So I have an 06 lariat with the 5.4 with 170000 miles. I just recently had to replace the transmission for a second time and its rattling real bad again so I'm about to have to replace the timing chains and tensioner again. Don't get me wrong I really really love the truck. But I can't afford to keep replacing power train components like this.. I have a 97 silverado with 293000 with its original power train that still runs perfect. Now before I trade my ford in for my wife a car, is there anything I can do to make my power train last? I got a friend with the same truck that just hit 200000 with his f150 and he has already had to replace the transmission 4 times. That's ridiculous. And he drives like a grandma, doesn't tow anything and has stock size tires. Any opinion,advise, or help will be appreciated

 

I almost would wonder if there is contaimination happening. Like a clog in the transmission cooler

 

I don't know what the impactor that you both seem to be having is.......no issues with either of mine.....same tranny in the 97 that sees very heavy gridlock type traffic daily and the other sees hwy time & towing (6k)...and no issues.

 

I replaced my transition cooler after it went out the first time... And I know this is the wrong forum but why do the chains and tensioners go out so often? I use the recommended oil..

 

That sucks. I love my truck too, but I've already conceded that it's not gonna last. It's an 08 5.4L FX4 with 70k miles and already showing signs of VCT problems.

Who knows if its the tensioners, phasers, blocked passages, or something else. I was able to delay fixing it by putting a heavier weight oil in. I'm currently running Mobil1 High Mileage full syn 10w40. The thicker oil increases the oil pressure when the engine is hot. Haven't had any timing issues since making the switch.

Can't say if it would help you, but it doesn't cost any more than regular 5w20 or 5w30 oil, so it couldn't hurt. BTW, I'm not a fan of Walmart, but they have 5 qt. jugs of the Mobil1 for around $25. Autozone charges $9.59 per quart

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-Hi...ingMethod=p13n

 

Proper Motorcraft oil and oil filters are what keep the valvetrain in good shape and putting a heavier weight oil in it, especially at only 70k miles, isn't something I would do.

The only transmission that is technically the truck's "fault" is the first one, unless it is replaced with one directly from Ford. Non-brand-new-from-factory transmissions are hit or miss and it depends entirely of the quality of them and blind luck. Your buddy that's had 4/5 trannies likely put cheaper, rebuilt ones in. When a transmission is rebuilt, only broken and excessively worn components are replaced. $1,500 transmissions are crap. No way a truck has eaten through that many transmissions in 200k miles without something else being wrong; it isn't the truck. My old (new body style) 2000 5.3 Suburban ate a brand new (not rebuilt) replacement transmission at just over 25k miles (warranty was 25k). It was from a reputable shop and cost over $3,500 and it still crapped out on me. I don't blame the truck for it, it was just was a bad transmission. The first one lasted 120k miles and years of hauling a boat around the Texas hill country. It did **** me off, and between that and needing a new front end (suspension) from things that were the result of offroading and other driver errors, I sold it. But the truck was a good one.

VCT problems don't blow the motor up, they're just noisy. Lastly, 170k miles is more than the average person sees out of a gas burning motor, so if it were to go out on you right now, I'd be content with that and see no issue there. People like to disagree with me on that because they have pipe dreams on engines lasting forever, but after that many miles, most gas motors are going to require a bit of an overhaul. I'll be happy as long as mine hits 150k or so. These 3V 5.4s do have problems, but plenty of people exceed 150k miles on the original motor. How many engines has that 200k mile (3V?) had? Transmissions are not a problem with these trucks.

 

So, you have used Motorcraft 5w-20 and Motorcraft oil filters since new?

 

My 2008 5.4L has had no issues and the tranny is just fine with just over 100K on the clock. Nothing but oil changes and routine maintenance. I'm getting ready to have the tranny fluid/diff fluid changed for the first time here in a few weeks. I drive it like an old lady for the most part though, but it does see towing 2-3 times a month, usually less than 5K lbs. No oversize tires or off-roading. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.

I'd agree with KMAC, getting 170K+ miles out of most gasser trucks is about all I'd expect. I sold my last F-150 (2V 5.4L) with 140K on the clock and it still ran like new with nothing other than normal maintenance.

 

Yes. Never switched.. And I have still had to replace them twice..

 

I don't know... I guess I'll fix it one more time and see..

 

Threads merged, one thread per subject please

 

I was tripping out a little bit! I was like "all of this wasn't here before?!"

But my policy for deciding whether to keep or sell a truck is to sell it when you feel like it is no longer reliable and you don't trust it. If you feel that way about the truck, maybe it is time for you to move onto another one.

 

04-08's are kinda hit and miss. Some of them are finicky. Lot more trans problems out of that generation. Id say go ahead and get rid of it.. thats my opinion

 

I've been running Mobile 1 5w-20 and a Wix filter since the first oil change. Other than eating about 1-1.5qt between 7500mi oil changes, I have no issues with the phasers or otherwise.