'04 owners how's your truck holding up?
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Va Beach
2004 5.4L FX4 Supercab
Bought it used with 24k on it back in 06 or 07 (my memory sucks). I've been on the beach, in horrible snow, and she hasn't missed a beat. Only thing I've replaced is the battery.
I'm extremely tough on vehicles of any sort, and for the most part she's been fine. She's always had the 50mph dead spot-tranny issue; and over the last couple months it's been getting progressively worse. Beginning to think I may have to replace it; but that's another thread.
She's got 84k on her now, and I just ordered brand new tires.
Couldn't have asked for a better truck...........
Bought it used with 24k on it back in 06 or 07 (my memory sucks). I've been on the beach, in horrible snow, and she hasn't missed a beat. Only thing I've replaced is the battery.
I'm extremely tough on vehicles of any sort, and for the most part she's been fine. She's always had the 50mph dead spot-tranny issue; and over the last couple months it's been getting progressively worse. Beginning to think I may have to replace it; but that's another thread.
She's got 84k on her now, and I just ordered brand new tires.
Couldn't have asked for a better truck...........
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Wow - quite the range of posts here.
My 04 is just about to the 93K mark, and I have had NO major issues, and very few minor issues that are common to the model year like intermittent power rear window operation, cold weather high pitch at 1800rpm, and the original factory gasket in the 3rd brake light leaked when it rained until I changed it.
I have NOT changed my spark plugs yet, so I may be back in the spring to complain about that, but my truck is solid and not much different than when I bought in new in May of 2004.
As far as I'm concerned, the 04-05 are the best looking trucks ever made, and the new front ends and rice grinding tail lights on the latest version look terrible. I don't think I'll ever buy another new light duty truck again as this one does everything I need it to do, and it still runs great.
This truck is always garaged with a 2 month exception, and it's not my daily driver (I have an 08 F-350 V-10 for work), so that may be why it's been close to flawless. Oil is changed every 3-4K, and fuel filter every 15K. I only use it for long trips, pulling the boat, hauling firewood, and on the weekends for whatever I'm doing.
This truck will remain a one-owner truck for a very long time.
My 04 is just about to the 93K mark, and I have had NO major issues, and very few minor issues that are common to the model year like intermittent power rear window operation, cold weather high pitch at 1800rpm, and the original factory gasket in the 3rd brake light leaked when it rained until I changed it.
I have NOT changed my spark plugs yet, so I may be back in the spring to complain about that, but my truck is solid and not much different than when I bought in new in May of 2004.
As far as I'm concerned, the 04-05 are the best looking trucks ever made, and the new front ends and rice grinding tail lights on the latest version look terrible. I don't think I'll ever buy another new light duty truck again as this one does everything I need it to do, and it still runs great.
This truck is always garaged with a 2 month exception, and it's not my daily driver (I have an 08 F-350 V-10 for work), so that may be why it's been close to flawless. Oil is changed every 3-4K, and fuel filter every 15K. I only use it for long trips, pulling the boat, hauling firewood, and on the weekends for whatever I'm doing.
This truck will remain a one-owner truck for a very long time.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Easton, MA
My 04's Scab XLT has 86K, I just had Michelin LTX M/S2's put on three weeks ago (265/70/17)......I love 'em, they're very quiet, and have an unbelievable ride. It rides like they turned the odometer back 80K.
What did you order for tires?
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Va Beach
I'm wayyyy too used to them to wanna change to something else. For the shape they're in after 50k miles of me beating the **** out of them (snow covered parking lot burn outs included), I'm sticking with 'em!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
glad ya all are have in good luck with yer trucks at higher millage!!! my alaska yeller truck has been great other than haven drivers door power button replaced in 08,,had an issue with cruz controle but it fixed its self still stron @ 48,xxxmiles on her,,them fords do make a whistle noise when its below 0 out,,have driven mine @ -55 below,,the outside temp only goes to -40,,,and still rungs strong!! but keep her parked most of the time due to gas prices here in AK @ $3.55 a gal ($85+ to fill)
and keepin milage low n keep her nice for a long time to come!!!!
and keepin milage low n keep her nice for a long time to come!!!!
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Wylie, TX
04 4X4 Lariat Screw.
I bought it in '06 with 59000 miles. It now has 182000 miles and is running just as strong as the day I got it!
Other than brakes and oil, I did have to replace the ball joints at 100K. And had to rebuild the rear end at 150K. I think that is too soon for both of those items. I also had to replace a speed sensor in the rear end, and a solenoid for the 4WD. I use the motorcraft syntetic blend oil, and full synthetic in the diffs and tranny. Changing the fluid when the owners manual says to, and I figure this truck will outlast any of my previous trucks.
I was a Chevy guy my whole life. Have had 4 Chevys before this truck, all lasted 150K - 200K. This Truck has been such a good truck that when the Engine or tranny does finnally go, I will probably just rebuild and keep going to 300K and beyond! This truck has changed me to a Ford guy.
I bought it in '06 with 59000 miles. It now has 182000 miles and is running just as strong as the day I got it!
