geoff_in_nc

I'm doing my best to do searches and read the stickies... Really! But I'm very close to putting an offer on an 06 super crew shortbed 5.4l 4x4 XLT. I pretty much understand the cam phasers (though I'm not sure I've seen definitively if it damages the engine) and am learning about the IWE (also not clear yet if it causes damage, but I'm just starting to research this). I also understand the broken plugs. What else should I look out for? The truck has 187k miles if I recall right.

Will a 4x8 sheet of whatever fit between the wheelwells?

Thank you all in advance for helping. I really am trying to learn on my own, but this truck looks to be in darned good condition and at a price I can live with, and I'm hoping I don't miss it if it's actually worth it.

vintageman

Another couple things to check are the exhaust manifolds as they are known to leak/crack and then the FPDM that is mounted behind the spare tire. If the FPDM is raised off the crossmember with spacers below it, then it has probably been changed, if it is flat, then it has a tendency to corrode underneath it and have holes or fall apart. And another thing just came to mind, check for rust at the corners of the cab where the bed meets the passenger compartment.
Good luck on making your decision.
Tom

STSCDave

This link has the dimensions of everything, a 4x8 sheet will fit between the wells but the tailgate will have to be down to lie flat:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/spec...4wd_dimensions

geoff.in.nc

Thanks gents!

Mod (Ret.)

With 187K on it, i'd think the plugs have been changed once or twice, so the plug breakage issue is most likely resolved on this one. I'd even bet the cam phasers have been replaced by now.
Can you get a Carfax report on it? That would have service records that might give you a bit more information (and some small assurance) about its service history.

nrivera04

It's not a mechanical issue, but the 3rd brakelight is prone to leak water on our generation also.

STSCDave

The CARFAX thing is a good tool. It will show you how many owners and some of the maintenance. It will also show if airbags have ever deployed, which usually leads to a salvage title.