Hi everyone I just purchased a 2007 f150 XLT 4x4 for my first truck. It is extremely clean and only has 103k on it it has the 5.4L. what are some common problems I should look out for?

 

You mean besides the cam phaser failures, the broken in the heads 3 piece spark plugs, the exhaust manifold bolts that break, or the valve body in the transmission that dies? There's also the tensioners that seem to want to break off and cause catastrophic engine failure. And you can add the timing chains that get loose or you could add the small oil journals that get plugged up with sludge and effects the cam timing which eventually leads to engine failure. Changing the spark plugs in that engine can cost you thousands with having to remove the heads to complete the work. The body of the truck has to come off for that. There are ways to get around it with running a strong cleaner thru the gas first. You'll be buying Techron before having the plugs changed and I'd suggest at least a double dose of it to make sure the plugs will come out. There's also the Lisle tool that will extract most of the plugs but not all. But a spark plug change CAN get expensive.

The 2007 was probably the worst year for the truck with the 5.4. After that, the YM 2008 had the redesigned heads, one piece spark plugs and phasers. More than likely, the transmission at this mileage is not going to be an issue. Ford fixed it mid-year. But I would suggest when the engine sees about 150,000 miles on it to have the chains and tensioners replaced if you want the truck to live a long time. You also need to be aware that these engines are real finicky about the oil. It boils down to an oil with the lowest cookoff in high heat. Right now that would be Pennzoil 10w-30 in the yellow bottle. It runs about half of what a synthetic is at 4.2 where as a synthetic like Mobile One is above 10. That's an actual percentage of oil that cooked off during a one hour test. Ford owners manual calls for a Xw-20 oil in that engine. They also speced a 15w-40 oil for engines that were making valve train noise so the 10w-30 is good providing your winter start temps are not below minus 25C. Research ASTM D-5800 if you want particulars. Obviously not all trucks will suffer from any these items but they are fairly common to this YM and engine.

Best of luck with it. There's a wealth of information here that you can glean from old posts. Grab a sandwich and start reading. My opinion, the 5.4 is probably the worst engine to ever sit in a Ford truck. But there are specimens out there have had zero issues. FWIW, the advertised HP rating was 300. I've never seen one dyno more than 260, stock.

 

Well then.. I'm not even 16 yet so money is an issue although my parents were able to put a down payment on my truck I have to pay monthly fees untill the truck is payed off also have to pay insurance and gas. Believe it or not I treat my trucks pretty great anytime they've seen dirt they've been cleaned top to bottom I'm coming from a 1978 f150 ranger which was very easy to work on to a 2007 which now I'm pretty worried about I go to Smith vocational and I'm in the automotive shop so I am able to work on my truck whenever I please but this sounds like a pain in my butt what do you guys suggest I do?

 

If the truck runs good and runs quietly, I would change the plugs fuel filter and oil and drive it. There are plenty of them with lots of miles that have not experienced any of the problems mentioned. Be sure to research the best method for removing the plugs.

 

Ok any thing else that I should replace other then plugs, oil filter, oil, fuel filter ?

 

Might want to check the FPDM for corrosion. They seem to be a common issue.

 

Thanks everyone for all the help

 

Does the engine run quietly? If there is much noise when running the VCT stuff is suspect. If it runs quietly, it should be okay if you change the oil on schedule.

 

It sounds pretty quiet to me I've only test driven it but it's been about 3 times now and it runs smooth

 

I have a 07 fx2 with 183k miles. Only major issue so far for me has been AC line valves leaking. Tested replaced and refill of Freon cost me 350. Love my truck will drive it til it dies then I will buy the 3k replacement engine(with all problems fixed) and drive it some more.

 

That is what I plan to do with mine

 

Hey and welcome!
We have a 06 F-150 with the 5.4 and it has around 140k miles on it. We bought it with 100k miles and we have had no issues with the engine so far. Only the starter ate up the flexplate of the transmission about 6 months ago. And the rear axle started making noise, so I got that rebuilt. The previous owner had the spark plugs changed just before I bought it and as far as I know the change interval is huge (100k?), so I am not expecting having to touch this ever.
So just get the stuff changed as Ford says you should and you should be fine, if not, always remember, this truck is ten years old, so there is always something that could happen. Enjoy the ride!

 

Change the plugs every 60k.

 

Congrats on your truck. I am on my second 5.4 and no major issues with either. I put 150+ on the 04 and have160 on the 06 I picked up from my brother-in-law. The 04 sounded like a diesel most of its life at idle due to the phasers but never gave me a bit of trouble. The 06 only issue so for was the 4wd actuator system needed to be replaced.
I know of several 5.4 that had spark plugs changed with no issues. Out of 10 trucks I personally know of with the 5.4 only one had issues with any of the "common" problems. Like stated before get the plugs changed, if they were not already replaced, and run the right oil in the engine.

 

Just notice you have the 4wd, check to see if you have the cover on the solenoid. This caused problems with the 4x4s. The repair is not difficult if does go out just do a little research you will find articles on what to do when you have to replace.