Hi Boys and Girls

I am heading into town tomorrow to pick up my first f150 and have some quick questions about the good and the bad if any. I am looking a a 2000 xlt super cab 4x4 with the 5.4.
What do you guys think about this setup? its for a work truck
I have always been a ford guy and think thay make a good truck but I have had a tech tell me the following.

I have been told that the ball joints are not that great and only last a couple of years.
I have also been told that the triton 5.4 is a crap motor and it eats rods.

The things that are wrong are rear left bank coil and O2's need attention. That all the seller said. Anything I should be looking for? I am good with all things with motors so let me have it.


Thanks for any help
Sam

 

That could get you banned right off! Anyway welcome to the site. Enjoy your stay.

 

Your telling me. When that little ***** screamed that out I almost popped him one just as a reflex.

 

The 97-03's spit the spark plugs out. They only have 4 threads in the head and can loosen off and tear the threads out. The best way to fix is with a Timesert kit (or something simular) but many people have jerry rigged the plug back in and dumped the truck. I have heard of people using JB Weld and Helicoils, neither work very well. The problem is that it is impossible to tell until you try to remove the plugs or it gets blasted out again. I would determine if the plugs are original (hopefully they are) or who the owner has had working on the truck in the past. If you buy it and replace them there are several threads and an article in the Tech section to help you out.

I have seen a lot of members replacing their ball joints. I have about 60000 miles on mine and they are still original.

The 5.4 is not a crappy motor. Look around the site and you will find a lot of members with some serious miles on theirs.

 

The engine is the least of your worries. Ball joints and tie rods go, get greaseable ones and keep up on greasing. The coil on plugs you can get on ebay for under 100 bucks so might as well replace them all. Really that's it, enjoy what is and has been for me a super reliable truck.