New to the site. Joined due to ongoing issues and hoping to find solutions when they come up, and also to raise awareness of the engineering wonder of the 5.4l 3v triton for anyone looking into buying a vehicle with this engine (2004-2008).

I purchased the 05 King Ranch F150 5.4l 3v V8 in Jan 2020 for $6,500. It had 140k miles on it, and boy did I think I was getting a heck of a deal. Most of these trucks with excellent interior and exterior condition (because it is pretty to look at), were on the lot for $10k-13,500 in the mid-west. I wish I would have done more research, because it is not hard to find that 2004-08 have so many issues. It is amazing Ford never issued a public apology (sarcasm). Before I go any further, I'd like to add that I am not a professional mechanic, but I do have plenty of experience rebuilding engines, fixing cars for friends and family and giving my advice when asked. I am your typical shade tree mechanic, not the best, but there isn't much I cant figure out or do myself. In my couple of decades of car enthusiasm, the only times I have taken a vehicle to someone is for transmission repair.

At 150k miles, the transmission went out. A reputable shop rebuilt the transmission for me for $2400 with a 3 year anything goes warranty. I wasn't too upset about this, stuff happens.

At 154k miles, the truck is currently scheduled to go in the shop for the worst possible news I was in denial about. I was having a misfire but having troubles tracking it down. I was throwing codes for 'cam phaser sensor' on both banks, in which I replaced both. I bought a couple of coil packs to switch around and see if my misfire was from a bad coil pack. After research, it is widely know (except for me) that the way the cowl is designed, water can drip onto coil packs 3, 4, 7 and 8. This causes them to malfunction over time. After this failed to find my issue, I decided to pay a reputable shop $80 to run a diagnostic system. Last thing I wanted to hear is exactly what I was told. Timing Chain is stretched. They couldn't even finish their diagnostic test. To do a complete timing set change the right way the first time, it is wise to just put new spark plugs in (a whole thread could be dedicated to this monster), change the phasers, both chains (which are both 2' feet long. why?!), vacuum and recharge AC (because it is in the way) and change the oil (why not, lets see if there are metal shards). There are also some solenoids and smaller items that need changed since you already have the front of your engine removed, because you don't want to have to go back to the 7th layer of H E double hockey sticks again. Total on the quote is $2700 with a warranty.

After all of this, and price of vehicle purchase, in 12 months.. The vehicle cost me $11,600 cash. Right in the ball park of what the vehicle cost on a used car lot. My suggestion would be: 1- never buy a 2004-08 f150 or anything with that years 5.4l 3v. 2- if you do, do not buy it at normal market price... you will end up spending $4-5k anywhere from the 80k mileage mark to 175k mileage mark on these two incidents I have listed alone. I can't believe the issues I had, but I guess I feel lucky that at market value, I have new warranted work done that I hope can get me to the 225k mile mark before getting into something else. I hope this info helps someone. I promise if you take 15 minutes of searching forums, you will find the majority of the people who have owned this era of engineering marvel had the same issues plus some.