Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
Hello! I am interested in purchasing a 2001 SD SC 4X4 manual with SWB sometime this year. This vehicle will be used more as a daily driver/ family vehicle. Currently I have a toddler and his car seat seems to fit fine in the rear cab. I haven't ruled out the PSD because I do keep my vehicles maintained well and for a long time, generally more than 10 years, and I average around 18 to 21K miles a year. Anyway what I was wondering is if the 2000 and 2001 SD's with the 5.4L engine are still experiencing piston slap or cold hard knocking like the 99's. Also I would appreciate your comments on the quality and reliability you have experienced with your truck and any pointers to look for. I may tow a small pop-up camper in the future but nothing really big. I am leaning toward the 3.73 or 4.1 rear end. Basically I am trying to assess my needs for this vehicle for the next 10 years and the 4.1 rear end might be an insurance if I do tow with it and have something bigger. Also as a soon to be Pastor I really need something that is reliable and will last if well maintained. In any case any info you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking at an XLT version. I don't want the V-10 because of its current problem with flutter and the PSD worries me because of it cackle/knock issues. Thank you in advance and have a very safe and happy New Year.
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
First off, you will love your truck! They are awsome..
I have an 00' F250 xlt 4x2 5.4L 5sp 4.10L
Quality wise, my truck currently is a year old with 18k miles and no problems.
I also looked around alot considering all of the engine options before buying.. And again like you I tend to keep my trucks for 10+ years. (my last truck was an 89' Ranger with 195K miles, which is still running fine).
Your questions about the engines are well founded but they really aren't that much of an issue.. The 'piston slap' issue was addressed and is fixed on all 5.4Ls that were built after 4/99.
As to the 'flutter' on the V10: I also have some light flutter with my 5.4L as well. However this does not affect the drivability, power or longevity of the truck at all. (its just air). However I've heard that the Y-Pipe has been changed in 2001 which pretty much eliminates this sound.
I don't hang out on the Diesel side of the house as us gassers aren't really welcome there so I don't know alot about the cackle or knock problem. The diesel is a great motor, it was just alot more than I'll ever realistically need..
I like your preference for the 5sp as I also prefer to shift and it really makes the 5.4L feel nice. I opt'd for the 4.10 rear end for 2 main reasons. 1. in order to get a Limited slip rear end + 5.4L + 5sp, you had to get the 4.10 ratio. 2. I'm looking into doing some light towing in the future.
The good news is, I think the 4.10 is perfect for me.. At 65mph your only at 2300 rpms or so which is not screaming, yet the truck has good power here. On 2 lane roads its easy to just keep it in OD even for hills.
My average MPG for the life of the truck is 15.5mpg. My best tank mpg of all highway use at 55mph is 18mpg. With your 4x4 I would expect you'll be in the 13/17 mpg range, which isn't that much lower our diesel friends.
I've taken a few 500+ mile trips with the wife and 2 kids (ages 2 and 5), and it wasn't any harder than when we take the Windstar.
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
PastorGeorge,
I have a 2001 F-250, SC, SB, 5spd., 4X4, 4.10 axle ratio with the 5.4L V-8. I only have 3000 miles so far. I am very pleased with the performance of this vehicle. I think the 4.10 is the only way to go. I start in 2nd gear with no problem, and highway speeds of 75 or 80 are also no problem. I usually put the cruise on 74. I am amazed at the power this small engine has, but again, I think the 4.10 is the key to best all around performance.
My first tank of gas I only got about 11 mpg., and now I am up to 13.5. Other than driving fairly fast on the highway, I drive rather conservatively to conserve gas. I hope I will get up to 15 mpg. as others have reported, but especially with 4 wheel drive, this is a very heavy truck.
I immediately changed the shocks. The stock shocks will bounce you to death. I spent $250 on Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks. The ride with these shocks is tremendously better than with the stock shocks. Even empty, the truck rides well now. Believe me, you should plan on this extra expense. These shocks are worth every penny.
My truck is a daily driver, although I do occasionally pull a 2000 lb. travel trailer. Travel trailers push a lot of air along with the weight you are towing. Small trailers like mine are no problem for the 5.4L engine, but towing larger trailers or traveling lots of miles, I would consider the diesel engine. For me personally, I couldn't justify the extra expense, and I like the peppy performance (and quiet) of gas.
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
[quote]Originally posted by KXHauler:
[b]First off, you will love your truck! They are awsome..
I have an 00' F250 xlt 4x2 5.4L 5sp 4.10L
Quality wise, my truck currently is a year old with 18k miles and no problems.
I also looked around alot considering all of the engine options before buying.. And again like you I tend to keep my trucks for 10+ years. (my last truck was an 89' Ranger with 195K miles, which is still running fine).
Your questions about the engines are well founded but they really aren't that much of an issue.. The 'piston slap' issue was addressed and is fixed on all 5.4Ls that were built after 4/99.[b]
KXHauler, I wouldn't go on the word that all 5.4s built after 4/99 are piston slap free, one of my 2000s engine built 7/99, has PS and I know 3 others built 10/99, 11/99 and have same.
Was up to Ford dealership last month and the lead foreman told me he's had some 01s in with PS, so it's still out there and Fords just letting it pass by, your either lucky or unlucky, take the chance..
