I recently bought a 2004 F150 XLT 4x4 SCab with the 5.4 engine. This was a monster steal I lucked into from a very small local dealer. They got it at an auction with an "Odometer Exempt" title, check engine light, and brake light but running normally. Shortly after, it started running really rough at idle and chugging & the owner suspected timing chain/tensioner problems, so they took it off of their website (after my fiancee and I had already test driven and become interested). Long story shorter, we talked about it and said we'll go into it blind (because we basically paid nothing for it) and worst case we'll come out around even. Drove it home (a few miles and barely made it... probably a bad idea in hindsight) and parked, did some research. $150 for a pair of VCT solenoids, oil & filter, and 3 days later we had a perfectly running truck (better than when we test drove it even).

Did some more research into the odometer not showing a display (but still lighting up) and found that the previous owner apparently detached the screen entirely... Plugged it in and it revealed 183k on the clock, which is exactly where I was expecting it. Not a big deal for me since my previous car had well over 200k.

My question is this: since we have virtually no knowledge of the maintenance history on this truck, what maintenance should we be completing?

I'm assuming plugs & COPs would be a good investment. Anything else I should be looking into? All fluid levels look good, no engine ticks, etc. Needs a pair of rear tires & some exhaust work, but otherwise appears to be a solid truck.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
Travis

 

Plugs, cops, transmission fluid exchange, differential and transfer case fluids, coolant flush, fuel filter.

 

Plugs, exchange transmission fluid, exchange coolant, exchange rear end fluid, exchange power steering fluid and exchange brake fluid. Check brake pads and front end.

 

...and then you'll have a start point for maintenance records.

 

Thanks a ton for the input guys. Getting things in order of precedence now