The Ford F-Series F-150 XI Regular Cab, equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 Triton engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was a mainstay of Ford’s full-size pickup truck lineup from 2004 through the 2008 model year. This configuration represented a mid-range offering within the F-150 series, positioned between the base V6 models and the higher-performance, larger displacement engine options. It was part of the eleventh generation of the F-Series (2004-2008), internally designated as the F-150 XI, and built on a fully-boxed frame designed to improve rigidity and payload capacity. This particular variant aimed to balance power, capability, and affordability for buyers needing a robust work truck or a capable daily driver.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-100/F-150 |
| Generation | F-Series F-150 XI Regular Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 5.4 V8 Triton (300 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | July, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.7 l/100 km (15 US mpg, 18 UK mpg, 6.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp, 137.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm, 226.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 300 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 495 Nm @ 3750 rpm (365.09 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 5408 cm3 (330.02 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 90.17 mm (3.55 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 105.92 mm (4.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, VCT |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 19.8 l (20.92 US qt | 17.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2182-2325 kg (4810.49 – 5125.75 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3719 kg (8198.99 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1394-1537 kg (3073.24 – 3388.5 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98-135 l (25.89 – 35.66 US gal | 21.56 – 29.7 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 4491 kg (9900.96 lbs.) |
| Length | 5364-5837 mm (211.18 – 229.8 in.) |
| Width | 2004 mm (78.9 in.) |
| Height | 1869-1920 mm (73.58 – 75.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3200-3670 mm (125.98 – 144.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1702 mm (67.01 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1702 mm (67.01 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.7-14.1 m (41.67 – 46.26 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 348 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/70 R17; 245/70 R17; 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this F-150 variant was the 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine. This engine, part of Ford’s modular engine family, featured a cast-iron block with aluminum cylinder heads. The engine code varied slightly depending on the specific year and calibration, but generally fell within the range of the 3V (three valves per cylinder) architecture introduced in 2004. The 3V design, incorporating variable valve timing (VCT), aimed to improve both power and fuel efficiency. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The 5.4L Triton produced 300 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine was longitudinally mounted in the chassis, sending power to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission (typically the 4R75E). This transmission, while reliable, was considered by some to be a weak point in the system, particularly when subjected to heavy towing or aggressive driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 5.4L V8 with the four-speed automatic provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was reasonable for everyday driving, but the truck didn’t feel particularly quick. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared more towards towing and hauling than outright speed. Compared to the 4.6L V8 or the 6-cylinder options, the 5.4L offered significantly more power and torque, making it a better choice for those regularly carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. However, it lacked the responsiveness of the manual transmission-equipped models. The four-speed automatic, while smooth, felt dated compared to the newer transmissions with more gears that were becoming available in competing trucks.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The F-150 XI Regular Cab with the 5.4L engine typically came standard with features like air conditioning, a basic AM/FM radio, and vinyl upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the XLT and Lariat, added features like power windows and locks, cruise control, upgraded audio systems, and cloth or leather upholstery. Optional extras included a towing package, a sliding rear window, and various appearance packages. The Regular Cab configuration meant a single row of seating for up to three passengers, making it ideal for work-focused buyers who didn’t require the space of a SuperCab or SuperCrew model.
Chassis & Braking
The F-150 XI utilized a body-on-frame construction with a fully-boxed frame for increased strength and rigidity. The front suspension consisted of an independent double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring design. This configuration provided a comfortable ride for everyday use, while still offering sufficient load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The rear brakes were slightly larger in diameter than the front brakes. Steering was rack-and-pinion with power assist.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 5.4L V8-equipped F-150 was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It offered a good balance of power and capability for the price. However, the four-speed automatic transmission was often criticized for its lack of refinement and limited gear ratios. Fuel economy was also a concern, particularly compared to newer trucks with more advanced engine and transmission technologies. Compared to the 4.6L V8, the 5.4L offered a noticeable performance boost, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy. The 5.4L was also a more affordable alternative to the larger displacement engines, such as the 6.0L V8, which were primarily found in heavier-duty F-250 and F-350 models.
Legacy
The 5.4L Triton V8, while a robust engine, has been known to exhibit some common issues over time, including spark plug breakage and timing chain wear. However, with proper maintenance, these engines can remain reliable for many years. The four-speed automatic transmission is also prone to failure, particularly when subjected to heavy use. Today, these F-150s are relatively affordable on the used car market, making them a popular choice for those seeking a capable and durable pickup truck. The 5.4L engine, while not the most fuel-efficient or technologically advanced, remains a workhorse that can provide years of service with proper care.
