab 4x4 with 94,000 miles.....Been maintained and looks almost new......

But, I read reviews on the 5.4 engine......Looks like up thru 2003, not enough treads for the spark plugs and they blew out. More threads now, but if they haven't been changed in years, will break the plug getting it out?

Other issues with the engine that don't seem to be as common. So, should he run toward it for under $10K or run away?

Nostril Cheese · 09-02-2015, 04:01 PM

My friend had one. POS.

onewhippedpuppy · 09-02-2015, 04:04 PM

I think they are a gutless wonder. But my father in law has almost 150k on his and has never touched it, still runs like new.

fastfredracing · 09-02-2015, 04:09 PM

Not a fan of the 5.4 Like stated, they are underpowered, and although they will run for a long time, it is hard to keep them running on all 8 cylinders for a long time. Seems like you are always replacing coils, and plugs . Alternator and water pump are easy to change, everything else is a pia.
It is $ when the plugs break off in the head, and they always do ...

A930Rocket · 04:59 PM

I had a 2001 F150 SuperCrew with the 5.4 and finally traded it in on my 2014 F150. It had 225K on the clock and was all original except for an alternator, fuel pump and Trans at 200K. I changed the spark at 100K the first time and then two more times after that.

I thought it worth $5K, not $10K.

VincentVega · 09-02-2015, 06:28 PM

Quote:

So, should he run toward it for under $10K or run away?

10k seems like a 2x to me

I wouldnt buy one to pull a load but as a HD/beater truck one should last a long time. I wouldnt touch the plugs unless it didnt want to run.

mistertate · mistertate's Garage

Tell him you change the plugs and I'll buy it

aigel · aigel's Garage

I would pass. I had a 97 with the 4.6 - similar engine. Changing plugs was a ***** and it blew a head gasket at 200k miles. Sure, that's a lot of miles, but they had a ****ty gasket that could not handle the aluminum/steel interface. Changing the head gasket was even worse. They lift the body off these trucks to work on the heads / engine. It is great for Ford, calling these "modular" engines. They stuff them in EVERYTHING they make. Works great to save them money and cause you grief.

JMHO.

G

LakeCleElum · 09-02-2015, 09:07 PM

Gawd - Thanks for all the input..........Have to be discreet and tell my neighbor we are not interested........What a nightmare.....

Arizona_928 · 09-02-2015, 09:13 PM

I would go with the Chevy 4.8/5.3....
I saw a Ford 5.4 come up for auction locally. Was off fleet with 284k, starting at a grand. I was I out bid quickly.

tabs · 09-02-2015, 09:17 PM

The 5.4 L 3 valves about at 65K start to have problems. The earlier 4.6L's though are mostly trouble free with the exception of the Aluminum Intake manifolds, head gaskets and spark plug threads, They should go out to 250K relatively trouble free.

I got 18 years and 155K on my 4.6L F 150. Last Wally World battery went 9 years out here in the last outpost on the road to he11.

onewhippedpuppy · 09-03-2015, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ_porschekid

I would go with the Chevy 4.8/5.3....
I saw a Ford 5.4 come up for auction locally. Was off fleet with 284k, starting at a grand. I was I out bid quickly.

If you don't mind the piston slap, that generation of GM truck definitely has a better powertrain.

Porchdog · 09-04-2015, 08:09 AM

This is timely.

My son bought a 99 Supercab 4x4 last week for $1000. from a guy I know.

Previous owner had swapped in a used 5.4 a couple years ago and rebuilt the trans last year. Biggest issue was the motor reportedly hydro locking after sitting and the starter was broken. PO assumed hydrolock was due to a stuck injector. The truck is pretty good otherwise - puncture hole on one door (no rust, appears to be galvanized), rusted cab corner and rocker, no radio or ac, but generally straight and solid.

We flat towed it home and finally got around to trying to turn the motor last night. 1/4 turn and it stopped. Pulled plug #1, wet with coolant.

He said he thought that he could learn something with this truck. He's about to learn something.

fastfredracing · 09-04-2015, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porchdog

This is timely.

My son bought a 99 Supercab 4x4 last week for $1000. from a guy I know.

Previous owner had swapped in a used 5.4 a couple years ago and rebuilt the trans last year. Biggest issue was the motor reportedly hydro locking after sitting and the starter was broken. PO assumed hydrolock was due to a stuck injector. The truck is pretty good otherwise - puncture hole on one door (no rust, appears to be galvanized), rusted cab corner and rocker, no radio or ac, but generally straight and solid.

We flat towed it home and finally got around to trying to turn the motor last night. 1/4 turn and it stopped. Pulled plug #1, wet with coolant.

He said he thought that he could learn something with this truck. He's about to learn something.

Pulling the heads off that motor in cab is quite a feat. Good luck to you. He is about to learn something..

Oracle · 09-04-2015, 08:46 AM

I got a 5.4 a few months ago...
I tow a 5000lbs (dry) travel trailer and although the diesels like to show their torque when going uphill I just smile and mind my business.
the pros:
cheap engines to repair and parts are plenty
easy to wrench
If it haven't puked a plug yet then it never will (not all heads had the problem)

the cons:
not the latest technology on anything so mileage is average (poor mileage is more related to gearing and how much lead in your foot)
newer 5.4 is not necessarily better..

If its a good deal just buy it, use and dispose when you want..

Bugsinrugs · 09-04-2015, 10:32 AM

I have a 98 expedition and a 02 e250. Both have the 5.4 litre engine. The 98 blew a spark plug when under warranty. No problems since. I have an oil leak that requires pulling the head to replace the head gasket and that isn't going to happen. I will keep filling it with oil. The e250 has been a very reliable work truck without any problems. That being said I don't think I would get another vehicle with that engine. Way to hard to access anything on them.

Porchdog · 09-04-2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Pulling the heads off that motor in cab is quite a feat. Good luck to you. He is about to learn something..

I have a two post assymetric lift and some experience. I'm leaning toward taking the cab off.

aigel · aigel's Garage

Yep, that what it boils down to in these trucks. Engines do have a higher rate of head problems combined with poor access. Its a no-go. Of course at $1k and wanting a challenge, it is a different story than the OP buying it for $10k for someone he likes.

G

campbellcj · 07:47 PM

Mine has been pretty darn good in >4 years of my ownership and hard usage; truck has around 158K now. I had a coilpack or two go bad and the rear diff is going out now. I drive it hard for commuting, towing the racecar (~4,000lb rig) and home improvement runs. I like that it runs on 87 octane which softens the blow of the crappy mileage.

It's definitely underpowered and not at all a luxurious vehicle even though mine is the top trim package (Lariat) from that year. Just a basic workhorse truck, cheap to buy, insure and operate when this far down the depreciation curve.