2004 vs 2005 vs 2006
 

greetings all,

I am looking at upgrading from my 1997 F150 with a 4.6L to a 04-06 F150 with the 5.4L. I am looking to find out if there were any modifications between these years. I understand that the 04 was the first year of the 3 valve engine and obviously the newer body style. Any problems with an 04 that were worked out in the next couple years. Any advice regarding buying a truck in this time period? Is one better than the other? Also looking for "real mileages" for this engine. When I purchased my 97 new Ford had issues with the placement of the exhaust pipe and some major body rust issues. I am looking to find if there are any problems such as those specific to a year or range of years.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks guys.

Of the three years mentioned the only one I would avoid is the '05 models. There's a problem with the injectors that results in one or more of them sticking open causing the engine to hydrolock. There are quite a few here that have gone through it.

I would recommend an '04 model, but my opinion is biased.:D

It happened to me, but with a new short block I would recommend my 2005 with the 5.4. :D

avoid alot of headaches and stick to a 2v...you can build a 2v 5.4 to make just as much power without having to modify everything to make it work. Retro fitting a 3v is alot more work and in the end if you put that amont of work into the 2v you will be better off...

How much are 2006-2008 injectors and how hard is it to replace them? I have an 05' and dont want the dreaded injector problem.

I think he is looking to buy a truck, not an engine.

I have a 2005 and have 95,000 on it. Had a wheel bearing go out and a window regulator break. I think that is all. Been a great truck and I am keeping it

FWIW the injector problem is not limited to 05s...i have personally changed stuck open injectors on all years. There is nothing different about the 05 injectors. Why Ford only put the recall on 05s I have no idea...

that makes more sence i guess i misunderstood :lol:

I bought my 2004 as a used vehicle, me being second owner, in early 2008 at 61k miles. Current miles are 83,043.

All that I have needed was a battery, and lower ball joints ( according to my mechanic, up up here in the north I guess they would fail sooner ).

Very pleased with my truck. The biggest investment I have put into it is fuel.I've modified a hell of alot more than I have repaired, and thats how I like it.

2005s and 2006s had a brake issue of some sorts also. I'm sure someone with knowledge of the issues will chime in and post data, but all I can say is for a first model of a new generation, this truck has been great to me so far, knock on wood.

i have a 2005 and have no problems at alll :thumbsup:

Thanks, how long of an extended warranty did they put on the 05's? I have an extended powertrain warranty until Jan 2011. Does the injector warranty exceed my powertrain warranty?

the brake issue is actually on 04s and early 05s. late 05s to 08 have the updated front rotors and calipers. The issue was warping of rotors. Their is actually a TSB for this issue. But it is a minor problem not every 04 or early 05 will have it. Most likely people who tow lots or ride the brake pedal.

the injector recall is up to 11 years or 120,000 miles on affected injectors and related damages.

i have an 06 with no problems so far. the fog lights changed on the 06's and the 04-05's are more susseptible to running lean with a CAI and programmer.