5.4 F250 questions/opinions, 05+ ?

[MissionMan]

Hey folks, im looking to get an f250 and my budget isn't going to get me a v10 and I have no interest in diesel.

With that said. What year 5.4's should I stick with, I was told the 2005+ 5.4's get 3V heads for more power and torque, and the better trans (torqshift 5 spd). Are these generally reliable trucks? The most work it will be doing is towing a 6000# travel trailer and occasional offroad use.

 

[ashleyroachclip]

I bought my v10 for less money than the 5.4's in my area.
Yes the later engines are a 3 valve , and have the revised plugs .
All of the people I know with the 5.4 in their super duty are reliable and tow capable.

 

[kevinatfms]

If you do get the 5.4 2 valve or 3 valve, both transmission will need larger coolers. Seen may of them come in with toasted transmissions just towing small watercraft. They burn out the 1-2 band really easy and cause all kinds of codes when not properly maintained.

 

[SID297]

I'd keep searching until you find a V10 in your price range.

If you do get the 5.4 2 valve or 3 valve, both transmission will need larger coolers. Seen may of them come in with toasted transmissions just towing small watercraft. They burn out the 1-2 band really easy and cause all kinds of codes when not properly maintained.

I've never seen that issue (too small of a cooler) with a 5R110.

 

[Formula93]

If it must be a 5.4, make DAMN sure it's a 3-valve at least. The 2-valve is an absolute nutless turd to tow with. The V10 would be the better option besides a diesel.

 

[YJSONLY]

Do not get the 5.4 that is the 2007-? Year where they have the funky pita spark plugs!!!

 

[MissionMan]

all the v10's by me are beat up work trucks and/or have high mileage.

 

[MissionMan]

wife is trying to talk me into a 2011 ecoboost fx4 scab with 3.73's

so much for the budget, lol

id really not rather have a truck payment though. I just need something thatll tow decent and perform good as a pickup.

 

[SID297]

If you're just looking to tow 6000 pounds look at getting an 09-10 F-150 with the 5.4L. Those years will get you the 6R80 tranny and should keep the costs down.

 

[kevinatfms]

I'd keep searching until you find a V10 in your price range.
I've never seen that issue (too small of a cooler) with a 5R110.

Big issue on the F250's. The gas models had a smaller cooler and were known to burn the 1-2 band with moderate towing. Replaced quite a few. Always the same trans code for the 1-2 gear ratios and complaints of trans trying to find a gear at inopportune moments.

 

[jconnor3]

How do the V10's do with higher mileage? Like 100k+? I know the diesels are just getting broken in and I figure at that point with a normal V8 your walking into iffy territory, just not sure about the V10. I'm kind of in the same situation as the OP.

 

[MissionMan]

check out this beast , price seems a bit steep though.

2005 v10, manual trans, crew, fx4

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/608379875/overview/

 

[MissionMan]

thanks for all the help in my quest for a new tow vehicle. the more we sat and pondered the more we leaned to a newer vehicle.

Introducing..... my 2013 Ecoboost 4x4 XLT SCREW: 157"wb, Max Tow, 3.73 locker (1800#Payload/7700#GVWR/11,100#Max trailer)

 

[03cobra#694]

OK, how's it feel pulling that wagon?

 

[MissionMan]

whole different ballgame compared to my scab 5.0.

no issues pulling in the adirondack region with all this torque, no gear hunting, no fluff. the trailer doesnt have as much influence over the 157" wb chassis wither. not sure if its the weight of the truck or the longer wheelbase. obviously stops it fine too. EB pulls like a mini diesel, just did the tune today too, amazing.