Things to look for when buying 04+ F150?
#1
Things to look for when buying 04+ F150?
So I'm in the market for an F150. I would like to get an 07+ 5.4 since I hear they aren't as problematic as older 5.4s but the 07+s are too new and they cost too much. Being in SC I am finding some really clean 04-06s right around my price range with 60-80k but I'm wary because of problems I've heard about.
Besides the spark plug issues and the cam sensor (what's it called again?) what should I be looking into?
Besides the spark plug issues and the cam sensor (what's it called again?) what should I be looking into?
#4
#7
My Dad's 06 has had relatively few problems. The windshield wiper motors went out (in the rain of course) but it only had a couple thousand miles on it then. Pretty sure that was only specific to his truck though and isn't a common problem.
Like Dave said, the ashtray rattles like a damn jackhammer. It'll make you want to unload a couple mags of .45 into the dashboard. Alternatively you could just keep it open all the time and it will stay quite, but that's not nearly as fun.
Also, now that I'm trying to think of problems, the pinion bearing race went to hell too. It looked like it was chewed to **** by a killer worm. I might have a picture of it somewhere but it was pretty messed up. The mechanic he brought it to said that he actually had a couple other F150's come in with the same problem.
Like Dave said, the ashtray rattles like a damn jackhammer. It'll make you want to unload a couple mags of .45 into the dashboard. Alternatively you could just keep it open all the time and it will stay quite, but that's not nearly as fun.
Also, now that I'm trying to think of problems, the pinion bearing race went to hell too. It looked like it was chewed to **** by a killer worm. I might have a picture of it somewhere but it was pretty messed up. The mechanic he brought it to said that he actually had a couple other F150's come in with the same problem.
#9
Mine never did either, but I'm fairly certain it only has to do with the trucks with the full length center console with the shifter in it. There is a TSB for it, even then I think it was redesigned on the 06+ trucks.
#11
#13
THe four wheel drive system loses vaccuum and will engage the four wheel drive at random times. When it does this it sounds like a baseball card in bike spokes. It's the end of the shaft grinding on the IWE hubs. When it does this either you have to stop as soon as possible, or switch into four wheel quickly. It grinds the edge of the gears in the hub to a 30degree angle, which is not a good thing. First thing people replace is the solenoid which is behind the battery. The old ones didn't have a cover on them and they would get moisture in them and crack, losing vaccuum. They vac lines themselves are also a culprit and need to be replaced. It's a pretty common problem, mine has this issue and is going in for warranty coverage to fix it. Otherwise it's only like close to $90 each for the IWE hub, and about $20 for the solenoid. Not the hardest repair, but it still sucks.
#14
If your in SC.
Just go really old. A buddy of mine just picked up a mint, and i mean MINT 88 F-150. loud as hell and loves it.
other than Spark plugs and Cam phasers, I think Ryan is right, there is a TSB out for the ash tray.
See:FORD:
2004-2006 F-150
LINCOLN:
2006 Mark LT
ISSUE:
Some 2004-2006 F-150 and 2006 Lincoln Mark LT vehicles equipped with tip out ashtrays, built prior to 1/1/2006, may exhibit a rattle noise from the ashtray while driving over bumps or washboard roads, usually when the ashtray is in the closed position.
Just go really old. A buddy of mine just picked up a mint, and i mean MINT 88 F-150. loud as hell and loves it.
other than Spark plugs and Cam phasers, I think Ryan is right, there is a TSB out for the ash tray.
See:FORD:
2004-2006 F-150
LINCOLN:
2006 Mark LT
ISSUE:
Some 2004-2006 F-150 and 2006 Lincoln Mark LT vehicles equipped with tip out ashtrays, built prior to 1/1/2006, may exhibit a rattle noise from the ashtray while driving over bumps or washboard roads, usually when the ashtray is in the closed position.
#15
Welcome to my world. I want a nice F150 preferably a dang 06-07 lariat of FX4. But of course they cost around 22-24k for one with decent miles. Its quite aggravating really trying to find a decent one they dont want an arm and a leg for
Other than Cam phasers (make sure their is not even close to a slight diesel sound) and spark plugs, there is not too much more. Things ive noticed:
Check Ash Tray/cup holder that pops out
Check Power window switches, even if they are lit or not when dark
Check all power switches at that
So pretty much everyone has all the basic things covered. Also one thing ive noticed in most of the F150s ive drove is a slight shudder of the tranny when you go to give it some gas to pass or speed up. I drove one that hasnt.
Other than Cam phasers (make sure their is not even close to a slight diesel sound) and spark plugs, there is not too much more. Things ive noticed:
Check Ash Tray/cup holder that pops out
Check Power window switches, even if they are lit or not when dark
Check all power switches at that
So pretty much everyone has all the basic things covered. Also one thing ive noticed in most of the F150s ive drove is a slight shudder of the tranny when you go to give it some gas to pass or speed up. I drove one that hasnt.
#16
Welcome to my world. I want a nice F150 preferably a dang 06-07 lariat of FX4. But of course they cost around 22-24k for one with decent miles. Its quite aggravating really trying to find a decent one they dont want an arm and a leg for
Other than Cam phasers (make sure their is not even close to a slight diesel sound) and spark plugs, there is not too much more. Things ive noticed:
Check Ash Tray/cup holder that pops out
Check Power window switches, even if they are lit or not when dark
Check all power switches at that
So pretty much everyone has all the basic things covered. Also one thing ive noticed in most of the F150s ive drove is a slight shudder of the tranny when you go to give it some gas to pass or speed up. I drove one that hasnt.
Other than Cam phasers (make sure their is not even close to a slight diesel sound) and spark plugs, there is not too much more. Things ive noticed:
Check Ash Tray/cup holder that pops out
Check Power window switches, even if they are lit or not when dark
Check all power switches at that
So pretty much everyone has all the basic things covered. Also one thing ive noticed in most of the F150s ive drove is a slight shudder of the tranny when you go to give it some gas to pass or speed up. I drove one that hasnt.
#17
#19
I have noticed that too in an F150 and explorer I drove. It confused me because I thought I was driving over the rumble strip at first. Anyone know what the deal with that is? It was most prevalent driving up hill. This is what really put a bad taste in my mouth for the 5.4L, personally I would never own one.
#20
Thanks for all the info guys!
I bet a shift kit would solve the problem with the tranny.
The 4x4 issue sounds really shitty. I don't look forward to dealing with it.
Ideally I would get an 07 or 08 so I don't have to deal with the issues but they are so ------- expensive. I have to go 05 06.
I bet a shift kit would solve the problem with the tranny.
The 4x4 issue sounds really shitty. I don't look forward to dealing with it.
Ideally I would get an 07 or 08 so I don't have to deal with the issues but they are so ------- expensive. I have to go 05 06.
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