Does This Ford Truck Engine Actually Last 300,00 Miles?
As a truck manufacturer, Ford has produced a number of engines over the years. Some are better than others, but the 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine has a reputation for being pretty reliable. At least if proper maintenance and repair are adhered to. But can this Ford truck engine actually last 300,000 miles?
Is the Ford 5.4 Triton a good engine?
Overall, the 5.4-liter Triton V8 truck engine seems to be a fairly reliable piece of equipment. No engine is ever going to be perfect, but when treated properly, the Triton makes a solid case. It can be found in Ford F-150 models ranging from 1997 until 2010. And it was even put in Ford’s muscle car, the Mustang.
Not every 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine is created equal. On average, this power plant can last from 150,000 miles to 300,000 miles. But engine year and configuration do play a key part in longevity. Specifically, the 3V Triton engine is known to have serious issues if maintenance is put off for too long.
Treatment of the Ford Triton V8 also plays a factor. How hard you work your F-150 can either lead to longer life of the engine or cause premature death. If you’re towing heavy loads often, that might make your engine fail sooner rather than later.
What year is best for the 5.4-liter Triton V8?
According to Motor Reviewer, most of the Triton V8 engines that Ford put in the F-150 have high perceived reliability. It is worth noting that 3-valve variants can experience intake manifold cracking, which leads to leaks. But, those issues are well-documented due to the age of this power plant. And for the most part, problems are repairable unless you opt not to adhere to regular maintenance and needed repairs.
Generally speaking, the 2V 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine is seen to be less problematic than the 3V variant. But among a majority of owners, this power plant has earned respect. Especially when it’s under the hood of a Ford F-150.
In the later years, the Blue Oval did move to a 4-valve DOHC setup. But that configuration was reserved for the Lincoln Blackwood. Ford’s early take at trying to make a luxury truck, that was a pretty large failure for the brand.
Is a used Ford F-150 a good idea?
As a used truck, the F-150 can be a solid option. There are some problematic years that you may want to stay away from. But because this truck has been around for so long, separating the good from the bad is not all that difficult.
Recently, the 2020 Ford F-150 has become one of the more popular used trucks on the market. You will be paying more, as it is a newer model. Plus, you won’t find the 5.4-liter Triton V8 in this truck. At the same time, you get modern things like infotainment and active safety tech depending on trim and configuration.
