Hey all,
First let me thank everyone that contributes here. This is worth millions saved from spending at dealerships and shops.

I have a 2001, 2WD standard cab, 5.4, 4 spd auto.

I bought this truck used recently and it's been well so far. I had trouble with the fuel pump but magically it went away after i bought a new one (No, i didn't replace it).

Recently, about 50 miles ago, truck started to vibrate(entire truck) and i thought it was the tire pressure since i wasn't able to find a rhythm. So checked that and returned home. Thought about it overnight and guessed it might be a loose plug or malfunctioning ignition system on a cylinder. I drove slowly with the windows down and i can hear a decently audible thump, more like a buzz every rotation of the crank. This left me with two guesses, either a plug or the torque converter. I checked all the injectors with a long screwdriver and they are all ticking fine.

I am equipped so that i can work with the spark plugs but can not take the tranny out. No codes so far.

Also i am afraid that this might be an early warning of blown/stripped plug, and i should lose an arm and a leg to fix that with my current financial status.

If someone had such an issue in the past, please let me know what you found.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Temperature when this happened- between 10 and 30 degrees.

 

If it's a loose spark plug, you should be able to feel it by touching the top of the COP with your finger. If you do have a stripped plug hole, it's not expensive to fix if you rent the Timesert kit from someone on the forum, we have at least 2 members that I know of that do.

 

Hey glc, Thanks for the reply.

I checked it the way you suggested right when i was in doubt. I can feel a slight vibration at the drivers side No. 2 plug from the firewall side. Its pretty hard to get a wrench in there without lifting the fuel rail(Blocks the COP from top). hope this is the problem and there's some squeaking noise from the belt when it's less thank 35 degrees. I'll change the belt and inspect the pulleys to make sure it's not the problem. Wanted to get some pictures but it's damn too cold to touch any metal now.

The weather being pretty cold and some snow, I cannot do it today. Will it be fine if i drive for about 80 miles over the weekend? This being my only ride to work, that's necessary. Thanks again.

 

If the plug is loose, the longer you wait, the more likely it will blow out and strip the threads in the head. I'd plan on replacing all the plugs and do it right - no antiseize and 28 ft/lb torque.

 

I had to pull the fuel rail on the driver's side when I replaced my plugs. Easy enough to do.