I am looking at buying a 2001 5.4 Screw with 120K on it. The current owner(bought it with 30K on it) mentioned 2 troubles, The first is an apparent exhaust leak under the hood(exhaust manifold?) and the other is Much more worrysome-He describes that when it is very cold outside that the transmission is sluggish and or feels like it may be slipping until driven a very short distance then it's fine. He says it only occurs when it is very cold outside. Unfortunately it has NEVER had the transmission serviced(rest of maintenance records are thorough) and I'm hoping that a thorough flush may solve this situation. Anyone had any experience with either of these problems? Thanx,Jay

 

I'd take a good look at the transmission fluid. If it's still normal in color, you might be all right. A flush/refill might fix the problem. Of course, I'd have the guy selling the truck have it done before I made a final decision on whether to buy it or not. If the fluid dark/dirty/burnt... I would walk away. My '97 F-150 was always sluggish and shifted hard during cold weather until it heated up for 5-10 miles.

Any truck with 120K miles on it will start to have problems. That truck has seen some major use in just a few years. I wouldn't even consider buying a truck in that condition unless it was for recreation use only (hunting/fishing).

 

Transmission seals are hard and it can't build up pressure, when cold, to overcome the bad seals.

It will need a transmission overhaul very soon. Don't waste money on trans. service. That won't improve the seals.