Truck problems, new engine or new truck?

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Nov 30, 2021
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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
 
Just got a new truck 6 months ago..My advice it's gonna hurt hold on tight and find a wooden spoon to bite down on. It's a sellers market.
You will be very lucky if you find what you want on a lot, if you do you gonna pay over MSRP. So your going to have to order and wait...Took 6 months for me to get me truck. Make sure you have a signed contract with the price when you give them a deposit to keep market price changes from being applied to your order.
Good Luck!
 
I work at a Ford dealer and have for the last 20 years, those 5.4s are good motors just need the timing chains and VCT actuators and solenoids replaced, all done with parts and labor out the door for under 3k easily, then it will go another 100k miles. Have them buy the timing chain kit from O'rileys part number CLO 9-0391SB but be sure to use OEM for VCT actuators (3R2Z6A257DA) and solenoids (8L3Z6m280B) they are way better then aftermarket.
 
A lot of people will recommend things when it is not their money they are recommending being spent.
Go the least expensive fix route and if you are worrying about it and want to spring on a new vehicle at least you have something to trade.

Also, please give me tips on only putting 100k on a truck in 14 years I do that in 3.5 on averge
 
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
Assuming your $20,000 comment is for the used market? Make the fix and keep on driving
 
I assume parts are missing from your post. No way should it cost 20k to put a motor in your truck, I'm assuming you are looking at 20k for a replacement that has 100k on it.


A 45k truck that's new, might go 250k without many problems. That's 18 cent per mile.

A 20k truck with 100k that still has 150k to go will cost 13.3 cent per Mike.


Difference is with a truck that is out there with 100k on it, generally there's a few that have a lot more miles on it so you know the problems. Not the case with new models.


But one you are sitting in someone else's farts.


The concensus around here will be to purchase a Tacoma with 200k for 10k......
 
I work at a Ford dealer and have for the last 20 years, those 5.4s are good motors just need the timing chains and VCT actuators and solenoids replaced, all done with parts and labor out the door for under 3k easily, then it will go another 100k miles. Have them buy the timing chain kit from O'rileys part number CLO 9-0391SB but be sure to use OEM for VCT actuators (3R2Z6A257DA) and solenoids (8L3Z6m280B) they are way better then aftermarket.
Yeah, well I had all that done and still ended up with a rebuilt engine in my 08 F150. Look into rebuilding it.
 
Never said the motors don't fail, but in todays market fix it and drive it, or send 20-35k on someone elses turd and deal with problems from there.
 
Let me guess the 5.4 triton motor? If so just spend the 5-6 grand get a new motor put in it.

Had an 2008 that developed the dreaded cam phaser issues I fixed it once which was too much damn money and then the motor failed again. The second time a 5.4 jasper engine was put in.
I would not want to buy a truck right now in the current market if I don’t have to
 
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I would get it fixed and put another 100,000 on it.

Agreed^^^^^^ especially in this market.

My truck has 220,000 on it and was making noises, drips, etc. Had a crap ton of work done all at once, replaced the transfer case, front axle, most hoses, belts and wires. My hope is to get a few more years out of it. In a few years we'll see if I made the right decision!
 
When you say new engine, are you talking rebuilding yours having a short block installed. Short block would be faster.
 
I have a Ford Superduty with the 5.4 with about 180K. I have not had to get into the motor at all. I have a friend that has one with just over 400K. If you take care of these engins, they take care of you.
 
To be clear, I haven't got a quote on a new engine. The 20k was what used pickups seem to be starting at
 
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