2004 FX4 w/124k miles Needs New Engine - Should I keep it?
#1
12-15-2010, 04:05 AM
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2004 FX4 w/124k miles Needs New Engine - Should I keep it?
Thought I'd post here for some opinions from you knowledgable F-150 folks.
My 2004 F-150 FX4, which has 124k miles, has valvetrain issues that will require headwork ($3800 or so to fix) or a remanufactured engine swapped in ($6700 including installation). I had two shops look at the truck and they both said the same things. I'd prefer getting the reman engine since it's the better long-term solution.
I really like the truck and have had good luck with it so far as the second owner. But I'm at the point now where I need to decide to if it's worth it to dump $6700 into a 124k mile truck. I'm hoping to keep it for at least 3 more years. The only other issue right now is a slow leak at the power steering hose connection. To my knowledge, the transmission has never been replaced or rebuilt. I tow a race car with this truck on a fairly regular basis (twice a month). How long do transmissions last? I'm assuming that the tranny will need replacing by 180k miles. There's another $3000.
Any way, I'd like to keep the truck, but I'm debating if I should spend $6700 to fix it or just trade it in on used, newer F-150 (XLT 4x4 or FX4) with lower mileage. With the new engine, I'd want to keep the truck for at least three more years.
So, what do you folks think? Thanks in advance!
My 2004 F-150 FX4, which has 124k miles, has valvetrain issues that will require headwork ($3800 or so to fix) or a remanufactured engine swapped in ($6700 including installation). I had two shops look at the truck and they both said the same things. I'd prefer getting the reman engine since it's the better long-term solution.
I really like the truck and have had good luck with it so far as the second owner. But I'm at the point now where I need to decide to if it's worth it to dump $6700 into a 124k mile truck. I'm hoping to keep it for at least 3 more years. The only other issue right now is a slow leak at the power steering hose connection. To my knowledge, the transmission has never been replaced or rebuilt. I tow a race car with this truck on a fairly regular basis (twice a month). How long do transmissions last? I'm assuming that the tranny will need replacing by 180k miles. There's another $3000.
Any way, I'd like to keep the truck, but I'm debating if I should spend $6700 to fix it or just trade it in on used, newer F-150 (XLT 4x4 or FX4) with lower mileage. With the new engine, I'd want to keep the truck for at least three more years.
So, what do you folks think? Thanks in advance!
#3
12-15-2010, 12:35 PM
#4
12-16-2010, 12:01 PM
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About 7 years ago I bought a factory reman engine for my ranger (V6, 4.0) It was only $1500 and it cost me $900 for the install. Had a 3 yr warranty. I know there's a big price difference but call a cpl dealers and see what they charge for a reman short block, then call around a few places for install. Might be surprised. Of course its way easier to trade it in, but I don't know if you have alot of mods or not, you'll have to start over.
