REVIEW: Everything Wrong With A Ford F150 5.4 Triton V8

Junkyard Ford 5.4 Engine Swap! Rich goes over common problems with a Ford F150 with a 5.4 Triton V8 as he swaps the original engine for a scrap one in this custom truck build.

0:00 F150 Overview
7:15 5.4 Donor Overview
8:49 Removing The Engine
9:06 Take The Intake Off First
9:38 Wiring It Back Together
11:19 Test Drive Rant

#RichReviews #EWWengines

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[michael.sierra]

As a parts counter guy I find Fords really frustrating. Chevy, you have a year, make, model, engine size, here's your part, and chances are that part fits the whole generation of GM vehicles with the same engine/body style. Ford? here's a dozen options for the same year and engine size. Oh, one year off, yeah that's not the same, oops. Yes, I'm exaggerating, and a generalization, since there some GMs like that, but it tends to be true. Maybe it's because so many people still daily drive late-90s trucks and that's when the F-150s and F-250s were really confusing, while the late 90s GM 1500s were all pretty much Vortec 5.7L (sure, 1999 and 2007 are annoying with GM trucks due to transition years)...

All that said, I own both a Ford and a Chevy - 99 Crown Vic with almost 150K and a 92 Chevy 1500 with almost 250K. Neither are perfect, but both are very well built and generally reliable. Both of those vehicles, it seems that transmissions are the weak points. Then again, that's literally the case with the automatic transmission in any vehicle.

[kenrdz]

Had an 03 f150 5.4l short bed single cab, it was amazing, never gave me problems it was perfect.. turns out a thief liked it alot too...

[gloomy]

As a mechanic when he said "how do I get myself into these jobs" I know exactly how he feels...

[philipholman]

I have a 5.4 Triton that thing is a tank I have 350, 000 miles on it with low maintenance no serious problems still going strong today’

[bkranz-]

Quick addition if you are willing to learn a little something. If you want a used f-150 but just can't commit to an underpowered 4.6L, I recommend an 09-10 f-150. The 5.4 was updated a little and finally ford got the spark plugs right! The transmission was switched to a very reliable and smooth 6 speed that also provided much better acceleration. The suspension all around is just better and the leaf springs don't break. And the driveshaft was changed to actually be serviceable. I also like the looks of the newer ones a little better. All of this I can attest to since I own one with just barely 200, 000 miles on it (owned by family since new). I changed the FACTORY PLUGS at 195, 000 miles and they all came out with ease because of the updated design. The new ones cost only $7.00 a piece for the top of the line iridium ones. I had my U-joints replaced at 190, 000 miles and had some front end stuff done (it didn't really need it) while it was in there for the U-joints. All of those repairs are very ordinary at those miles, if not, a little better than the average pickup. Engine and transmission have definitely done their job and neither needed repairs in the 200, 000 miles they've been on the road (I consider the spark plugs as overdue maintinence). I maybe tow my bobcat with it 2 or 3 times a year but otherwise I don't tow a terrible lot with it. My only complaint with the truck is that it seems to chew through tires fast even though the alignment is up to par. I'm getting to maybe 55, 000 miles per set before I need to change them pretty badly. Just remember I'm from the US and when I say miles I mean miles. Now as for the 04-08 5.4's, my bosses have an 05 with 190, 000 miles on it. It misfires, clatters, and ticks and feels like it has the power of the average smart car. But hey, at least it's still running on all 8 cylinders, at least most of the time :/ It would definitely leave a sour taste in my mouth about ford if I were a mechanic. But if you want the cat's meow, I would get a 2011+ with the 5.0 4v v8. Proven tough as nails and powerful as a bull ox

[nicholasweber]

This is whats wrong with youtube. This guys is a awesome mechanic and makes great quality videos. But yet he only has 15k subs. I dont get it. This is the best automotive channel on youtube. Thanks Rich

[kevinkirk]

8:33 "How do I get myself into these jobs?" Dunno how many times I've asked myself the same thing... Hat's off to ya for jumping right in!

[beezertwelvewashingbeard]

The chrysler 2.7 was a disaster.

*5.4 Triton* "Hold my beer."

[robglez]

2:44 making engines for 120 years and they still don't know how to properly put a spark plug in it lmfao!

[robkober]

At this point I’m surprised there isn’t a bunch of shops that just specialize in replacing 5.4 motors in used F150s and expeditions. You’d think they would have it down to a science where you bring your truck, they pull your motor and replace it with one they’ve already worked on. Like a core charge type thing.

[Drake]

i've had a 5.4 that ran past 450 000km, then sold it to a family member as a farm truck and it still has good power, just gotta take care of them..

[michaelbenoit]

Then a 90s Ford OBS F350 w460 came along and rich bought it. Everything that the new ones lacked the older 90s F350 had. Ex: labeled fuse panel, good motor, simple computer, easy to fix/engine swap. Truly built ford tough.

[joshuabittner]

I had a 2005 F150 5.4. bought it at 120k miles and sold it at 189k. Had 35s on it the whole time and was a very reliable truck for me. Mobile 1 every 3k miles and got the spark plugs changed when I bought it. Never taken to a shop/ dealership

[oboutdoors]

I can't imagine why you complain about working on Fords. I'm sure I'll have no problems finding those 29/64", left-hand, acme-threaded wheel studs for the light-heavy-half, nonfat, 3/4 ton XL at my corner auto parts store. Unfortunately they only sell them in packs of five, and I need seven of them. But wait, are they different for the manual transmission trucks vs. the automatics? Oh, and it's white. Damn...

[JoeFpoc]

I remember changing a motor in a expedition where we actually had to lift the body off to get that turd of a motor out of there. Just look at that motor, what a clusterfuck, hoses and electrical wires running all over the place. Ive always had older chevys my entire life they are so simplistic and the parts interchangeability between years is awesome. That’s why they put LS motors in everything

[hondaguyrr]

My 2007.5.4 is going on 175000 miles, regular oil changes with motorcraft oil and changed spark plugs twice already with motorcraft plugs, has zero leaks, she runs pretty good

[Vanjrl]

I love my truck, but I must admit I almost sold it after changing the spark plugs...

[outdoorswithlarryrobin]

2003 F-150 5.4 Triton over 200, 000 running like new, only replaced coil pacs and plugs at 180, 000

[oldsoul]

Fram oil filter??? I would have walked away from that engine

[IFIXUR]

i got a 02 expedition with a 5.4 with 668k on it. I replaced the head gasket after finding out the previous owners didnt take care of it and it popped. simple fix. my previous 04 f150 had the 4.6 in it and rolled 130k before my wife totaled it. fixed it and drove it. helicoiled 3 plugs when i did the plug change. the packs and plugs were 12 years old. drove it a while and then sold it. these arent bad trucks and the mechanics of them arent that bad. its really awesome that these motors are transferable throughout the years. i love my trucks yes they can be a pain to work on but its not the end of the world when it comes down to it.