I will need to update my signature...but my old '99 had 222k miles on it caught fire and was destroyed. I might make another post about the demise of that truck, but for now I am wondering about my new one.

We upgraded (sort of) to a 2005 F150 XLT supercab with 166K miles.

We have already purchased the truck. Price was right since it has so many miles. It runs strong, and the body is in great condition. Pretty sure it belonged to a salesman of some sort.

Anyways, the question is...what are the things that I need to be worried about on this truck? I already saw a post about fuel injectors staying open...Is there a way to know if mine have been replaced? There is an oil change sticker, so I know when it was changed last. I am sure I should do the plugs and COP's...and probably a tranny fluid flush. my '99 had a blown plug...but they fixed that issue by '05 right?

Thanks.

 

never ceases to amaze me that people don't research the vehicle they're buying BEFORE they buy it.

The injectors are something that you will want to have checked. At 166K miles, you're going to want to have everything checked, if you don't have the maintenance records... fluids (tranny, brakes, steering, coolant, differential, etc), hoses, belts, brakes, shocks, struts, fuel filter, etc.

Plus you're coming up on time for new spark plugs (supposed to be every 100K, but due to issues, you would want to do them more frequently). The plugs in these trucks can be EXPENSIVE to change on a 5.4L, because they are prone to breaking... if you are having a shop do it, make sure you have $1000ish set aside, just in case.

Another thing with the 5.4L is the cam phasers. If your engine sounds like a diesel, you have an issue with the cam phasers.

 

Don't forget brakes (including fluid) and suspension. If the original shocks are still on it (mine were) it's time for some new ones.

 

Sorry I didnt do enough research for you...
I have never owned a truck that wasnt a Ford...and I was not going to start now. My other truck caught fire and I have 6 horses that I get hay for. I needed a truck NOW...I had a set amount of money being that it was Christmas and this was not planned. Locally there were just a few trucks in my price range. A 2000 7700 series with 156k miles and some pretty bad rust on both sides of the bed, and this truck. I has 166k miles but I didnt figure the 10k miles was that much, and the body, interior and tires were better on it so I bought it. It was not a perfect scenario...but I am making the best of some bad circumstances.

 

Hey I feel ya. Most people do not keep perfect service history records of their cars anyhow. Sure if you bought it from someone and not a dealer you can ask but whatever. Dealers don't know anything usually. If it sounds okay and runs okay I wouldn't worry about it- just start chipping away at the maintenance issues as you go. My cam phasers were shot at 100k. Now i'm on 269k with the same ones making the same diesel noise. Haven't fixed it & not going to. My original injectors are fine so I personally don't know about that. I have original everything- shocks, balljoints, front & rear diff fluid, etc... etc... Sure i'm going to replace them soon for the hell of it- but every mechanic has said it rides fine, looks fine. Feels fine to me.

 

Shocks are one of those things you don't realize are bad until you put new ones on.

 

I would change the spark plugs. They should have been replaced by 166k miles, but are probably due soon for another change. The 5.4s dont have the problem of blowing spark plugs, but they will break upon removal, and can be a hasle. I read a post that said if the fuel injectors haven't gone bad by around 100k miles, then they should be ok. The extended warranty is only to 120k, so it is out of warranty for that. I would contact the previous owner to see what fluid changes were done recently, but it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and do the tranny, rear end, brake, and power steering fluid.

 

You say that the plugs will break, that is very in accurate, All of mine came out fine because my guy read the TSB. Plugs have broken in the past but I thought those were only the original factory pieces.
A truck with 166K might be on its 3rd set by now. FS

 

I worded my post wrong. What I meant to say was that they CAN break upon removal, but hopefully they have been changed and the new plugs had the new design. Following the TSB will help with not as many breaking, but some can still break, even if using the TSB.

 

just be careful...follow all the posts and don't be to forceful with the plugs and youll be fine. As far as the cam phasers go at idle, i think there has been 1 truck that had a major issue with phasers, every one else's just make noise and can be annoying. If you take care of it it will be a great truck.