pk9298

Hello, They call me Axel. I currently own a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT Ext. Cab 4 door stepside & a 1990 F150 single cab standard box. Im looking at purchasing a 2005 F150. What should I all be aware of when buying? I know the basics such as Clean Frame, No Rust, Drives & handles well, engine sounds good, and the dreaded tick of the 5.4 V8. But what I'm looking for is a 2004-2008 model f150. Crew Cab and 6' 6" box with a V8. All help and suggestions are welcome! Thank you.

Martian

When the plugs got changed and with what plugs, rotors / pads / calipers, not missing lug nuts, tire tread, working electronics, new version of IWE solenoid, no vacuum leaks, clean fluids, no cracked hoses, belt in good shape, seized-up parking brake scissor levers replaced, ball joints and tie rod ends, new FPDM with frame rail spacers, no sound from wheel bearings, balanced drive shaft, functional transfer case and front wheel locking hubs... off the top of my head.

nicks08fx4

I would try to look for something mid 2006+ as I think this is where they started working out those cam phaser issues the previous years had. Ask for the maintenance records too, to see what has all been done and if it wasn't done (examples are like the above poster said), ask them to do it. If they really want to sell the truck, they will do whatever is needed. I would also look at the coil boots since we all know spark plugs are a major issue in these things, and see if they have brown or black boots. Steer clear of the black boot coils if you do your own maintenance as these have the 2 pc. spark plugs in them and have the tendency to break off in the cylinder head. Other than that, the previous post sums up what to look for.

Martian

Motors. Motors for all windows, wipers, windshield washer fluid, sunroof if you get a truck with one. A/C compressor and clutch, heater core, blower motor. Auto-dimming rear view mirror so you don't get blinded. All lights working. Included AND functional / not broken jack and lug wrench, including telescoping pieces to lower the spare tire. Full-size spare tire in good shape. Have the battery and alternator tested. Check O2 sensors. Check for exhaust / exhaust manifold leaks.

jamesyarbrough

Buy a chevy Silverado. They are made from bruce lee movies, thunderstorms and big D!@#$. The vortec engines are made from real tornadoes! A standard ford will go about 200k miles, a chevery Silverado will go infinity miles.

pk9298

Thanks for all the replies! I will make a check list of everything y'all have said and go over it when looking at one

Tyler6.0Powerstroke

I don't think f-150s have front locking hubs?

ford4wd08

Yes they do. They use a vacuum actuator to lock the hubs in at each wheel. When the truck isn't running the wheels are actually locked in, until the engine runs and pulls vacuum so the wheels lock in.

Tyler6.0Powerstroke

Ahh okay okay my bad. I have a f250 now and it has the manual locking hubs and for some reason I thought that's what he was talking about. Sorry my bad! Lol you learn something new every day!

Tyler6.0Powerstroke

Ahh my bad. I have a f250 and for some reason I thought he meant the manual locking hubs you have to turn by hand. My bad. Carry on haha