Hey guys,

Im seriously considering the switch from GM to Ford. The influence behind my decision is mainly based upon the quality (or lack of quality) i am seeing in the NBS Silverados and Sierras. After a bailout GM should be making Americans proud to step into those trucks.

My history-I have owned 9 GM trucks in the past 8 years and the last three being midsize pickups, S-10's and Canyon. I am finally realizing that the loss of power and size at the cost of maybe a 2 mpg loss is not worth it and i want a full size now. Looking to spend no more than $18k.

My first impression looking at 2007-2010 Silverados was HOLY RUST. These newer trucks are rotting at the same or faster rate as my older. Literally looking at the truck next to it, (2009 F150) the frame looked like it still had some of the factory finish which impressed me considering the older rangers i looked at years ago looked like swiss cheese.

I sat in that F150 and wondered why i have been driving GM for so long, it was comfortable but rugged. I could work it all day but take the honey out later on comfortably.

I need some advice on years and things to watch out for. From what i can gather, the 4.6 does everything you need it to if your not constantly towing with it. Plus, its been around for years and i personally have seen them with over 300k. Im aiming toward the 2008 because of the engineering put into that design previously but, i love the newer styling of the 09 for sure.

It looks like the 2008 still had issues with plugs blowing out of the engine, that scares me a bit..how dominant is this issue?

What kind of things should i be looking for with these trucks over 80k miles?

When did they start officially putting the eco boost into these because a few of my friend have them and they are nothing but headaches for them.

Im looking for a truck i can drive 25 miles a day, work like a dog and put an occasional road trip on with comfort.

Oh and, a way to avoid my friends when i tell them i bought a Ford.

Thanks guys!

 

The plug blowout issue in the 4.6 after 2004 is negligible, they had revised heads with 8 full plug threads.

First year of the Ecoboost was 2011.

 

I was a die hard fm fan for years owned a few and most recently I owned a 2003 Ss Silverado. Sold it with 144k. That truck as nice as it was fell apart quick. Not right for a 45k truck.
I bought my LOADED f150 07 Harley and LOVE it!
Good luck on your search and post a pic of what you find/get!!!!

 

Will do! Glad to hear your luck. I will always have Chevy in my blood which is why i will always keep my ratty '70 C10 with 400 small block in the garage. I want more out of my DD and im hoping Ford does not let me down.

 

One bit of advice from someone who has spent A LOT of time behind the wheel of just about every 1/2-ton truck model over the past decade or so (rental cars) -- going from a Chevy to the model of Ford that you are looking at I suspect the Ford will seem very slow by comparison. Ford puts an emphasis on torque and/or low-end grunt, while Chevy and Dodge seem to put the emphasis on making their trucks feels a tad sporty by comparison.

If you were looking at the '09+ trucks with the 5.0, the difference would not be as pronounced. But comparing an '04-'08 truck with the 4.6 engine to a similar Chevy leads me to suspect the Ford will feel like a slug.

Just my 2-cents.......

 

ddellwo,

Thanks for the opinion. I have not drove anything bigger than a 4.3L in my Sonoma for a DD for the past four years. Therefore, im hoping that going to a v8 in general will feel a bit better.

Would you consider the 2009 5.0 reliable up closer to 110k? That is the mileage i would be looking at for those years in my $$ range.

 

^^^^ very very true. Haven't driven a 5.0 f 150 though.
I will say though after I got my tune my truck moves a little better! Not like my old Ss but I enjoy my f150!!

 

The 4.6 in a 2004+ is pulling a lot of weight around. It gets the job done but don't expect it to be a rocket. The later ones with the 6 speed are supposed to be a lot better.

The plug blowouts were in the earlier 1997-2003 trucks with the 5.4. Some of the very last 2003s had a revised head that fixed the problem.

The 2004-2007ish had the long plugs that can break off in the head. There are new one piece plugs that fix this. Once the old ones are out the problem is solved unless you for some reason find a set of old two piece ones and use them. The later 5.4s don't have this problem.

In 2011 the 3.5EB, 5.0, 3.7 and 6.2 came out. All have been mostly trouble free. There's a lot of hate for the EcoBoost but most of it comes from people have never driven one or expect it to get 20+ MPG while towing 12,000# up a mountain. I have right at 100k on mine and all its needed was oil changes and a set of a plugs every 40k or so. I know a guy who traded his in with 230,000+ on it and never had an engine problem.

I personally have owned 3 different 5.4s and an EcoBoost. I would rate them EB >>>> 5.4 3V > 5.4 2V.

 

The 5.0 didn't come out till 2011, same as the Ecoboost. The 2009's still had the 4.6 and 5.4.

The 2004-2008 had the base 4.2 V6, the 4.6 2 valve, and the 5.4 3 valve. The 2009-2010 had the 4.6 2 valve with 4 speed tranny, and the 4.6 3 valve and 5.4 3 valve with 6 speed tranny. The 3 valve engines have a history of VCT/cam phaser issues. Prior to mid-2008, the 5.4 3 valve also had the 2 piece spark plugs with the sticking and breakage issues.

 

i drove a very basis, 2015 f150 single cab , long bed with base v-6 and that thing ran pretty darn good.

personally i would rather get a fairly new truck with fewer options than a loaded 7 or 8 year old truck.

couple of years ago I purchased a 1 year old base f250 for $19k, I added new tires, aftermarket rims, tinted windows and a headache rack and use it for my shop. i was into a 1 year old truck with 20 k left on factory warranty for about $21k.

but i tend to keep my trucks for at least 5 years or i pass them on to family member or use for my business.

 

So given all the details that you guys have informed me of. (Thanks again for the help)

What year and engine combo should i be looking for the most reliability.

As a Chevy guy I am hoping you all can steer me in the right direction with your experience.

 

Most reliability? 2008 and earlier 4.6 or a 2009/2010 with the base 2 valve 4.6.

 

Maybe look for a low mile 01 to 03 Supercrew with the 5.4 2 valve.. They are GREAT trucks..

04 to 08s are great trucks with the 4.6 engine, Very Reliable but not much power.. I had a 07 4.6 and i traded it 3 months later for a 5.4 3 valve. The 3 valves are good engines also just have to watch for the spark plug problems ( which are not as big of a deal now since people know how to change them) and the cam phasers.

If you are looking at the the 09 and up models then id go for at least a 11 to 12 model with the 5.0 or Ecoboost. These 2 engines are so much more superior than the other years. The Eb has more power and torque but the 5.0 is a good runner also.

Not sure what your buddies with the EBs are having problem's with, but i will say they are great engines. My Ecoboost is a 2013 and sitting at almost 55k miles and love it. Its my daily driver, tow rig, Race truck and everything in between and its never complained one bit.

Good luck with your search

 

Since you mentioned rust, I assume you are from up north somewhere that the roads are salted. Might consider the cost of a plane ticket to buy a used truck down south. We don't salt roads and rusted junkers are not common. All of my 74 F series are rust free and only one has ever seen a garage. Here's a sample of what an XL 4.6 Extended Cab will look like here. This one has 94488 miles on the clock.
http://chapfordsales.com/San-Antonio...ruck/44433529/

This particular dealership is about 20 minutes south of San Antonio, Home of the Spurs!!!

 

I want to say that they both had issues with turbo waste gate? Which resulted in turbo replacement on one of the trucks. Im just not all that fond of turbos in general for reliability. Consumer reviews on the eco boost prove to be excellent luck or just bad luck mainly because of the eco boost.