Problems to look for in a used 06?
 

I am going to check out a 06 screw lariat 4x4 tomorrow. The truck has around 120k miles. What common problems on these trucks should I be keeping an eye out for?

Thanks

The truck also has the 5.4L V8

Have them replace the fpdm. Saves you $60-$90.

Isn't there some problem a lot of people have with the 5.4L?

VCT issues (cam phasers). Basically if the truck has a lot of noise on start up it probably will need new timing chains and tensioners. If it continues to sound like a diesel while running the cam phasers are probably in need of replacing. Both of these jobs would be done at the same time. Est. on cost if you do it yourself would be from $600-$900. A dealer would probably charge 1500-2500. I am having all the problems listed above with my 04 with 100,000 miles. Other than that the truck has been awesome and I have not done anything to it other than brakes since I have owned it (had 20,000 on it when I bought it). hope this helps

cam phasers, make sure the spark plugs have been replaced. if you dont know about them, look on here for about 3 seconds because about 1 out of ever 4 posts mention it or both of those for the most part. also i would not buy it if he has not had the tranny and rear end serviced atleast twice. you can pretty much see on here also, all of the negaitve posts about failed trannys/ rear end come from neglected services, lifted trucks, or mudded out trucks. just my 2 cents

My truck somewhat sounds like a diesel on cold startup but smooths out after. Should I still be worried? I'm not very mechanically inclined how easy is the job to do yourself?

i would not be worried, but if you plan on selling it, well that will become an issue.

Also climb up under the truck with a flash light and look everywhere. If you see clumps of mud, stay away. now you will have to distinguish between mud thrown up from a dirt road, construction site, etc... if you see mud no where near where a tire could sling it, that means they have been playing. now there is nothing wrong with playing i just would rather not buy a truck that has not been in 2 feet of mud.

Also there was a problem some 06s had were thy wouldnt start

Spark plugs - make sure they have been replaced at least once, or that they will replace them, if they haven't. Save yourself the hassle. The cam phaser problem was supposed to be fixed in '06 models.