Forum Discussion

colliehauler's avatar
colliehauler
Explorer III
Aug 03, 2014

01 5.4 3/4 ton Ford F-250

Looking for a cheep Pickup to leave at my seasonal site. I found a 01 with 172,000 miles. It would only tow a spare TT a short distance and use to run around in. What problems with the 5.4 with those miles could I expect.
  • Assuming it checks out, should be a good option (depending on price)

    We picked up an 2001F250 with v10 and 100k miles last year for $6500.
  • The only thing that worries me is the spark plug issue. I don't know what it would run to fix. The truck is clean for it's age. Dealer has it and does not know it's history of whats been done.
  • colliehauler wrote:
    The only thing that worries me is the spark plug issue. I don't know what it would run to fix. The truck is clean for it's age. Dealer has it and does not know it's history of whats been done.


    With that kind of miles. they should have already been changed
  • I don't know if the spark plug problem is such a issue anymore. Most people know that if they put in the spark plugs by 'feel' like in a older engine, they will bottom out the spark plug threads, and damage the heads. By using a torque wrench to 37 foot pounds, everything is fine. If damaged, Snap On has a quick fix, you don't even need to remove the heads to install a insert thread device and a replacement spark plug.

    My problem might be if the seller says "I just installed new plugs in my dad's pickup and tuned it up, now selling it". You don't know if the non-Ford owner did not know about the situation, and installed the plugs right or not.

    The 5.4 will have plenty of power to move a travel trailer. It might only have a 1,500 pound cargo rating though, it was 2005 when the GVWR went way up on the Fords. You probably have a 6,800 pound truck with a 8,800 pound GVWR?

    Fred.