Vids on YouTube about the 5.4 Triton Make Me Want To Back Out of this Purchase

[smahaffy]

I have a 2007 EL Limited with 236,000 miles on it. Religiously changed oil with only synthetic. Now HMS.
Only issue was transmission rebuilt because I assumed my mechanic changed out transmission fluid and he never did.
Its been a beast.

 

[Adam T]

I have a 2012 that I bought at 71K and it now has 141K on the 5.4 Triton. I have had no engine issues with it but did have to replace the oil pan gasket last week with several other gaskets while they were in there.. it cost a bit of money but considering it has 141K and I live in Phoenix (gets real hot here ) it think the engine has performed very well.. just like the others have said, try to find out if its had regular oil changes and tune ups and the 5.4 should stay strong for a long time.

 

[chuck s]

Adding to the pile: 175,000 miles when I sold her. No engine issues with the 5.4. Rust at the rear "arches" and peeling paint off the rear hatch were problems.

-- Chuck

 

[StephenOsborne1]

I'm surprised nobody has yet mentioned not only frequent oil changes with 5w30, but also insist on a quality filter, Motorcraft preferred. These OHC engines need oil up top on startup and a quality filter will have an anti drain back valve, which maintains oil pressure in between starts, where most engine wear occurs.
To the OP, inspect what brand filter is installed. If you see orange, run....

 

[mr_dave]

The Car Wizard is a "GM guy" whose opinion on the Ford 5.4L is almost certainly biased. He's not 100% wrong but his video is exaggerated. Check out FordTechMakuloco for much better info on the subject.

https://www.youtube.com/user/FordTechMakuloco

 

[Motorcity muscle]

Have an '07 & '09, best thing you can do when look at truck is perform a cold start and check for the start up rattle. That will tell you what you need to know. You can usually inspect the vehicle closely and tell whether it has been well maintained. Ask the owner how often he changed the oil and what filter he used. Use 5w-30 synthetic and use a motorcraft filter as others have stated. Have to agree with the internet postings can be problematic, this site has a lot of good info.

 

[SREKS]

My 2008 Limited has 235,000 miles on it cam phasers replaced at 190,000. No other major issues since I purchased it in 2011 with 75,000.

 

[Herby]

Currently have a 2007 Expedition with 216k miles that was purchased with 172k. As someone said on this thread, one of the main keys to keeping this engine running is frequent fluid changes. My engine oil is changed every 4k miles and my tranny fluid is changed every 25 to 30k. If the seller is meticulous and knows how to take care of a vehicle, he should have records to show. One looks at the vehicle's condition and maintenance records in an effort to reduce risk. However, let's face it, risk is there on the purchase of ANY used vehicle. You do your research, gather facts and go for it when comfortable. Would not hurt to have a mechanic look at the Expy also. One thing I would recommend, is to have enough cash on hand to handle cam phaser / timing chain repair job. This repair seems to be something that many on this site have come across as opposed to a full-blown engine replacement. Since my timing repair, I have had no issues and the engine has run flawlessly. Remember, just do your best to gather info to make the best choice possible. Good Luck!!!

 

[Grizguy]

I only got 257,000 miles out of my 2006 expy before I sold it .. Was running ok when I sold it. did not use any oil between oil changes.

 

[Lynnii2]

2010 with 229,000 miles i change oil every 5,000 with full synthetic 5w-30 Ford oil filters i get at Walmart for $4.00 , transmission changes between 25,000-30,000 I get the filter off Amazon $20.00 I also buy the transmission fluid from Walmart. Just normal maintenance items like shocks, brakes, spark plugs, tires. The truck runs really good just old. No problems at all.

 

[ski_rush]

 

[ski_rush]

I did end up buying it after all…

 

[DSF1]

I've got an '11 with 250,000 km on it. It plows all winter, tows our 10,000 er, I mean 9200# 34 foot triple slide TT all summer (with a Hensley Arrow hitch, obviously). It's also my daily driver, grocery getter and kids team transport. So far, I've replaced a coil pack (last year) and a cracked plastic coolant connector (my own stupid fault). I run full synthetic, of course, and change it regularly. I also top it up as hauling in the summer, we consume about half a litre every 2 to 3 thousand klics.

No mods to the engine and between it and the 6 speed, it's a beast. It could say au revoir tomorrow and it wouldn't owe me anything. Look after your 3V 5.4 and it will look after you and your family.

Just my 2c from 10 years of ownership and a quarter million extremely work oriented kilometers.

