Found a killer deal on a 2009 Platinum SCREW with the 5.4.. I currently have a 2001 lariat screw with the 5.4.. I love the motor and I assume it's relatively the same. The common coil packs that go bad etc.. Anything I specifically need to be looking for on this model?

Truck has 116k miles on it and they're asking 18,995$.. I have a feeling I can get it for less than that as well.. All input is welcome.. Thanks guys for the help!

-Chuck

 

Also,dealer told me the power running boards are inoperable.. Easy fix?

 

There's a big difference between your 5.4 and a 2009 5.4, the 2009 is the 3 valve engine with variable cam timing. Others here will strongly disagree with me, but I wouldn't touch a 5.4 3 valve with a 10 foot pole.

 

GLC, please elaborate.. I've heard about the spark plugs being an issue.. What else? I've been reading up as much as I can and you're right, there are others that say they've had no problems up over 100k..

Of course it's probably how the owner maintained the vehicle to find out how it's going to run. I'm going to see if he took it to the dealership or if there are receipts on maintenance etc...

 

The spark plug issue was taken care of in 2008 with revised heads, but the VCT system and cam phasers have been problematic. Just not a good design and very sensitive to proper maintenance.

 

So if I get the gist here, the reason these are so much lower in price is because of this motor.. Point taken.. That's all I needed to hear.. Thank you

 

The Ford power running boards are a bastardized version of AMP Powersteps. Most parts are not interchangeable between the two brands though.. For example, if a motor goes bad on a Ford, you have to buy the entire step assembly. I spoke to an AMP dealer service person when one of my AMP motors quit. I hinted that I might be buying a new F-150 in the future. I asked him if the Ford steps shared identical parts and he told me all this info. If you were to buy the truck and the problem is something serious, your cheapest route to deal with the malfunctioning Ford steps might to replace them with a whole new AMP set ($1K).