Have the bugs been worked out of this engine? I have an 02' with the "few" spark plug threads, so far no issues, engine has 55K. I'm looking to upgrade to an 08' and from reading this site the current 3v engines have a sparkplug seizing problem. I accept these trucks as trucks so I'm not impressed with whose truck is faster etc., as long as the vehicle is reliable and a decent investment. I really like the design better than other manufacturers. Care to share your thoughts on this V8 as a whole, the 5.4L only, please.

thanks

 

I wouldn't stress. I have an '04 w/30K on it. No real issues. I have the phaser tick, but no plug issues. Never gonna get good mileage, but I love the truck. I put tunes and a cat back on it and it's a real pleasure to own and drive. There's a redesign in '09, but then you're back to a beta site tester until the bugs from that one get worked out.

 

The 5.4 3v has been plagued with cam phaser issues. Ford already has the replacement for the 5.4 in the bullpen. I expect to see it as a 2009 introduction. If you aren't pulling a steady diet of trailers, I would suggest driving a 4.6 with the optional 3.73 gears. The gears make that much difference on these trucks. From light to light the 4.6 with 3.73 gears will stay with a 5.4 but once speed builds displacement takes over. Unless you need the addional grunt from the 5.4 I'd suggest the incredibly reliable 4.6. It has made Wards Top Ten List for being one of the best engines in the world for several years now.

Another option for you is to wait until the 2009 comes out. You will be seeing a six speed transmission in the trucks. I can tell you first hand a six speed auto in these trucks makes them come alive like you can't imagine. Compare the Tundra 5.7 to the 5.4 and there is no comparison for available power because of the transmission. It makes that much difference. The 4.6 with a six speed makes for a fun, fun ride especially with 3.73 gears. Only problem you'll have is making the payments for the rear tires.

 

What cam phaser issues are there other than just the "ticking"? I've yet to hear much about cam phaser issues other than ticking, which isn't a reliability issue. I would be a little more concerned about stuff like: fuel injectors and plugs sticking. Other than that, I think the 5.4 is pretty good. I've got 40k+ trouble free miles on mine so far, idles smooth, adequate power. The 4.6, on the other hand, though smooth and reliable, is a dog on power which makes for a very boring and sometime scary situation(can't get out of it's own way).
The tundra is a joke. I've driven both trucks in both cabs with both engines. Yes the 5.7 has grunt but the thing revs high and that lovely 6 speed auto shifts constantly and to me, irregularly. The 4.7 with the increased weight of the new frame, etc., is weaker than the 4.6 I was describing above from Ford. I'm still afraid of the tundra. Too much technology, too fast, with jap engineering and american assembly= a time bomb waiting to happen. From what I've heard, the oil filter isn't even typical, much less the all aluminum block/head. I'm curious in 5 years how reliable this beast will be......

 

My 04 4x4 SCrew with the 5.4 is a great truck. The engine is awesome. I had the cam phaser issue repaired (but I think its coming back), I haven't replaced plugs yet so i don't know about the broken in the head issue yet. I have 47k on the odometer. Other than oil changes, gas (14mpg avg. unloaded and 7-10mpg. pulling a 6000lb+ camper), and other wear items it has been very trouble free.

 

I have just turned 11,000mi on my 07 SCREW with 5.4, I have towed several times with it, approx. 5000LB loads, John Deere Diesel, & this thing feels like it was not even there! I have noticed that since my 1st oil change, I swithced to Mobil 1 5w-20 Synthetic, at 3000mi, motor runs incredibly smooth & quiet with this stuff! Don't want to sound like a commercial, but I did notice quite a significant drop in cold start noise, since I switched over. My 5.4 is smooth & quiet as butter, has not been back to dealer for anything but normal service at 4500mi intervals!.............