Truck problems, new engine or new truck?

[BwanaKubwa]

Brought my 07 f150 to the shop to have the vct solenoids replaced. When the mechanic took off the valve covers he noticed significant wear on parts bad timing etc. He suggested a new engine. So now I'm thinking of shopping for a new truck rather than putting a new engine in.

I've never bought a new vehicle and not excited about doing it now but I can't justify spending 20k on a truck with 100k miles. Where do you start when shopping for a new truck? Any recommendations for getting not getting screwed in the process would be greatly appreciated

 

[BobbyMac]

What were the symptoms you were having? I would get a 2nd opinion from a reputable Ford mechanic who specializes in timing jobs for the 5.4 3V. At 100k you shouldn't need a new engine unless you got major oil starvation from a blocked oil pickup...from the plastic parts to your timing chain guides falling into the oil pan. All 5.4's will eventually need a timing job and improved Melling HV oil pump. Even if you had to replace your cams...still cheaper than a new engine. If you haven't looked up Fordteckmakeuloco on YT....he's the best Ford mechanic out there and has a ton of stuff on the 5.4 3V.

 

[SWOHTR]

$20k could get you a helluva new engine.

 

[go_deep]

You need a second opinion.

 

[2five7]

Most definitely get that second opinion!

 

[Elk2008]

I would think a new engine would be it he $8k range installed.

 

[isocyanate]

Co worker just was quoted 8k out the door for a new 5.4. He opted for a newer 5.0.

My 5.4 has 140k on it, and no problems yet

 

[Super tag]

You might end up chasing repairs at this point, I’d buy new while you can, parts are becoming harder to come buy as well, Short term cost vs. long term cost…if you invest that money in the motor, it doesn’t make it worth more on paper, you still have a 15 year old truck with high miles.
I can see both sides of the argument but I’d be hard pressed to put that kind of money in an older truck, that’s just my opinion. My son in law took that route on a 2013 f350 and he is at near 20k to date, truck is still wore out. That’s 30% the cost of a decently equipped new truck.

 

[dtrkyman]

We put a new engine in an f150 a few years ago for 6k.

 

[Roy68]

I Echo others. Get a 2nd opinion.

I have an 05’ 5.4 3V with 275k+ miles. It is a ranch truck. It broke a chain tensioner/guide around 200k. I did the work myself to include new cam followers, vct’s, melding oil pump, tensioner actuators, chains, cam phasers, plugs, etc etc. All of the major parts were OE FOMCO. My memory is that I spent around $1800 in parts. I already owned all the tools and bought the few specialty timing tools.

As another said, fordtechmakeuloco on youtube. Took me 3 days to do the work with all the interruptions.

 

[Burnsie]

20K??
Get a new/remanufactured Jasper - they've made a lot of improvements to the inherent issues with the 5.4 3v.
I pretty sure I could have a local mechanic stick one in for about 6K.
VCT solenoids was about a 30 minute job on my '04.
Definitely 2nd opinion.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

$20k is ridiculous for a gasser. You're talking diesel money there so definitely get a second opinion.

If you're going to shop for a new truck, start on Cargurus or autotrader and be willing to drive a few hundred miles for the best deal. Used trucks are super inflated right now as are new trucks. Choose a brand/model with the best/least depreciation and then find the best financing. My buddy just got into a brand new Ranger crew cab at the local dealership with 0% for 5 years plus oil changes for life. There are deals to be had if you have the time/patience to shop around.

Good luck!

 

[grfox92]

A replacement used engine for your truck should be not a dollar more then $1500. And it's less then a days work to pull the old one and put in a new one. Make sure you mechanic is good and locks out the cam phasers on that 5.4 and you have a 300k mile truck. This job should not cost more than $3,000-$5000. If you buy a brand new truck that's 6 months worth of payments.

Furthermore I think you need a second opinion. Ford's mod motor has been in their vehicles since the early '90s and parts are plentiful and not expensive. Even if something is worn in the valve train it could warrant replacing rather than replacing the engine. 100,000 mi is nothing for a properly maintained 5.4. the biggest issue with that motor was the cam phasers but if you lock them out it's just as good as a 4.6 which routinely go for well over 300,000. That's just my two cents.

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[dreamingbig]

20k for an F150 motor?!?!? Not on this planet. Should be 4 to 8k tops!

Pretty sure he meant $20k on a new to him used truck. He never said how much the repairs would be.


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[brocksw]

Pretty sure he meant $20k on a new to him used truck. He never said how much the repairs would be.


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ahhhh.

OP, in that case a used Ford at that price and mileage is over priced!

 

[Super tag]

Yes to clarify, my son in law is into the truck now 20k with purchase and repairs. It’s a diesel, which can get very expensive. So far, new injectors, fuel pump and now transmission. My point is he has an older truck not worth much and now is continually spending money on repairs. I told him to buy new and now he wishes he would have. Not everyone can buy new and I get that, but in a lot of cases in the long run it makes more sense

 

[fngTony]

What’s the sticker price of a comparable new truck?

 

[Super tag]

55k to 60k I’d say, not sure

 

[Rob5589]

4-6k for a new engine vs 40-60k for new truck. Only you can decide which works better for you.

 

[Marbles]

A quality, rebuilt long block for a 97 Tacoma would have cost me $7,000, add about $3,000 for the install. So $20K sounds high to me. At that cost you can probably pay to have a completely different engine put in it (like if you wanted a Cummins BT6 conversion).

Is the rest of the truck solid? Get a second opinion and have someone take a look everything else too. A new engine will be cheaper than a new truck. But, if it becomes a money hole, that will not be the case. If you will need a new truck in a few years anyway, it might be worth looking at them now. I ended up with a new truck because I really wanted a 4x4 that would fit my whole family.

The current market is not great. If getting a new one, spend a lot of time looking and be willing to travel to pick it up. Also, be willing to wait. I'm not sure on Fords, but for a Tacoma a new truck with a 3 month wait was cheaper than a used one with 40K miles.

Never buy extended warranties. If your state does not charge a fortune for transferring titles, consider using a dealer loan as they count on making extra money on the interest, then refinance for a better interest rate. In Alaska refinancing cost me all of $30.00, in some states it will be closer to $1000.00.

From a durability perspective, naturally aspirated engines will likely last longer than turbocharged ones like the Ford Ecoboost, plus naturally aspirated engines have less to go wrong and will be cheaper to fix. Of course, you will get poor gas mileage, so it is a trade.

Anyway, a lot to consider. I chewed my issue over for a month and a half before making a decision. Don't rush it, if you have that luxury.