So my 1997 is finally getting, well old and not in a good way. She's been a GREAT truck (my 3rd Ford truck). I started looking at getting a 2009 model but even with the incentives the price is just a bit out of range.

I found a 2008 XLT Crew 4x4 w/5.4 with 14k miles. I've been looking through the forums and can't find anything I should be truly worried about so thought I might risk a post.

Anything I should be worried about with this generation F150? It's got the options I want (except towing package but that is easily correctable) without going overboard on a bunch of useless stuff.

Any feedback is appreaciated.

 

The only negative I can think of is if it's an early 08, it will have the heads that have a problem with the sparkplug design. The plugs can break while being removed and if you do not follow the TSB and don't know what you are doing, it can get costly. A good Ford tech has little trouble and the plugs last till 100,000, so it is a problem far down the road, if it has the two piece design.

 

a tow package is more than just a hitch, but i am sure you know that. personally i wouldn't buy a truck without a tow package, add a tranny cooler, hitch, wiring, just too much hassle. unless the truck is a blazing steal, i would just find another one.

IMO the 06/07/08's are the years to get, all the bugs worked out.

my 07 has not given me any issues whatsoever.

 

Not really much you need to be concerned about. 2008 was the last year for that body style (as you probably know) after 4 years of production all the bugs have pretty much been worked out.

BTW there's more to the towing package then a hitch, it also came with a larger radiator, higher amp alternator and battery, a proper transmission cooler and a 7 and 4 pin trailer plug. If you are planning on towing pretty light there shouldn't be any problems. Towing heavier loads could have some issues.

 

Thanks for the replys guys. Yea I know the towing package is more than just the hitch. I've got two trailers, one is a trash trailer (rarely over 2k lbs) and the other is one that holds a hot air balloon (about 3500lbs). I would rather have the extra cooling capabilities but really don't need it for these weights.

I'll get the VIN and "born on date" (do they still put that on the vin sticker on the door sill?) and check it out for the spark plug thing just so I know.

The truck looks in exellent shape and it's 22k which from what I can find is a pretty good deal.

 

Mine has the complete towing package and it is fantastic but if you are going to tow a lot then get a diesel, that's what they are made for.

I absolutely love my 08, one of the smoothest rides that I have ever seen in a truck.

Controversial to what people talk about on this thread, the power is great and I love the throttle response, completely predictable. If you drive it, love it and can afford it, then get it.

 

22k is alot for that truck IMO

living in NM, you can never have too big of radiator.

 

nowadays, I'd rather have the Tow package or nothing personally, but you get what you can afford...been there quite a few times myselfyou can't exactly rely on the Truck's "Born on Date"...which is on the door jamb sticker


what you need to check is the engine Build Date. On the Drivers head below the valve cover, there is a white sticker. It will have the build date on there.

Hopefully, that motor is built in the latter 1/2 of 2008

 

I would agree that 22k is a bit steep. I paid just over $25K for my new 2008 XLT 4x4 5.4L 6.5' bed WITH towing package back in October. I would keep looking. If you can hold out until October you be better off find a sweet deal on an 09(if you like the new style). October-November are the best months to get the sweetes deals on these trucks. I bought an new 04 in October also got a really great deal back then. The new models are on the lots by then and they really want to move the old ones.

 

I would say going with a 2008 is your best bet, I would say yeah that fixed most of the problems from the previous years. I had an 05 and really didnt have any problems with it and now I have a 2008 as well and I am more then happy with it. I would say see if you can work them down a little bit on the price.

 

Just as a point of reference, I bought a well optioned 2008 Lariat SCrew 4x4 in December for $29k with 71 miles on it. Sticker was $40k. At the same time the dealership had at least a half dozen demos with 8,000 to 14,000 miles on them and wouldn't offer a better deal on any of them. It made no sense to me, but I think it's Ford's money vs. the dealer's money. If the truck is exactly what you want, that's one thing. But I'd see what else is out there. Don't be afraid to make an offer and walk away. They'll call back unless they have another hot prospect. A bird in the hand... pays the floor plan.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Yea thinking about it I might wait a bit and see what I can find that has the options I want. The "holy **** I can safely afford a new truck" bug hit and got a bit over excited.

 

I was under the impression that the 5.4L 4x4 had the same radiator and trans cooler as trucks with the towing package... my truck did not come with the factory tow package, but it does have the same cooler and radiator as my friend's truck that does have the factory towing package.

Natrually, I had to add the hitch, 7-pin wiring plug and harness, a relay and other basic stuff, but they are pre-wired for it already.

 

Here is what the 2008 order guide has on the trailer towing package.

TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (535)
Usage:
• Required for towing over 5,000 lbs.
Availability:
• All F-150 units
Includes:
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator and upgraded auxiliary transmission oil cooler [requires 4.6L V8 (99W), 5.4L 3V V8 (995) or 5.4L 3V V8 FFV(99V) engine; auxiliary transmission oil cooler only with 4.2L V6 A/T (992/44Q)]
• 11,000 lb trailer tow capacity on Regular Cab 4x2 XL with the Heavy Duty Payload Package (627) and the LT245/75Rx17E BSW A/T tire (T7E) (11,000 lb trailer tow capacity not available with the XL Décor Group (86D)).
Optional Equipment:
• Heavy duty 72-amp battery (59H) [included when ordered with both Satellite Radio (91S) and Rear Seat Entertainment System (915)]

 

I thought the head problem was fixed in 07?