Hi folks, my old 92 F250 has had it and I'm looking for another truck. I saw one yesterday that a guy has for sale, but he wasn't there so I couldn't see inside, other than looking in the window.
The truck is a 2006 F150, 4X4, 5.4 Triton engine, auto, power everything, looks like leather seats and it is also the stepside (flareside?) model.
It is a very sharp looking truck for sure.
My questions are how do you tell what the trim level is without looking at the paperwork? All it says on the outside is "F150 5.4 Triton". How can you tell if it's a XLT, Lariat, etc.?
Also, I've heard horror stories about these Triton engines and their sparkplug issues? Should I just walk away from this one or is this an issue that can be dealt with by a good mechanic that knows what he is doing?
I'm not familiar with these engines and don't want to make a big mistake.
Thanks for your help.

 

The spark plug issue can be dealt with. Of more concern is the VVT/cam phaser system. If the engine idles and runs quietly and runs smoothly, you should be okay as long as you keep the oil changed religiously with the correct oil and filter. How many miles are on it?

 

Does it say FX4 on the side of the bed?

 

If you can read the VIN, you might can try this:
services.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=[your VIN here]
If it works you will get the factory window sticker for that truck. No guantee it will work for all year models but it works for mine.

 

I went by today and looked at it again and got to test drive it although the owner wasn't there. Wife gave me the keys and said have at it.
Engine runs great. Nice and smooth, seemed to have lots of power. It has 90,000 miles on it. Does not say FX or anything else anywhere on the truck except for that one emblem that says F150 5.4 Triton.
I looked in the glove box to see if there was anything in there that said, but there wasn't. I forgot all about writing the VIN down.
The truck has power seat, windows, mirrors, leather seats, digital climate control, cd changer, all the bells and whistles, so I'm thinking it's got to be at least an XLT.
BTW, what is the VVT/cam phaser system???

 

If you look on the F150 badge on the fenders it'll say "XLT" or "LARIAT". My truck, an '06 FX4, does not have any trim level designation on the badge.

That one sounds like a Lariat.



Agreed.

 

Column or floor console shifter?

Flaresides are "The BOMB!" (good thing) .... love them!

What color is it?

http://services.forddirect.fordvehic...icker.pdf?vin= (followed by VIN) will give some info.

 

My '07 FX4 likewise has no designation in the badges, just had the decals and FX4 between speedo and tach.

 

My money is on a Lariat, but the badges should indicate that????

 

Color is Silver with either darker silver or gray trim/accents.
It has the shifter in the center console.

 

Almost sounds like an FX4 where someone maybe removed the rear decals?



Taken the cay I took delivery at dealership August 2009, she was idling and I snapped this on the lot before leaving.

 

With 90k, ask the owner if the spark plugs have ever been changed. If not, they are overdue. If you buy it, get quotes from Ford dealers and shops that (VERY IMPORTANT) are aware of the issues. I'd expect to pay $300 plus $50 per broken plug.

VVT = variable valve timing. Cam phasers are what advance and retard the cams. They can get noisy, sometimes even sound like a diesel when idling. That's about a $1600 job.

 

Hey guys. Just wanted to update everyone. I took the plunge and forked over the cash today. Just got home with it as a matter of fact. On the way home, I was looking at the gauges and, lo and behold, right there in front of me below the gauges was this placard that said "FX4".
Couldn't believe I didn't see that yesterday.
I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow, but right now I've got to find out what an FX4 is.

 

FX4. That's a good thing!

 

Congrats on the "new" truck, exciting anytime. But I thought so ..... too many options that you talked about and to me, the console mount shift sealed it if not a Lariat.

"FX4" usually means lots of extras ...... upgraded shocks, frt sway bar, .... run that VIN with the link we posted.

PS .... I think I maybe bougt your truck off Ebay cheap not long ago? When I build it, might paint her upper silver part Red and .... lower her.