I am looking at purchasing a 2003 F-150 Lariat 4x4. The vehicle has a 5.4 liter V8 with 65,324 miles on it. I was wondering about anything that would hold any of you back from purchasing this vehicle. Overall I have heard great reviews about the 5.4, with the exception of trying to change the spark plugs vs. taking it to a dealership (if you tighten them too much or do not tighten them enough they might blow out of the motor?!) Any knowledge or direction as too where to do more research would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks so much!

 

Yeah basically listen for idle ticks, which could be the start of spark plugs blowing out of the head. Any rattling / valve chatter at cold start is piston slap, and nothing to worry about. Other than those things...maybe pay attention to the trans shifts?

-Master

 

The 5.4's in 2003, I've heard, took care of the spark plug blow out by adding more thread counts in the block. I've got a 2003 with the 5.4, there is a slight ticking, but I've read it's the fuel rails that are ticking, not rods or the upper end. Other than that, they're a great engine.

 

You should buy my truck it has 53,000 miles on it. Never had any problems with the motor plus it has a 75,000 mile warranty