Ford Trucks '06-'07

[MuleyFever]

Thinking of buying a used F150 to last me a couple years until my wife graduates and gets a better job. Prices keep pointing me to about an '06 or '07. Was wondering if there are any chronic issues you guys are aware of with these years? Most have 110K to 160k on the odometer.

 

[velvetfvr]

What will the truck be used for?

 

[jmez]

That is in the timeframe with the spark plug thread issue. Google search f150 spark plug issue. I think it is the 5.4L motor that had the problems. They had a problem with the threading and they just blow plugs out of the block.

 

[MuleyFever]

Will be used for a daily driver mostly, about 25 miles a day. Will use it to tow a lightweight camper that is about 3,000lbs a couple times a month.

Thanks for the tip on the plugs.

 

[Roy68]

2 things that jump out at me.

3 valve 5.4L spark plugs are notorious for breaking off in the heads when changing. Make sure the plugs have been changed prior to purchase. The OEM plugs are good for about 100K miles. (I have personal experience with this as do lots of others I know)

Cam Phaser (synchroniser noise). The cause can vary from solenoids to the phaser's themselves. One is cheaper than the other, but don't ignore it if you have the issue.

That being said, I'm a fan of the engine.

 

[Roy68]

That is in the timeframe with the spark plug thread issue. Google search f150 spark plug issue. I think it is the 5.4L motor that had the problems. They had a problem with the threading and they just blow plugs out of the block.

That's the earlier 5.4's prior to 04 if I'm not mistaken. The 3 valve 5.4L from 2004 and several years following fixed the blown plug issue but created another issue.

 

[MuleyFever]

Looked it up and yep, 2004-2008 5.4L had the plug issue. I will be sure to demand new plugs or proof they have been changed if we go this route. Thanks!
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/ford-drivers-sue-over-troubled-spark-plugs/nMkL2/

Roy, how can I identify the noise?

 

[Roy68]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZuArjvEfRc

Phaser noise

 

[jmez]

That's the earlier 5.4's prior to 04 if I'm not mistaken. The 3 valve 5.4L from 2004 and several years following fixed the blown plug issue but created another issue.

You are probably right. I have a Ranger that someone cross threaded a plug in that I discovered when I changed them. I'm a bit of a shadetree and at the time I was looking for how to's on tapping and sleeving and it became obvious quite quickly that there were issues with the 5.4L motor. I could hardly find what I was looking for as everything was coming up with the F150 plug problems.

Some cool YouTube videos with the trucks running with the plug out! Makes a pretty distinctive noise.

 

[Roy68]

I just changed plugs in august in my 05, and broke 3 of them off. They are a FUBAR design if there ever was. The plugs in these particular engines don't resemble any spark plug that we shade trees are used to seeing. LISLE tool makes a removal tool specifically for removing the broken plugs, as does Ford. Nothing says screw up; when the manufacture makes a specific tool for removing their failed parts.

 

[hunting1]

I'm a huge F150 fan, but hated my 5.4 07!

 

[MuleyFever]

I'm a huge F150 fan, but hated my 5.4 07!

Why?

 

[mtswampfox]

Have a 2008 f250 6.4 diesel thats never had any engine issues, 65000 miles. All four calipers have been changed tho. Plastic pistons shattered and brakes hung up on two within a week of each other this past summer. Did the other two for preventive measures

 

[MuleyFever]

Additional question. I found an '01 SuperCrew with only 130K on it for about $8K. Any known issues on these? Looks to be in great shape, very clean.

 

[boom]

my office still runs a few 01 at work. we abuse those things and they just keep going. i cant remember exactly what motor we run, but the trucks are very robust.

about the spark plugs, my friend had the issue and had to get it fixed. not sure exactly what year his ford is but i still remember the paniced phone call. the truck got fixed. heads had to come off, and it runs fine now. but i bet he dreads the next spark plug change.

what was the issue? shallow threads on the alum heads?

 

[Roy68]

Additional question. I found an '01 SuperCrew with only 130K on it for about $8K. Any known issues on these? Looks to be in great shape, very clean.

If it's been taken care of and well maintained, then I would look at it awfully hard for what you are wanting. This engine will blow plugs but it's an easy fix. Helicoils are the answer, there are kits. That is low miles for the year. I wouldn't pay asking price but doubt you would either. Some friends have an 02 with 280k on it and it's reliable still.h

No cam phaser issues either

 

[Bubblehide]

I have a 1999 F-250 5.4 that's pushing the 300 thou mark, no oil leaks. I have absolutely no complaints, as she is still running strong.

 

[IanF.]

Have an 07 4.3l V8 4x4 pretty happy with it. The rad will fail in the same spot as all the others and had a transmission connector cable go (expensive not sure how common). I do find the fuel economy is brutal, but you're in the land of cheap gas.

Best of luck,

Ian

 

[husky390]

If you go with the 01 check the temp control and make sure the vents blow hot and cold. If they don't, chances are the blend door is broken and it's about a grand for a shop to repair it. Otherwise they're pretty good trucks that seem to run forever if taken care of. I have a 2000 Expedition with 132k on the clock with no major issues. I did the blend door myself. It's about a case of beer job.

 

[Jesse Minish]

I had an 06 with a 5.4 and have an 08 with a 5.4. Great trucks! Put a lot of miles on the 06 with no problems and am at 135000 on the 08 with no problems.