OK guys, I need your advice. will appreciate any input. gonna get a new truck and want to know what youall think is a better choice, a 2003 with a 2v 5.4 or a 2004 with a 3v 5.4. I actually like both body styles. Here is the main thing I am wondering. I will be whippling the new ride. Which motor will offer more performance? better reliability? less liklihood to melt pistons? thanks for any and all input.

 

I am going to say '04 because I am partial to the body style. What is the difference between the two trucks you are looking at? Miles, package level, condition, etc?

 

03 would be more reliable because it doesnt have either spark plug issue. if you are wanting more perormance, and poasibly boosting the 04 has better head (except the spark plugs) and an updated stronger block

 

What is the difference between the two trucks you are looking at? Miles, package level, condition, etc?

The mileage on the 03 is 60k and I have my eye on two 04's; one is 25k and the other has almost 60k. All are in excellent condition and basically loaded with options. All are 2wd.

03 would be more reliable because it doesnt have either spark plug issue. if you are wanting more perormance, and poasibly boosting the 04 has better head (except the spark plugs) and an updated stronger block

I know about the issue with not enough threads on the pre 2003 trucks and I know that it was remedied in 2003 but I did not know about a problem with 2004 spark plugs. what is it?

 

ford went to a 3 piece spark plug design, and upon removal usually atleast one of the plugs breaks in half and is a royal pain to remove the other half that is still stuck in the head.

 

so what domost people do? change out the plugs?

 

yea it helps to run top tier quality gas, and change them early.

Most people will take them to the dealership since most dealerships are experienced at doing them, and sometimes wont break any at all. But its still worth shopping around for the best price at different local dealerships, and seeing if they would cover the extra time it will take to remove the broken plugs, or if they charge you per hour ontop of the plug change.

 

so I assume that ford is award of the problem and will not do a spark plug change and use the same faulty plug for replacement. What years have this problem with spark plugs?

 

04-07 the 08's got a redesigned plug and head that will not interchange with the older style.

Just install a 1 piece plug like the champions or the brisk racing and the breakage becomes a non-issue. Only the 2 piece plugs like the motorcraft and autolite break and get stuck in the head.