Maybe now that you own it, you can sleep easier!

PS Forgot to mention the manifolds. Yeah, if you work the truck really hard, they are going to crack. Had this issue on the F150 as well, but with the Expi I got smart and went with SS shorty headers and bolts. Since then, I'm golden. Figured I should update, though. You know, the full disclosure thing.

 

[BlackBetty]

I’ve got an ‘04 EB Expedition 5.4 with over 305k’ish miles on it. Actually gave it to my daughter when I got the ‘16 EL a few years back. It ran flawlessly. Of course kids don’t take care of ****, so it looks horrible. Still runs. Needs some TLC that I’m not willing to provide (that’s another personal story), but I see it going longer if it had the love I use to give it.

I was going to get the timing chain replaced for her. Got the ‘16 chain done by FordTechMakuLoco. He did a great job. Had an appointment, and he got me done fast.

If your paying less than what a new engine would cost I see a potential for a truck that “could” drive many more miles on the original motor. When it quits you keep it, and get the engine replaced. You’ll have a great truck for years to come.

If you’re a DIY’er like me it’ll be an interesting modification for you later on. As a DIY’er I also realized I had no time for the timing chain change on my own. I am a Government contractor that works over the road. I don’t have my garage, tools, or other transportation.

So, if you think the motor is too much, or not interested in getting your hands dirty later on maybe that truck isn’t for you.

I’ve got the earlier generation 5.4 than what the ‘07 Expeditions received. They have some differences, but also some similarities. One big thing I know that’s a pain on that ‘07 engine is the spark plug change. That two piece plug was a horrible idea. That alone makes me not interested in those motors.

 

[JExpedition07]

My first 2007 5.4 3V was flawless, about the only thing on the vehicle that never broke. My second one was not so great it’s all about the maintenance.

 

[Roast4570]

I did end up buying it after all…

Congrats! Now let’s talk about mods…..

 

[Herby]

My first 2007 5.4 3V was flawless, about the only thing on the vehicle that never broke. My second one was not so great it’s all about the maintenance.

Just had to jump in here and mention these 3rd Gens are pretty reliable if one is VERY particular when it comes to maintenance. Fluid changes are critical. Overall, I feel Ford did a great job on the 07 model year than most others. Only 2 historical recalls on record. Can't say the same about a 4th Gen.

 

[Joe S]

I’ve got an ‘04 EB Expedition 5.4 with over 305k’ish miles on it. Actually gave it to my daughter when I got the ‘16 EL a few years back. It ran flawlessly. Of course kids don’t take care of ****, so it looks horrible. Still runs. Needs some TLC that I’m not willing to provide (that’s another personal story), but I see it going longer if it had the love I use to give it.

I was going to get the timing chain replaced for her. Got the ‘16 chain done by FordTechMakuLoco. He did a great job. Had an appointment, and he got me done fast.

If your paying less than what a new engine would cost I see a potential for a truck that “could” drive many more miles on the original motor. When it quits you keep it, and get the engine replaced. You’ll have a great truck for years to come.

If you’re a DIY’er like me it’ll be an interesting modification for you later on. As a DIY’er I also realized I had no time for the timing chain change on my own. I am a Government contractor that works over the road. I don’t have my garage, tools, or other transportation.

So, if you think the motor is too much, or not interested in getting your hands dirty later on maybe that truck isn’t for you.

I’ve got the earlier generation 5.4 than what the ‘07 Expeditions received. They have some differences, but also some similarities. One big thing I know that’s a pain on that ‘07 engine is the spark plug change. That two piece plug was a horrible idea. That alone makes me not interested in those motors.

You actually went from Arizona to Illinois to get it done? did you drive the ESPY there or ship it to him as some guy in California did?? if you shipped it to him, what did it cost to do that?

 

[mr_dave]

if you shipped it to him, what did it cost to do that?

You can get a rough estimate using something like uship https://www.uship.com/ship/vehicles

If you haven't shipped a vehicle before, you're in for an experience. I don't know what it is about the shipping industry but there are all kinds of games and shady players, so do your homework. I've shipped cars a few times and have had good luck with these guys https://eshiptransport.com/

 

[bloodhound]

If you haven't shipped a vehicle before, you're in for an experience. I don't know what it is about the shipping industry but there are all kinds of games and shady players, so do your homework.

I was in that business until about 18 years ago, and it was just as bad then. We had to be very careful about who we would sub things out to.