My car has developed motor issues. Its currently being fixed under warranty but I dont want a car that is going to have motor problems within the first 30k miles. Ive been looking around at getting a pickup and Ive seen some really nice F150s for sale around here. I found a few in particular, like an 02 4x4 4.6 with a 5 speed (45k miles) for 12k and a few other 01-03's with the 4.6 and 5.4 ext cab auto 4x4s. What are the problems to look for? How are the transmissions? I already know about the plug problem with the higher mileage 5.4s and thats what is keeping me from really considering them. What do you guys think?

I've heard about the plug prob. on the 4.6. I didn't know about it on the 5.4 though.

I knew about it on the 5.4, but hadn't heard of it on the 4.6

Weird..

Aaron

A friend of mine's brother has an '01 with the 5.4, but it's an auto. He hasn't had ONE problem, in over 120k.

The problem with plugs blowing out is really as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. They can be easily fixed with an insert it they do blow out, too.

Both the 4.6L and the 5.4L are very good engines and have no more or worse problems than any other engine out there.

4.6L + the M5OD is a kickass combo and very rare to find.

Adrianspeeder

I was into high HP Mustangs for years. I've seen them blow out first hand....On the street and track.

I changed my plugs every couple months without a prob though. I only used them for a little bit, maybe couple hundred miles. I'd pull them to inspect and normal just replaced them.

The plug problem was on 4.6, 5.4 & 6.8(V10) up until I think late 02. Supposedly Ford changed the thread design on the heads. And if I remeber right from the FTE site, it was only an issue after the plugs were changed (Due to various reasons) All in all, they are all great motors and trucks. If your gonna haul alot, I would go for the 5.4 though (I went from 4.6 to 6.8) Basically the 4.6 replaced the 302, the 5.4 replaced the 351 and the 6.8 replaced the 460.

The problem with plugs blowing out is really as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. They can be easily fixed with an insert it they do blow out, too.

Last time I checked, that was an unauthorized repair. Ford wouldn't pay for that repair, and it would void the warranty if it was found to have been done. Back in the day, we weren't even allowed to use abrasive pads for cleaning the old head gaskets off of the combustion face.


I'm not saying that Ford hasn't changed the way those heads are built, but that repair you describe is easier said than done.

what plug?

Last time I checked, that was an unauthorized repair. Ford wouldn't pay for that repair, and it would void the warranty if it was found to have been done. Back in the day, we weren't even allowed to use abrasive pads for cleaning the old head gaskets off of the combustion face.


I'm not saying that Ford hasn't changed the way those heads are built, but that repair you describe is easier said than done.

True, but most of those trucks aren't under warrenty anymore and the customer isn't gonna pay $1400 for a new head. And putting in inserts isn't bad. We have done them while the customer waits.

actually ford has a kit and special tool for installing "helicoils" or inserts now.

98-00 had headgasket issues with leaking oil. (I just replaced mine)

00-04 had issues with spark plugs blowing out. Most were due to having the plugs over torqued when replacing.

other than that they are good trucks. I love mine. however get the 5.4, the 4.6 is underpowered IMO for a fullsize truck. hell I think the 5.4 is under powered for it but it runs good.

only expect to get around 14-15mpg with a stock 5.4 on a good day. Im running 35s and only seeing about 12 when I keep my foot out of it.