F150 FX4

[TravP]

I'm looking at a few 2004-2007 f150 fx4's for sale. Is there any potential problems to look for? Does the limited slip work as well as the g80 locker in the z71's? How is the truck in the snow(ice fishing)? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys

[caseymcq]

... Does the limited slip work as well as the g80 locker in the z71's? How is the truck in the snow(ice fishing)?

In my experience they are pretty close but the locking diff on the Z71 seems to be a little more effective in getting traction across both rear wheels and it seemed to kick in a little quicker. But, here again, that is just from the limited experience I have had.

[tonkapat]

I've got an 07 and they do pretty well on the lake. I don't remember using 4 wheel drive on the roads no matter the conditions. A little weight in the back definately helps. I've got 75000 on mine and has been good so far.

[Back2Dakota]

If you look on that tube thats for you there is a video of all 1/2 tons being tested in all aspects. I shouldn't comment since I dont know for certain buT is that locker only able to engage in 4LO on the Chev(Nissan's e-locker is that way)?Dont know if its the same deal. I own a Titan now but owned a F150 before it. The 5.4 is not a "peppy" motor but it did good towing. I had a '99 and got horrible mpg (older I know) but friend has an '08 and swears he only gets 11-13 not loaded and worse when towing. But has not had any issues.Friend with Chev gets decent mpgs not loaded but drops like a rock when he tows. He had some elec problems but he does not like to tell us cause he is a die hard GM guy.Rips on the Ford and my "rice burner"-one of those guys. Go onto the f150 forums and Silverado forums-can get some good info once you figure out the die hards. They are both good trucks. Research,test drive,price shop-your mind will tell ya.

[Scott K]

You should be happy with either truck, they are very comparable. I would just go drive one of each, and pick the one that rides best for you!

[KatoMike]

One thing to consider would be ground clearance, not just at the rear axles and front a-arms, but at the frames. Fords generally sit higher while Chevys - due to their low slung frames (which help them have a lower step-in height and lower tailgate height, which is not a bad thing if you load heavy things in your bed) - have lower frame to ground clearance. This can be very important when traveling through deep snow.

[tonkapat]

I own a Titan now but owned a F150 before it. The 5.4 is not a "peppy" motor but it did good towing. I had a '99 and got horrible mpg (older I know) but friend has an '08 and swears he only gets 11-13 not loaded and worse when towing. But has not had any issues.Friend with Chev gets decent mpgs not loaded but drops like a rock when he tows. .

I check my mileage every tank and even pulling a 620 ranger I do as good as your figures. 14-15 city 17+ on the highway. I usually drive 5 to 10 over the limit. The f150 tows a lot better than my dads chev with a 5.3. And as stated before has quite a bit of ground clearance but the height of the box is also higher.

[Scott K]

I get about 17-19 in my f150 on the HWY.

[TravP]

I was looking more into the fx4's. They seem to have a rear end problem(shaking and grinding). Does anybody know anything about that.

[tonkapat]

FX4 is just a trim package. The 04 05 and some previous had clutch packs that went out frequently(limited slip only). My buddies 04 did it at 60K. They also had gear noise on some of those as well. Better than the motors that chevy has been repairing/replacing on most of the earlier models with the multiple displacement system. I would stick with looking for an 07 f150 and the fx4 package if you must.

[tonkapat]

4wandering what gears do u have in yours? Great cat in your avatar

[Scott K]

tonkapat is right, the other thing that is different is the shocks, but the driveline is all the same. The rear diffs had some issues with limited slip clutch packs slipping in the earlier models, and some howling noises on tip in, and decel, which either of these wouldnt effect your truck at all, and the issues have been corrected post 07 vehicles. The newer trucks have an electric locker in it, and seems to work pretty decent as well. Good luck on whichever you choose. I wouldnt stress the small things, ALL vehicles break down, all models will have lemons, just go drive a few, and pick the truck you like best.

[TravP]

Thanks Guys!

[Farley]

I have a 03 F150 FX4 and yes the rear diff does take some care, you need to put in friction modifier probably every 20,000 miles. It helps if you learn to get going forward before you turn the wheel to go around a corner from a dead stop. That's the only instance when the rear diff slips on mine. I didnt know what it was at first, thought maybe a bearing or driveshaft or something, so I let it go for a while before a buddy told me about the friction modifier so mine is probably a little damaged, but if you keep up with adding the modifier it should be allright. Other than that it has been a great truck for me (knocks on wood).

[1968]

The newer ones are prone to spark plugs breaking when getting a tune up. Do not go 100k on the plugs even though they fire effectively that long.

If it's over 75k on the odo, I would want to see a tune up receipt. Otherwise be prepared for the largest tune up bill you ever heard of. Even though there are special procedures to get the plugs out and tools should they break, it can turn into a cylinder head job.

[Scott K]

The 04-06 models had problems with the factory plugs breaking off, but the replacement plugs weren't to much of an issue. If you have the right tool to do the job, a broken plug adds 10 minutes to the job.