Hi all. Probably been posted before but thought I might revisit. Recently traded off my 1998 FX 4X4 4.6. Owned the truck 15 years 306,000 miles. 2 radiators, 2 heater cores, rear pinion seal only mechanical ever done other than oil/plug changes. Picked up 2007 KR 114,000mi 5.4L. Truck was one owner mint inside and out. Just curious if I can expect similar longevity/service from the newer model. I know there are a lot of variables to that question but when you've owned 1 truck for 15 years thats a lot of year models that have passed you by. Any thoughts/ comments are surely appreciated.

 

Probably, as long as you can keep the VCT system in that 5.4 3V working right. I'd recommend you use only Motorcraft 5w20 and Motorcraft filters in it, and change the oil every 3k.

 

Roger that. Already started that path. Sure do see a lot of the 04-08 models riding around. Has to be something to it lol

 

Are you also aware of the spark plug issues? They can be a bear to change. Your 98 was subject to plugs blowing out if not torqued tighter than factory specs, the 04 to mid 08 5.4 3V has 2 piece plugs that stick and break. Wouldn't hurt to try to find out if the plugs have ever been changed and if so, when. Latest recommendation is every 60k, and proper installation is important.

I'd also keep the transmission fluid changed, every 60k is a good number here (30K if you tow a lot), and I'd do a full exchange, not just a pan drop.

 

Yeah knew about plugs. Changed all eight plus eight new cops at dealership. Tranny fluid change is good to know. I heard about the older ones with blown plugs but i never encountered that problem. I was reading about tuners on the forum and was curious if they are worth looking into. Dont do alot of towing but i read they help in other areas like shift points and such. I dont "hot rod" my rig(s) so dont really care about 1/4 miles or 0-60 lol. But i would be interested if it helps the truck run better or last longer. Not naive enough to believe they help with mpg all that much but didnt get the truck for the gas mileage. I almost hung on to the 1998 as an operational spare but it had come to the point i was going to have to put another motor and probably tranny in it.

 

If you want more pedal response, firmer shifts and if you need to adjust the computer for taller than OEM tires, a tuner is the way to go. Very noticeable power gains but you are correct about mpg. Usually very little improvement.

 

My Superchips tuner improved throttle response very noticeably, increased hp very noticeably, and improved the fuel economy.

Most people like other tuners now, but I am very happy with my superchips. And I set my transmission settings back to stock after trying the harsher shifts and higher shift points.

 

Was really looking at the Edge Evolution but after reading dont know if it will work on my truck. I have the 5.4 FFV. Compatability says it works on 5.4 but not the FFV? I have absolutely zero experience with a tuner and only know what i have read here or on other sites. I will say the 5.4 in my truck is a vast improvement on the 4.6 in my 98 but i had that truck sooo long i probably forgot what it drove like when it was new.

 

Best programmer is a SCT with custom tunes from MPT.

 

Personal experience? What year model truck do you use it on? Why do you like it compared to Edge? Sorry but like i mentioned, i have no personal experience with any of the tuners. I appreciate the feedback.

 

We have a Programmers forum, you should take a look around in there and read some threads.

 

Thanks. Poked around there some. Didnt really mean for the thread to become about tuners. more about other's experience w/5.4 or 5.4 vs older model 4.6.