I'd say '02/'03 Love my '03..bought in early 2008 with 61K

 

03 with 8 thread spark plugs

 

Common sense is gonna say 03. Ford had a few years to iron out all the issues in that generation. With that said my 00 5.4 has been very reliable.

Since I've owned it I've had to replace the brake master cylinder, COPs, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar bushings and endlinks.

As far as non maintenance repairs, the dang cup holder spring, power mirror switch and having to solder the odometer connections.

Other than that, it's been a good truck and the only reason I plan on replacing it is when I ultimately require a crew cab or I just want a new truck. Oh it's got 123k on it now.

 

2003 5.4 w/ 4x4

 

I would find a 02/03 with a 4.6. All the engine choices are good though. I would stay away from the 5.4 3 valve in the 04-08 trucks. I had a 05 fx4 and it was junk so i sold it. My 05 had the cam phasers replaced 3 times, 2 coil packs and 4 injectors before it had 60,000 miles and that was just the probs i had with the 5.4 3 valve in the truck. My dad has an 06 5.4 3 valve with 30,000 miles and its starting to have the same problems that my 05 did. I found a 02 supercab 4x4 with 4.6 and 5 speed and havent looked back since. My 02 f150 in my opinion is alot better truck than my 05 was. good luck hope this helps

 

In general the 97-03 trucks if maintained seem to last forever.

 

I'd say a 7700 series 5.4 from any year.

 

The only real problems ive had with mine are the COP's blowin out but i finally found that fix, the speed sensor went out in the tranny but thats an easy fix, it idles a lil off now and and im not sure whats wrong and a bearing in my rearend is starting to whine a lil. With it bein a 2000 and closing in on 200,000 miles i think its worth it.

 

What is the 9700 mentioned above? Apologize if that is a newb question. How do you tell if it has the E4OD/4R100 Trans? Is that two different transmissions or a number for one?

 

My 2000 xlt 4x4 5.4l Is great. Min problems. reg upkeep . 133k miles bought 01 21k miles on it

 

Had my 03 since 08 and havent had any major problems becodes the usual wear n tear. Deff would reccomend getting the 5.4 opposed to the 4.6 it just dosnt have enough get up and go power. Thats all id change on my truck other than that its been great. 195000 miles n still goin strong

 

I can say nothing really has gone wrong with my 2000, minor crap that happens to everything, but agreed, 03 is going to be most likely your winner. Refinements and options wise, the 03 is king. Really, you can find a good 99 and newer but mileage is going to be high obviously.

 

I think jbrew ment to type 7700. that is the HD package with larger rear axle 10.25, 7 lug wheels, and stronger torsion bars up front.

 

Yup. There is one for sale local to me. I want it but don't want the mile's.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/ctd/2813914325.html
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/2765619438.html

 

Don't forget 4R100 tranny, huge radiator, and much larger tranny cooler!!

I've often heard the '03 is the best, but I've also heard the only difference between '02 and '03 was insulation and sound deadening qualities making the '03 much quieter on the inside against road noise and the like. Can't go wrong either way.