Vehicle:  2007 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 with a 5.4L Flex Fuel Triton V8

Mileage:  286,500

Repairs:  Flex plate, 140K; VVT solenoids around 270K. Alternator and IWE solenoid replaced once each. Rear end pinion seals and bearings replaced about 2000 miles ago.

Most parts are original. Transmission is fine (per 2 transmission mechanics). No rust. Never been in a wreck.

It feels like the VVT solenoid is failing again as it idles rough and the mileage is down. It burns about a quart of oil every 1000-1500 miles.

Question: I've owned this truck since it was brand new and it's been great. But the engine won't run forever. I want to keep it on the road a while longer. Should I be considering a timing job/cam phaser replacement with that kind of mileage? Or should I be planning for an engine swap?

I don't think the end is near, I haven't noticed any other issues - I can usually hear/feel issues before mechanics can, and it seems fine (other than the rough idle and reduced mileage). Has a minor tick for a few seconds after starting, but that's it. It's had the tick for the best part of a decade. I just want to figure out the best course of action to keep it alive.

Thanks in advance!

Jim
Monroe, WA