Other than brakes and oil, I did have to replace the ball joints at 100K. And had to rebuild the rear end at 150K. I think that is too soon for both of those items. I also had to replace a speed sensor in the rear end, and a solenoid for the 4WD. I use the motorcraft syntetic blend oil, and full synthetic in the diffs and tranny. Changing the fluid when the owners manual says to, and I figure this truck will outlast any of my previous trucks.
I was a Chevy guy my whole life. Have had 4 Chevys before this truck, all lasted 150K - 200K. This Truck has been such a good truck that when the Engine or tranny does finnally go, I will probably just rebuild and keep going to 300K and beyond! This truck has changed me to a Ford guy.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON
Hello I have a 2wd screw with 40k miles It is a great truck the only issues I have had are the pasanger window fell down while driving luckily it didnt break. Also it seems to idle a lil rough to me does anybody else have that issue the only thing I pull is my bay boat wich is only 19ft so its not that heavy.Other then that its an awesome truck its a 5.4 btw.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Airdrie, Ab, Canada
I have 151,000 miles on my 04 f150 spent every winter up here in canada at -35 to -40*c at least 2 - 3 weeks out of the winter and its great. It pushes 35"s all winter and 37x13.5"s all summer on 9" of lift. Tow trailers and hauls whatever i need. I for one have never regretted signing any of the papers. Its out lived buddies diesels and other half tons and I drove it like a 20 yr old... well thats cause I was 20 when I bought it. Its been jumped and raced and rallied and other than obvious wearing parts (tie rods, seals, plugs, general maintanence stuff) its been flawless. I could have never asked for a better truck.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: STL
2004 4.6 2wd scab
I bought my '04 XLT Scab brand new from the dealer. I now have 73K on it with no major problems! I am averaging 16-17 MPG. I did have the driver side window fall (like so many onthers have). Replaced all 4 brakes (was able to turn rotors) at 45K, and I just recently replaced the original battery. It is time for tires now - still have the original Michelins on her. There are a couple of things that I've noticed recently that I hope aren't signs of something big:
1) High pitch noise that gets louder as the RPMs go up. This only happens when it REALLY cold?
2) When I first start the truck the needle on the gas gauge shakes at the E position for 3-5 seconds before moving to the correct position. Almost like it's stuck or something is holding it in place. This seems to happen regardless of how much gas I have in the tank.
I love this truck but I really wish I would have gotten the 4wd. I have my eye on the Raptor
BUT - that won't happen for a couple more years 
EDIT: Should have searched the forums before whining about the high pitch noise
1) High pitch noise that gets louder as the RPMs go up. This only happens when it REALLY cold?
2) When I first start the truck the needle on the gas gauge shakes at the E position for 3-5 seconds before moving to the correct position. Almost like it's stuck or something is holding it in place. This seems to happen regardless of how much gas I have in the tank.
I love this truck but I really wish I would have gotten the 4wd. I have my eye on the Raptor
BUT - that won't happen for a couple more years EDIT: Should have searched the forums before whining about the high pitch noise
Last edited by DaddioSTL; Dec 28, 2010 at 12:26 PM. Reason: noob stupidity :p
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 6
From: Simi Valley CA
Just turned 100,000 and the engine runs good, has been pinging at WOT, but I think it must be some bad gas.
Engine is the cleanest, I have ever had in any vehicle, the only sign that it has every been started is some dust blown on to the front of the engine through wind/fan.
3rd brake light leaked and replace unit with new one with thicker gasket.
Had the windows modules fail, most fixed under extended warranty.
Replaced AC pump due to noisy operation, but it never failed, also done under extended warranty.
Recently had the engine oil and transmission fluid checked by Blackstone Laboratories and results showed normal wear, transmission showed a little higher lead content than normal, but I had just pulled a 6,000 LB trailer 2000 miles. Higher lead content is a sign of some clutch wear, but would be normal under the circumstances.
So far, so good.
Engine is the cleanest, I have ever had in any vehicle, the only sign that it has every been started is some dust blown on to the front of the engine through wind/fan.
3rd brake light leaked and replace unit with new one with thicker gasket.
Had the windows modules fail, most fixed under extended warranty.
Replaced AC pump due to noisy operation, but it never failed, also done under extended warranty.
Recently had the engine oil and transmission fluid checked by Blackstone Laboratories and results showed normal wear, transmission showed a little higher lead content than normal, but I had just pulled a 6,000 LB trailer 2000 miles. Higher lead content is a sign of some clutch wear, but would be normal under the circumstances.
So far, so good.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
It would all depend on what it looks like from the inside out. Does it have any rust? How are the suspension pieces good or worn out probably replaced once already. Engine run good? any pinging? whistle noises? Look at all the gaskets, intake, exhaust, manifold, rearend leaking/have a bad whine? Fluids changed and checked? Look at front rad support for excessive rusting. Is this truck from a dealership or private owner? If private see if they have all or any records for your viewing. Plugs changed? Check rear sliding window seal leaking? Has it been greased? Butle pad removed? Belts and hoses? Then from this you should have a better idea of if its a good deal or not. 