Hello everyone I’m new to the site I was looking to buy a 2001 ford f150 quad cab with the 5.4 V8 motor in it. The truck has 98k on it and I will be using it as a daily driver, I wanted to know if there’s any major issues I should be looking out when I buy this truck(not wanting to buy a piece of sh*t). I know about that starter packs on the each of the cylinders go bad if the trucks spark plugs aren’t maintained, looking to get more info from someone that has and similar f150 thanks for your help rich

 

The 97-04 f150's are very reliable the only issue i know of is the back window can leak in which you would have to have it replaced or resealed. Other than that i would change all fluids, belt, fuel filter, plugs, and the pcv valve, and it should last a long time for ya. good luck

 

They're great trucks, and like any and all other vehicles require maintenance to assure longevity. There are a few preventive maintenance things to keep up on and once you get past that, should be good to go for a smooth 300k (hopefully) They ride great, plenty of power, quiet, comfortable and reliable. Oh... and they look good. Lots of good info around here for easy maintenance, upgrades and diy's


Post some pics

They are COP's (coil on/over plug) And only run about $100 for the whole set. But not everybody goes through them, its hit and miss.

 

Well seeing that it has almost 100k on it i would check out the bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, u joints and all that easy stuff also check the fluids for sure. Check to see if the alternator is still puttin out 14.3 volts

 

I had an 01 4.6. I now have a 97 5.4.

As far as "major work" (I put in quotes because major work is different to everyone depending on skill), I had to replace exhaust manifold gaskets, cops, and plugs on both. I also had the issue with the back window. I was quoted for $300 to replace it, because the whole thing has to be changed. I just put a thin strip of Teflon tape over the seal. I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty!
As far as the 5.4 motor goes, I love mine. I have a cast intake, and had to replace my intake gasket after a trip to winter Vermont. I'm pretty sure the 01's have a plastic intake, though, so you may not encounter that problem. Other than that, with 180k on it, I've had no other serious complaints. I've replaced all my vacuum lines, pcv, egr, 02's and the injectors because the ceramic caps tend to crack (which also nearly eliminated the injector tap). The ghost pulley, alternator, starter, and coolant temp sensor were done, too. Standard stuff for any vehicle, really.
I only change the oil twice a year, but I run partial synthetic and baby her a lot. I clean the MAF with every oil change (or more) because it will start to shift hard when it's dirty.
I've heard a ton of complaints about the 5.4, but I seriously love mine. Eight years and she has yet to let me down.

 

Not the 5.4 2v. It's the 04+ 5.4 3v that's kinda sketchy. The 2v is as reliable as the 4.6, which is one of the most reliable engines built anywhere.

First thing you need to do when you get it is pull the cops, break all the plugs loose, and retorque them to 28 ft/lb. The heads only have 4 threads, and they are subject to stripping and blowout if factory torque specs are followed. Use dielectric grease when reinstalling the cops.

 

I just bought an 03 (Fx4, 5.4L) w/ 113,500 miles on it and the only thing I've done to it so far are

1. Fix the leaky rear window, which was pretty easy to do, just took a little time.

2. Husky Liner floor mats. Gotta have 'em.. haha.

Everything else seems to be mechanically sound.

Things on the list in the near future are

1. shocks (within the next few weeks)
2. Fuel filter (within the next few weeks)
3. brake job (within the next few weeks)
4. Spark Plugs & all that goes with that.
5. K&N Cold air induction kit.

 

Save your money. Do a Gotts mod to the stock intake box and use a dry filter.

 

Hook me up w/ a link, Im interested.

 

Funny thing - we just happen to have a tech article on this very subject!

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...3-f-150-a.html

Not trying to give you a hard time, but you might want to explore some of the forums a bit better! The SEARCH button usually works too.

 

Your search doesnt work as well as mine on my forum... Thanks for the link though.