If I had the option, I'd go with a 4.6, they have 240 HP now, but I don't believe you can get it in SD.
TR
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
Thank you all for your excellent feedback and suggestions. I will certainly consider all of it. I am however still somewhat concerned about the potential for piston slap in the 2001. Thanks you all again!
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
truckracer: I understand your point. Ford did isolate one cause for the piston slap being pistons that were manufactured at a particular site were more likely to be out of spec. It was this particular cause that action was taken on 4/99.
Remember that the 4.6L also had isloated occurence of piston slap as well, for the same cause.
The rate of engine problems (including piston slap) on the 5.4L is no greater than any other manufactures truck engine out there. Even other manufactures have diag'd some of their engines as having piston slap. Its just something that does happen from time to time. It also appears that Ford does stand behind their product and on the rare occasions when there are serious problems, they replace the engine.
One does have to be aware that there are tens of thousands of these engines put in to circulation every day. On sites like this your always going hear more of the 'negatives' from the vocal minority..
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
I've been frequently visiting / participating in Ford-related web & mail areas for the past 4 years and have never heard of anyone's engine problems being attributed to piston-slap (aka PS). At one time or another, I've owned every "size" of the Triton engine. All have been terrific. Had I not stepped up to a larger trailer, I'd still have my 5.4L equipped F150. It ran and towed great!
If PS does still concern you, then this is the best time of year to shop. Most cases were reported to be more noticeable after having sat overnight in cool temps.
With a 4x4, I'd definitely recommend the 4.10 gears. Who knows, you may want to tow more later or just install larger tires. Cheaper to buy them now than have them installed later. LS is also a relatively good buy.
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
NoMO: What size tires can I upgrade to from the OEM 265's with not affecting the speedometer. The SD's look like they could use a bigger tire to take up some of the wheel well space. Will a bigger tire make the truck handle better in the snow and overall. I am not sure what the advantages are and which tire brand would you recommend. If I were to upgrade I've heard good things about BFGoodrich and Michelin. I like an agrresive tire that is good in fowl weather especially in snow, ice and rain. I am planning on getting the LS. THANKS! Happy New Year.
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
In my above reply, don't get me wrong, I just made a statement as to what I have had or seen with the 5.4, also know the 4.6 Romeo has had the same problem. Could this relate to the fact that these motors are modular type design?
I have no problem about the power of the triton motor, its torque is excellent and does a good job on pulling, but when YOU have had a 97 and 00 5.4 with the piston slap, you start to wonder why me....
As of fact all the triton motors,4.6, 5.4, V-10 (8L)?? have had this problem and still do, so what, Ford will replace them, alot of people have gotten FQR motors out of this and a few have received a new short block,
I have only 7700 miles on my 00 and do you think I should let Ford put in a FQR? That's the first thing out of Fords mouth was replace with a rebuilt, DON'T think so, going with a new motor.
The above statements are a fact, when something happens to your truck, it's a bad problem, but when you just hear about Fords motor problems, you just kinda say that's too bad.....
TR
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
Truckracer:I totally agree with you on not taking a rebuilt engine when your engine is under warrenty. Just because FoMoCo has it in their owner's manual that they can repair warrenty work with refurbished parts is not a condition of your purchase since you receive the owners books after your purchase. If you need to litigate go lemon law never arbitration because arbitration generally works against the consumer. You never signed or agreed to FoMoCo's conditions. Your concerns are exactly mine I don't want to rely on luck in hopes I don't get a knocker. Thanks again.
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
Gee, PastorGeorge, I figured you'd be the last guy to rely on "luck"!
Taller tires will affect the speedo accuracy. However, this is easily corrected by a trip to the dealer for recalibration.
I've actually been impressed by the performance of the factory Firestone's during all the snow & ice we've had recently. However, when they wear out, explode, or fail to perform adequately, I'll replace them with a set of 285/75R16 BFGoodrich ATs. We have a set of those on our Expedition that have lasted over 50,000 hard miles of on & off-highway fun. Traction in this weather is also good with the BFGs. I think new shocks will be one of the best handling improvements you can make initially.
The 285s (possibly 295s) are the largest size I would run on the factory 7" rims. For me, larger tires will require 8" or larger rims & a lift kit. Since I tow a fifth-wheel trailer, the lift & huge tires will never happen. The trailer barely fits now!
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
NoMo:
Thanks for the info on the tires and shocks. You are also absolutely right; I don't rely luck and that is why I am trying to discern if this is a wise decision. This does not mean that I don't believe in the providence of God, it just means that sometimes God allows us to make stupid decisions especially if we don't listen to Him. Good point though and glad you raised it. Thanks again
Re: Need Your Experience on 5.4L For Y2K and 2001 SD's
Hope you don't mind. It was all meant in jest!
But, this just lead me into thought. You say you drive 18-21k per year. Do you forsee that changing after you have graduated/ordained/whatever? No revival tours or such possibly in your future? Reason for asking is that if there is a possibilty of a national "tour", a diesel may be your best bet for 10+ years of high-mileage duty. Then again, if a "tour" is likely, a BUS might be a better option. Don't ya just hate all these choices?
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