Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?

[TC_outdoorsman]

My 1997 f150 5.4L just spit a spark plug (like they are notorious for). I have had the truck for 10 years so I plan to get a different truck (unless someone convinces me it is worth fixing).

I plan to get a full-size gas since I don't really need diesel. I have a 18' camp trailer I haul maybe 8 times a year. Any recommendations of what trucks to avoid or what truck to get? Also, any recommendations on where to go for a good deal in tri-cities? I could travel to spokane, Seattle, or portland if it's worth it.
I plan to spend under $12k. Thanks in advance!

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[Buckmark]

Fix yours if the truck is still in nice shape and serves your needs, the fix is not too bad, have a shop do it if you do not have the tools needed to do it right. Cost should be around 400 + or minus.

[TC_outdoorsman]

Fix yours if the truck is still in nice shape and serves your needs, the fix is not too bad, have a shop do it if you do not have the tools needed to do it right. Cost should be around 400 + or minus.

Thanks buckmark! Do you know what has to be done to fix it? Does it need a new head since the threads are stripped out in that cylinder now?

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[huntnfmly]

I don't think you need a new head.
My buddies explorer spit a plug heading to deer camp and just had a local shop put in a helicoil I think it was called

[Buckmark]

Unless someone has dove in there already trying to fix it and really buggered it up it should be repairable.
The way we fix them is to install a sav-a-thread insert.
My technicians use a reamer - rethreader that cuts and taps the hole to the insert size, grease on the rethreader to catch debris, after rethreading they make sure the cylinder is cleaned out with air or the shop vac and often start the engine to final clear, they then install the correct thread insert with some loctite and seat properly, install new spark plug and torque to spec, install new coil, clear PCM of any codes present or active, start engine and check misfire data, road test.

I have never had a return failure for a cylinder we repaired.

Or if you think the truck is now junk i will take it off your hands for scrap value for a property truck 

[Igottanewknee]

Had that happen to me in August I believe. They did as Buckmark said, cost  $375 if I remember right. I thought I had blown up the engine or something, and was surprised the fix was not too expensive and I picked up my truck the next day...

[Boss .300 winmag]

Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this.

[fish vacuum]

Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this.

Ford 5.4 and V10 thing.

[Zardoz]

Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this.

All great advice. An easy-ish fix. 
And yeah, it's a Ford thing, just TOO much horsepower trying to get out.   

[Boss .300 winmag]

Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this.

All great advice. An easy-ish fix. 
And yeah, it's a Ford thing, just TOO much horsepower trying to get out.   

Doubt that. 

[fish vacuum]

From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge 360's because of cracked heads, and dodge 4.7L because of oil sludge issues. I know 3 people who ended up with significant engine damage because their 4.7s weren't pumping oil properly.

[Antlershed]

From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge

Fixed it for you. 

[fish vacuum]

From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge

Fixed it for you. 

I agree 100%.

[TC_outdoorsman]

Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it! I will call around to get it fixed. Sounds like it might not be as bad as I thought.

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[AROTTY]

My 1997 f150 5.4L just spit a spark plug (like they are notorious for). I have had the truck for 10 years so I plan to get a different truck (unless someone convinces me it is worth fixing).

I plan to get a full-size gas since I don't really need diesel. I have a 18' camp trailer I haul maybe 8 times a year. Any recommendations of what trucks to avoid or what truck to get? Also, any recommendations on where to go for a good deal in tri-cities? I could travel to spokane, Seattle, or portland if it's worth it.
I plan to spend under $12k. Thanks in advance!

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When you say full size do you mean 1/2 or 3/4 ton?

12k doesn't buy a lot on the used truck market currently from a dealer. Your best bet is to search Craigslist and Offer up private party ads. Ford V10's can be a pretty good value at that price point, but the mileage is terrible.  The Chevy's have good motors, but the 4 speed transmission is a weak point. I wouldn't buy a dodge because the years you are looking at will have a lot of suspension and electrical problems.