So when I was test driving my 05 F-150 with the 5.4 I drove it to 2 different mechanics to ask their opinion on the truck before I commited to the deal. Both mechanics STRONGLY urged me to NOT buy the 5.4 and to stay clear of the truck because they have been notorious for having huge cam phaser issues in which apparently isn't cheap. Well for starters I will include that they both sounded like huge Chevy fanatics, but still they are mechanics so they see them all. Anyway, one said if I really wanted that year or style of truck to go with the 4.6 because they didn't have the cam phasers and that they would have efficient power for me. Now I previously had a 97 4.6 and a 97 5.4 and I wouldnt want that 4.6 for nothing in the world at this point, however I spoke with a mechanic from the Ford dealership here and obviously he convinced me the problem was rare and as long as the oil is properly changed I wouldn't have the issue. So I bought it. Now I'm realizing it's the beginning of cam phaser issues for me and to my understanding there's no preventing it from getting worse..... So my delimma now is figuring out what I'm gonna do.... sell the truck while I can, try to make a little profit and look for a 4.6 or listen to others who may have a solution. I really love my truck but do not want a world of trouble and don't want to have to drop money into it consistantly. If I was to get a 4.6, can anybody ensure me that I may can do something to it to satisfy my desire for the power the 5.4 has over the 4.6?
Wont matter if you fix them right away or not usually. My dads old 05, had them fixed right away. about 20k (if that) miles later, right back at it again (aswell a few other people we knew). And its only covered under recall once. I would pass on the truck, and look for a different one not in the 04/05 range. I may be wrong, but a few early 06's might have had the problems too, but not many.
My 07 5.4 is a dam good motor. I was actually complimited from a mechanic at the ford dealer for how good it ran. He said it was one of the best he driven. 5.4 are good motors just depends on how well you take care of them.
Thanks for the advice... I really don't want to give up the 5.4 so hopefully maybe a little newer model may be better for me.
The 04-05s had cam phasers and 04- early 07s had spark plug issues. I'd find a 2008 with the 5.4 and breathe easy
the 4.6 is not a bad motor. its vastly different from your 95 4.6 that you had. i have had 2 cubic yard of dirt in my bed and the truck was not sluggish in any gear. the main reason why the 4.6 feels slow is the R&P its coupled w/. almost every 5.4 is on a 3.73 RP. almost every 4.6 is coupled to a 3.55, unless its a 4wd, then the chances of the 3.73 are higher. a simple change in RP would greatly improve the performance of the 4.6. I'm runnin a 4.30, but thats w/ 35" tires. a programmer, some headers, and a good exhaust and that 4.6 will run like a top beast. like others said, the 5.4 is a great motor, just w/ a few flawed years. if you can find a truck, built after march 06 (that was the build change to correct the cam issue), then you shouldnt have anything to worry about. good luck in your final decision.
