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?

 

what happened to ordering a new camaro?

 

really you have all the really known issues covered with the plugs and cam phasers...i really dont know of any other problems

 

Power windows falling down into the door, never had it happen to me though. Only problem I had was a bad idle pulley bearing that started to squeak, five minutes and $30 later it was fixed. Mines an 04 btw, like any vehicle just go over it well before buying.

 

post it up here when you find one, car fax it and see what you hear from us.

 

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3GS)

The back up sensors like to screw up and the freakin ashtrays rattle like hell. I think Scotty had then issues

 

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.

 

Wirelessly posted

My ashtray has never rattled once in my truck.

 

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.

 

wood grain trim or plastic?

full length console ashtrays rattle

 

fuel pump driver module. Located above the spare tire, it gets corroded and then it cracks. Also the IWE's for the four wheel drive go, along with the vaccuum lines going to them and the solenoid.

 

I know the pump drive module but explain what the IWE's is and how the 4wd fails

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

F150s are driven so much ppl rank up the miles. On a side not theres a lot of 150s up here all with Roush 20s for sale lul

 

Is it a shudder or hesitation? If it's like a dead spot when you hammer on it, usually all you need to do is readjust the electronic gas pedal by turning the key to on, slowly pressing the gas to the floor, letting off quickly, turn back off, repeat 3 times.

 

Its hard to tell. Kind of a shudder cause truck does jolt a little when it does it.

 

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.

 

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.

 

07's still have all the issues. Mine has the cam phaser issue and the four wheel drive issue with only 25,000 miles.

 

I just repaired the front IWE's on an 07 F150 also. This truck did not have the revised IWE vacuum solenoid, so I made it a rain coat.

 

The solenoid has been replaced on mine already, so that's done. I just have to get mine back to the dealer to use my warranty for something, so I will have them do the IWE's and vaccuum lines.

 

With all the problems you guys had, is it still worth the purchase?

I'm considering after I SAS the Ranger and have a full time job getting an 04-08 F150 5.4L

 

Things to look for when buying an 04+ F-150:

Look for a 1948-2003 F-150