Hello
Just got a 06 Navigator that runs but the timing is off so I want to get new timing chains, tensioners, guides, water pump, oil pump. The stealership only installs rebuilt engines instead of repairing them and the tech is too scared to do this as a side job. Anyone done their own or write ups?

Thanks

 

Yes, anybody that has a little mechanical aptitude can do it. Just takes some time and $$$. The best write ups / step by step how to, that I've ran across is here


http://www.f150forum.com/f4/final-re...-sound-141266/

 

I pulled my engine to replace bad head gaskets in my 03, as a matter of preventative maintenance I also replaced the timing set. The guide referenced is very good, wish I had seen it before I did my project. I used a Haynes manual to guide me through the process. I had to purchase two cam holders to prevent my cams from moving while the heads were off, not sure you'd need to do that, but Amazon had the best prices for those tools. Also a torque wrench set is required. inch and foot pounds. Get a good set, cheap may not be accurate and could result in trouble later

 

The OP has an 06 5.4 3 valve, which is a whole different animal.

 

Well aware he has the 3V engine I did read his post.
The heads and the VCT are the major differences, but the process as a whole is essentially the same.
Sure there are a few parts that are different but to get at them I had to go through the same procedure.
My point was, and maybe I should have specified to satisfy nit-pickers, that a guy with average to better than average mechanical skills, a good tool set and reference materials can do this job successfully if they take their time.
Sorry if I confused anyone

 

I did one in my driveway, with engine still in the truck

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...y-bad-day.html


If you're doing chains only, not pulling heads, should only take 4-6 hours

 

@Patman , you're one speedy wrench.
I did my '04 5.4 in my driveway too. But it took me more time than that to get the power steering pump off! Course, I'm 70 yrs old and it takes me 45 seconds or so to get myself upright again each time I crawled out from under the damn thing to go exchange that 1/2" wrench for a 12mm because I can't see the markings on them with sweet on the inside of my glasses. LOL


Even though it took me a week at 4-5 hrs a day, I say anyone can do it. And the satisfaction of the way she runs now made it all worthwhile.

 

Patman,
The '03 is that dang "cab-forward" design, to get the heads off it was either pull the cab or pull the engine. If I were only changing the chains I think I could've pulled it off in the truck. But having it on a stand right in front of you made it possible to sit on an office chair to tear the front off the motor and get at chains

 

The manual says that for both 1997-2003 (10th Gen) and 2004-2008 (11th Gen)

It's simply not true. The only thing you have to do, is "preinstall" the back head bolts in the head, slide the head back into position, then drop the rest of the bolts in

 

boy I don't know, before I decided to do the work myself (with the help of a mechanic friend) I went to several trusted local shops and every one of them told me the same thing: engine out or cab off to get the bolts out.

To be honest having the engine on the stand undoubtedly made the whole thing simpler. After we had it back in the truck, it was a real SOB to get at the intake and other bolts at the back of the engine.

 

Right, according to Ford manual, and every trickle down manual that derives from Ford, they all agree with you.

I'm telling you from my experience (linked above) it is totally possible. Techs often come up with shortcuts and work around, and won't share them