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2004 - 2008 Ford F150 General discussion on the 2004 - 2008 Ford F150 truck.

What to look when buying a 04-08

Old 02-28-2014, 08:51 PM
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Default What to look when buying a 04-08

I am about to sell my 97 f250 to get me something newer, less miles, and dependable. I have it narrowed down to 3 different makes/models of 4x4 trucks.

I did some searching on here about the 5.4 acting strange in these years model, and that the 07-08 models has less problems, what do I need to look/listen for? Should I look specifically at 07-08 or does it really matter? Is there any other major common problems I need to look for?

Thanks!
Old 02-28-2014, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Buckshot482
I am about to sell my 97 f250 to get me something newer, less miles, and dependable. I have it narrowed down to 3 different makes/models of 4x4 trucks. I did some searching on here about the 5.4 acting strange in these years model, and that the 07-08 models has less problems, what do I need to look/listen for? Should I look specifically at 07-08 or does it really matter? Is there any other major common problems I need to look for? Thanks!
a tick like higher it revs faster it ticks. Knocking ( test drive it when the motor is cold and drive it until it gets hot)
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Old 02-28-2014, 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Buckshot482
I am about to sell my 97 f250 to get me something newer, less miles, and dependable. I have it narrowed down to 3 different makes/models of 4x4 trucks.

I did some searching on here about the 5.4 acting strange in these years model, and that the 07-08 models has less problems, what do I need to look/listen for? Should I look specifically at 07-08 or does it really matter? Is there any other major common problems I need to look for?

Thanks!
Hi.

Some info here: https://www.f150forum.com/f4/new-me-...9/#post3291654

good luck
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Old 02-28-2014, 11:27 PM
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Don't let a $400 spark plug change scare you away, its a one time deal.


Id stay away from an '04-'05 because they seem to have more issues than '06-'08's. Cam phasers and injectors are the big issues with those years and can be costly to repair. Bad injectors can lead to blown motors in some cases.


Check for rust, especially above the rear wheels. Also the cab corners if looking at Supercrews.


Ive got an '06 with 132k and haven't had any motor issues.
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Old 02-28-2014, 11:33 PM
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I have a 05 with a 4.6l. Not had any issues really engine wise other than it spitting a sparkplug. Replaced transmission at 184k. It was low on fluid when I got it so that may of had something to do with it.
Old 03-01-2014, 11:53 AM
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5.4 has horrible spark plug locations, why make it so difficult to change when it is maintenance to change them so often? They were a PITA to change.

So basically just search it over like every other truck but listen to the engine a little extra. I don't think it is possible to miss the F150 that sound like a diesel, that was strange. If I get a f150 it will 4x4 screw, hopefully with under 125k if the price is right.

If yall can think of anything else to look for don't be afraid to post.

Thanks again.

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Old 03-01-2014, 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Buckshot482
So basically just search it over like every other truck but listen to the engine extra. I don't think it is possible to miss the F150 that sound like a diesel. If I get a f150 it will 4x4 screw, hopefully with under 125k if the price is right.

If yall can think of anything else to look for don't be afraid to post.

Thanks again.
Hi.

In addition to the info in my linky above, the IWE system (4x4) can be problematic.

Extended running with misfires can cause unseen damage. Difficult to tell if this was the case or not. Get any pending codes pulled if possible.

There are several threads on this here.

I'd look for a late 2008 to avoid the headplug issues altogether. COP number 8L3E.

MGD
Old 03-02-2014, 01:06 PM
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I have an 05 f150, 111k miles no problems so far other than a cylinder misfire... nothing that a spark plug swap didn't fix. Love the 04-08 body styles! Good luck!
Old 03-02-2014, 02:24 PM
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Yeah, I love the body styles of these trucks, I am just nervous about buying a new truck and then regret selling the one I have now.
Old 03-02-2014, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by americanford89
I have an 05 f150, 111k miles no problems so far other than a cylinder misfire... nothing that a spark plug swap didn't fix. Love the 04-08 body styles! Good luck!
THIS!

Mines an 08 and its just clicked over 170. Not a problem, well not the usual problems.

Now we are hearing of all sorts of problems with the new motors. Of course this will only get worse the more winters and miles the new vehicles accumulate.

Heck even the Eco-Boost is a gas pig unless you cruise at 65 on the highway.

My point is 'Better the devil you know'

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