2004, 2005, or 2006?
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2004, 2005, or 2006?
I'm getting ready to buy a 2004, 2005, or 2006 F150. I'm aware of the minor updates between the model years, but I'm trying to find out if there has been any problem areas that Ford has fixed [the ones that Ford doesn't publish] that would make me want to stay away from either the 2004 or 2005 model.
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A lot depends on your model choice.
On some 2004 trucks there was a vibration issue. This seems to have been narrowed down in 90%+ of the cases to the LS 9.75 rear end. I have seen no cases in the open rear or in the 8.8 of any sort. It may not be the rear, but all the true cases had those rear ends.
Only one or two 2005 seem to have the problem.
Other vibration problems, mostly in 04 where traced to really poor tires. Any truck you get, hope/try for at least the BFG, Michelin, etc. tires. Hankooks or Contracs do not seem a good choice.
E-brake vibration caused by rusting from being wet and seldom used seems to have pretty much gone away after mid 2005. This is a minor annoyance not really a problem.
I have heard about 'brake failing in a sudden stop situation, even thought I had it once. It may be true, but I found that in my case and in others, it was my right foot hitting the throttle and the brake at the same time. Only happens in one pair of shoes. The brakes seem to be doing poorly, but the tach says my RPMS were up a little. After I figured it out, no more problems. I suspect the early brake problems were fixed by mid 2004. I wouldn't worry about it. But do notice the pedals are a little to close together and the throttle pedal is a little high.
Rear brake light leaks are around on early 2004 trucks, SuperCrew mostly. Easy to spot and prepare for.
Early MP3 players sometimes weren't MP3 ready. Fixed by 2005.
The six CD changer, non-Audiophile, has a lousy ejector mechanism. I would not pay one dollar more for one.
Some 5.4's have lousy injectors. Not all, but that applies to 2004-2005 at least.
Some 5.4's have a rattle (non engine damaging) from Cam phasors. Mid 2005 up don't seem to be having the problem.
Possibly all 5.4 engines at least through present MAY need their plugs changed long before the theoretic 100k. If I owned one I would change them by 30k. Look for Ford to develop a recall or at least a better plug.
The 4.6 engine is pretty reliable in all three years. Just not as much power, unless you buy a tuner/exhaust. Then it is pretty peppy, in the lighter models.
A very few 4x4 truck, 2004, had some kind of disengage problem, but I don't see many posts about it lately.
2005 up may have better brakes.
Regular cabs have great brakes, but the 4x4 SuperCrew with everything is not the best stopper out there. Safe, but not as good as they have the same braking system.
Some 2004 trucks were shipped with too little R134 in the A/C.
This is most noticeable if you have a SuperCrew as again, the A/C is the same size for all cabs.
I've probably missed someone’s pet peeve, but overall, in a Regular cab, any year is fine. In the heavier models, 2005 may be a better choice.
2006 is to new to know if everything is fixed yet.
Best bet, 2005 that is a leftover for a bargain price.
Drive any truck before you buy it. Get it up to at least 65. If it does not feel silky smooth, keep looking.
Chris
On some 2004 trucks there was a vibration issue. This seems to have been narrowed down in 90%+ of the cases to the LS 9.75 rear end. I have seen no cases in the open rear or in the 8.8 of any sort. It may not be the rear, but all the true cases had those rear ends.
Only one or two 2005 seem to have the problem.
Other vibration problems, mostly in 04 where traced to really poor tires. Any truck you get, hope/try for at least the BFG, Michelin, etc. tires. Hankooks or Contracs do not seem a good choice.
E-brake vibration caused by rusting from being wet and seldom used seems to have pretty much gone away after mid 2005. This is a minor annoyance not really a problem.
I have heard about 'brake failing in a sudden stop situation, even thought I had it once. It may be true, but I found that in my case and in others, it was my right foot hitting the throttle and the brake at the same time. Only happens in one pair of shoes. The brakes seem to be doing poorly, but the tach says my RPMS were up a little. After I figured it out, no more problems. I suspect the early brake problems were fixed by mid 2004. I wouldn't worry about it. But do notice the pedals are a little to close together and the throttle pedal is a little high.
Rear brake light leaks are around on early 2004 trucks, SuperCrew mostly. Easy to spot and prepare for.
Early MP3 players sometimes weren't MP3 ready. Fixed by 2005.
The six CD changer, non-Audiophile, has a lousy ejector mechanism. I would not pay one dollar more for one.
Some 5.4's have lousy injectors. Not all, but that applies to 2004-2005 at least.
Some 5.4's have a rattle (non engine damaging) from Cam phasors. Mid 2005 up don't seem to be having the problem.
Possibly all 5.4 engines at least through present MAY need their plugs changed long before the theoretic 100k. If I owned one I would change them by 30k. Look for Ford to develop a recall or at least a better plug.
The 4.6 engine is pretty reliable in all three years. Just not as much power, unless you buy a tuner/exhaust. Then it is pretty peppy, in the lighter models.
A very few 4x4 truck, 2004, had some kind of disengage problem, but I don't see many posts about it lately.
2005 up may have better brakes.
Regular cabs have great brakes, but the 4x4 SuperCrew with everything is not the best stopper out there. Safe, but not as good as they have the same braking system.
Some 2004 trucks were shipped with too little R134 in the A/C.
This is most noticeable if you have a SuperCrew as again, the A/C is the same size for all cabs.
I've probably missed someone’s pet peeve, but overall, in a Regular cab, any year is fine. In the heavier models, 2005 may be a better choice.
2006 is to new to know if everything is fixed yet.
Best bet, 2005 that is a leftover for a bargain price.
Drive any truck before you buy it. Get it up to at least 65. If it does not feel silky smooth, keep looking.
Chris
Last edited by ChrisAdams; Dec 17, 2005 at 05:52 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Northern CA
The 05 has a flat black B-pillar, and the 04's have a glossy, much more shiny black b-billar, I prefer the 04's for price, and for looks. I believe the 05's have a different shade of wood grain too, much more red in color than the 04's. I also like the 04's wood grain better although it may just be the pics in some people's gallery's.
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Posts: 320
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From: Md
I got a 2006 XLT SC, with 3300 miles. I picked it up, it had 265 miles, as the dealer had to fetch it from another dealer. I guess I got lucky, my first 06 F150 pick wasn't of my liking, and this was my second pick from the dealer.
This truck is smooth. Smooth and quiet. It is smooth even when pulling my 6x12 trailer with 2 motorcycles and gear aboard, at speeds over 80+ mph.
My X girlfriend has an 05, and it was just as smooth. Like one poster said,drive it, up around 65, she supposed to be smooth and quiet.
This truck is smooth. Smooth and quiet. It is smooth even when pulling my 6x12 trailer with 2 motorcycles and gear aboard, at speeds over 80+ mph.
My X girlfriend has an 05, and it was just as smooth. Like one poster said,drive it, up around 65, she supposed to be smooth and quiet.