Ritchie Brothers Auction F250 Has a Bad Transmission?

"Come along for my changes and thoughts on my 2004 F250 5.4l triton engine xl pick up. In this detailed walkthrough. I’ve made a few minor changes, including a replaced super cab window and a cleaned-up exterior and exterior. I discuss its towing capabilities, as it effortlessly hauls my dump trailer. I discuss the heart of this workhorse, the fairly reliable 5.4 liter triton engine, an 8ft truck bed, and surprisingly low miles given its age. I'll also share concerns of a potential transmission issue, offering an honest look at this reliable yet aging workhorse. Join me for a practical exploration of my F250 I bought for under $2000 at the Ritchie Brothers Auction. #F250 #TruckLife #fordtrucks #worktruck

[@Zombiereaper1]

As far as the transmission goes, maybe try doing a service, new fluid and replace the filter if you can.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Good idea. I’ll try that if it doesn’t sell for what I have it listed for.

[@jimcaf57]

im not a mechanic but from what i know the chevy 5,3 can usually go easily over 300k miles but if its a half ton the 4l60 e trans depending on how its used and maintained is the weak link ,,not a fan of the ford overhead cam engines heard of problems with the timing chain tensioners and a big complicated fix vs anything on the chevy ls engine you could fix yourself.I was always a ford guy till around 1996 ,,,my votes for the chevy

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I know the 5.3 vortecs are supposed to be one of the most reliable engines ever made. These 2 valve 5.4 tritons I hear are supposed to be basically as reliable but with the spark plug shooting out issue, once you get helixcoils in them they are supposed to be golden. But I’m not a mechanic either. We’ll just have to see what happens.

[@Zombiereaper1]

I used to drive for a van company that had several early to mid 2000s GM and Chevy vans, all running V8s, Vortechs I believe. Most had over 300K, one had 500K when it got totalled, a couple did have replacement transmissions though.

[@mmiller1188]

The spark plugs are like a religious debate. I'm A firm believer in 28-30 ft/lbs. The factory 14ft/lbs just isn't enough. They back out a bit and take all the threads. The threads will take 80 before they strip. Go 28 and don't worry.
These 5.4 2 valves are long life engines. Mine has almost 250k and pulls strong.
They feel gutless because they are a high revving engine. And some bad engineers at ford paired them with the wrong gearing. These should have had 4.30/4.56 from the factory.
The weak point is the 4r100 transmission. They weren't great

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

@mmiller1188 thanks for the info. Yes, the transmission is showing signs of significant wear. I’m thinking I might keep it and just throw a new transmission in it when it’s done. Which I’m worried is soon.